Exam Bulletin - Motor Carrier Specialist I, CHP

California Highway Patrol

Exam Code: EX-3963

Examination Plans Included:

  • MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST I, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL - Open

Final Filing Date: 4/10/2025

Classification Details

MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST I, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL: $5,106.00 - $6,782.00 per Month

View the MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST I, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 4/10/2025.

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will not be accepted.

NOTE: Dates printed on mobile bar codes, such as Quick Response codes available at the United States Postal Service, are not considered postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit their application on time and to ensure the envelope is postmarked.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST I, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL - Open

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • California Highway Patrol
    052/Selection Standards and Examinations Section
    Examination Services
    P.O. Box 942898
    Sacramento, CA 94298-0001

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • California Highway Patrol
    052/Selection Standards and Examinations Section
    Examination Services
    601 North 7th Street
    Sacramento, CA 95811
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

All application (STD 678) forms must include: employment history "from" and "to" dates (month/day/year), hours per week, title/job classification, and duties performed. Application (STD 678) forms received without this information will be rejected. Résumés or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application (STD 678) form.

NOTE: DO NOT SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES (CALHR) OR TO A LOCAL CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

NOTE: All applicants must meet the experience and/or education requirements for this examination by the final filing date. Part-time or full-time jobs, regardless of whether paid or volunteer positions, and inside or outside California state service will count towards experience.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00103930 - MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST I, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

Either I

One year of experience performing the duties of a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialist I, Range B.

Or II

Five years of experience as an Officer, California Highway Patrol, assigned to commercial enforcement duties. Exclusive weight enforcement assignments are not considered as qualifying experience. Only verified commercial experience may be accepted.

Or III

Four years of experience in any one or a combination of the following:

1. As a journey level mechanic including mechanical repair and preventive maintenance programs. [Experience as a driver of a bus or truck and trailer or semi-trailer, heavy-duty trucking equipment may be substituted (on a month-for-month basis) for up to one year of the required journey level mechanic experience.] or

2. Automotive or mechanical engineering experience, at least one year of which shall have included extensive experience in the design, modification, or regulation of motor vehicle equipment. or

3. As a field supervisor, or a comparable position with a motor carrier, operating a fleet of heavy-duty motor trucking or bus vehicles with typical over-the-road operations.

(College education with major work in automotive or mechanical engineering may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and A safe driving record and possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles prior to appointment. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

 Drug Testing Requirement

Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.

Position Description

00103930 - MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST I, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

This is the entry and journey level in this series. Under general supervision, inspects motor carriers for compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements relating to safety, maintenance, and operational practices; locates and informs previously unidentified carriers of compliance responsibility; evaluates the effectiveness of the carrier's preventive maintenance program and the adequacy and accuracy of record keeping related to driver's hours of service and controlled substance and alcohol testing; makes recommendations to motor carriers regarding improvement in procedures and practices; performs inspections and evaluations of school buses, youth buses, general public paratransit vehicles, school pupil activity buses, and farm labor, vehicles, and certifies such vehicles annually; performs inspections and evaluations of tour buses and other buses, trucks, truck-tractors, pull-trailers, and semi-trailers; performs inspections and evaluations of flammable/combustible liquid cargo tanks and hazardous waste transporter terminals, containers, and vehicles; performs bus and truck terminal and Biennial Inspection of Terminals inspections, and assigns terminal ratings; performs initial and regular inspections of Inspection and Maintenance Station (IMS) licensees; follows safe working practices; performs carrier initial and renewal fitness evaluations and makes recommendations regarding the granting of Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) operating authority; inspects carrier and shipper facilities for compliance with State and Federal regulations pertaining to the packaging, labeling, marking, loading, storage, and documentation of hazardous materials and wastes; instructs carrier and carrier employees on proper procedures and methods to achieve compliance, and takes appropriate action when carrier is out of compliance; understands the Department's expectations and commitment to service by upholding established professional values, and complies with departmental policy; prepares Weekly Field Activities Reports and comprehensive written reports of inspections conducted; makes detailed investigations of vehicles involved in accidents to determine if the cause was mechanical, and when called upon, serves as a technical expert on a multidisciplinary accident investigation team to investigate complex or multiple fatality motor vehicle accidents; provides technical information and guidance to individuals with varying levels of understanding; assists in assembling data for the preparation of complaints, reports, and exhibits; testifies as a witness in proceedings before the courts and transportation regulatory agencies; uses personal computer to access data and to complete forms and documents; organizes and accomplishes own workload effectively; and maintains assigned suspense files, logs, publications, manuals, vehicle, and equipment.

Special Personal Characteristics

Accuracy, adaptability, carefulness, concentration, cooperation, courage, courtesy, dedication, emotional control, enthusiasm, honesty, initiative, integrity, leadership, maturity, persuasiveness, positive attitude, productivity, professional ethics, punctuality, reliability, respectfulness, self-discipline, tactfulness, thoroughness, tolerance for unpleasant working conditions (e.g., noise, confined spaces, weather extremes), willingness to prepare paperwork, and willingness to travel throughout the State.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Journey level mechanic experience with a heavy-duty vehicle repair facility or a motor carrier.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1WrittenN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

Written Test Date: June 7, 2025

It is the competitor's responsibility to contact the California Highway Patrol, Selection Standards and Examinations Section, Examination Services, at (916) 843-3820, three days prior to the written test date if a notice has not been received.

Written Test Location(s): The written test will be given in such places in California as the number of competitors and conditions warrant.

Competitors who do not appear for the written test will be disqualified.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  • Proper use of the English language.
  • Mechanical terminology common to motor carrier personnel.
  • Automotive, bus, and truck mechanics.
  • The construction and equipment systems of different types of motor vehicles.
  • Standards of mechanical condition.
  • Safe working practices, occupational safety practices, and accident prevention techniques.
Ability to:
  • Read, comprehend, and write English at a level required for successful job performance.
  • Read, comprehend, and follow applicable laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Communicate orally in public and on a one-to-one basis.
  • Write clear, accurate, and concise reports.
  • Follow oral and written instructions.
  • Manage own time, prioritize tasks, and multi-task.
  • Work effectively in stressful situations.
  • Apply general rules and principles to specific situations.
  • Reach a conclusion by analyzing all available information.
  • Detect unsafe equipment and operating practices.
  • Use basic tools and safety equipment.
  • Perform inspections safely.
  • Perform mathematical calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and to determine the appropriate formula to use in calculations.
  • Interact effectively with others and work as a team member.
  • Remember detailed job-related information.
  • Use maps.
  • Detect audible warning devices.
  • Maintain sufficient physical ability and dexterity to allow proper inspection of vehicles and cargo tanks.
  • Read small letters and numbers primarily associated with the inspection of commercial vehicles, including but not limited to small gauge readings and vehicle identification numbers.
  • Operate an assigned motor vehicle.
  • Anticipate and recognize problems and take effective action.
  • Use assigned computer and other computer-related hardware.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST I, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL Classification will be established for:

  • California Highway Patrol

The list(s) will be abolished 24 months after being established, unless the needs of the State and conditions of the list(s) warrant a change in this period.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Competitors may retest after 6 months.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Testing Departments

  • California Highway Patrol

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Highway Patrol
Selection Standards and Examinations Section
052/Examination Services
P.O. Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
Phone: (916) 843-3820

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

California Highway Patrol reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)