New Jersey has established a pilot program allowing third-party vendors to administer knowledge and skills tests for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and endorsements.

The bill, S.2364, passed the legislature late last year and Gov. Chris Christie signed it on Feb. 6. The aim is to reduce delays prospective drivers encounter when trying to earn their CDLs. The pilot program calls for three third-party vendors to provide testing — one each in the northern, central, and southern parts of the state.

The pilot program is to be fully operational within 90 days of the bill’s effective date.

Within nine months, the Motor Vehicle Commission’s chief administrator is to submit an evaluation of the program to the governor, with an eye toward permanent use of third-party vendors.

The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) notes New Jersey joins 40 other states that use public-private partnerships for testing.

“As other states have demonstrated, these partnerships significantly reduce CDL testing delays and save the state money,” says CVTA President and CEO Don Lefeve in a statement. “It’s a ‘win-win’ for students, businesses, and government.”

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