Exam Bulletin - Motor Carrier Specialist II, CHP

California Highway Patrol

Exam Code: EX-4509

Examination Plans Included:

  • MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST II, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL - Promotional

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Bulletin Updates

  • Continous filing dates have been deleted.
  • Continuous filing dates have been added.

Classification Details

MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST II, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL: $6,189.00 - $8,224.00 per Month

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

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 3/22/2026

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 be processed in the next group.

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.

Promotional Examination(s):

  • MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST II, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL - Promotional

In addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, competition is limited to individuals who meet at least one of the following filing criteria:

  • 1. Have a permanent civil service appointment with a promotional testing department (see Testing Departments), or
  • 2. Are current or former employees of the legislature for 2 or more years as defined in Government Code 18990, or
  • 3. Are current or former non-elected exempt employees of the executive branch for 2 or more consecutive years as defined in Govt. Code 18992, or
  • 4. Are persons retired from the United States military honorably discharged from active duty with a service disability or honorably discharged from active duty as defined in Government Code 18991. Applicants must provide a copy of discharge papers (DD 214) for verification purposes at the time of application.

Under certain circumstances other employees may be allowed to compete under provisions of Rules 234, 235 and 235.2. California Code of Regulations Rules 233, 234, 235.2 and 237 contain provisions regarding civil service status and eligibility for promotional examinations.

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    4509

For MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST II, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-04509

How To Apply:

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

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 applicants must meet the experience and/or education requirements for this examination by the cutoff 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 Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) forms must include: employment history "from" and "to" dates (month/day/year), hours per week, title/job classification, and duties performed. Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) forms received without this information will be rejected. Résumés or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) form.

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

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.

00103928 - MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST II, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

Either I

Two years of experience performing the duties of a Motor Carrier Specialist I, California Highway Patrol.

Or II

Four years of experience providing a thorough knowledge of modern operating practices and of maintenance of heavy-duty motor vehicle equipment. This experience shall have been in a responsible capacity such as:

1. Shop supervisor in charge of mechanical and preventive maintenance, or safety engineer with preventive maintenance experience, with a motor carrier operating a fleet of 20 or more heavy-duty motor vehicles. or

2. Automotive equipment engineering or technical experience with a highway carrier or a transportation regulatory agency.

(College education with major work in automotive or mechanical engineering may be substituted for not more than two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of college being equivalent to one year of experience.) 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.

Position Description

00103928 - MOTOR CARRIER SPECIALIST II, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

Under direction plans, organizes, and directs the work of field Motor Carrier Specialist I personnel or when assigned to headquarters, acts as a staff assistant to the Motor Carrier Specialist III, California Highway Patrol, or Manager, Motor Carrier Safety Program, California Highway Patrol; understands the Department's expectations and commitment to service by upholding established professional values; complies with departmental policy and employee bargaining unit contracts; conducts ongoing field training for assigned Motor Carrier Specialist I personnel on a one-to-one basis, and provides training and technical presentations for industry, allied agencies, and departmental employees; performs specialized administrative functions; supervises and evaluates the work of Motor Carrier Specialist I subordinates and assists with inspections and investigations; follows and ensures safe working practices; reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of field inspection and investigation activities; advises carriers and assists in developing programs for vehicle inspection and maintenance; communicates with carriers to ensure compliance and respond to complaints; identifies and enforces laws and regulations when carrier is out of compliance; meets, confers, and maintains liaison with allied agencies and a variety of public and private organizations to gain compliance and respond to complaints; provides technical information and guidance to departmental personnel, carriers, and the public; provides technical information regarding hazardous materials transportation to field enforcement personnel and to other State agencies as requested; testifies as an expert witness in proceedings before the courts and transportation regulatory agencies; approves recommendations regarding the granting of PUC operating authority and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Motor Carrier of Property Permits; gathers and compiles data for administrative reports and analyzes statistical reports; prepares and edits a variety of memorandums, reports, and forms; uses computer to send and receive messages, prepare forms and documents, and access data and documents; maintains assigned publications, manuals, and unit equipment and vehicles; organizes and accomplishes own workload effectively; and supports the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

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.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1WrittenAfter Acceptance100%

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

Candidates who are accepted into the examination will receive an e-mail from the California Highway Patrol, Examination Services, with instructions and a link to the written test approximatley three days prior to the testing window. If an e-mail has not been received, it is the competitor's responsibility to contact Examination Services at (916) 843-3820, one day prior to the beginning of the testing window.

Written Test: Online Multiple Choice

Testing Window: May 1, 2026, through May 7, 2026

Competitors who do not complete the examination within the testing window 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.
  • State and Federal regulations and laws pertaining to motor carriers, hazardous materials, and to hazardous materials packaging, labeling, marking, loading, storage, placarding, and documentation.
  • Departmental policies and procedures relevant to motor carriers.
  • The types of, and the dangers associated with, hazardous materials, hazardous substances, and hazardous waste.
  • The packaging requirements for hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
  • Departmental operating practices.
  • Division Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Departmental and industry abbreviations and acronyms.
  • Systematic and thorough inspection procedures and techniques to detect statutory and regulatory violations.
  • Motor carrier fitness evaluations for PUC, Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing requirements, and property permit requirements.
  • Motor carrier equipment and facilities, and maintenance and operating practices.
  • Record-keeping requirements for drivers and for maintenance practices.
  • Hazardous waste transporter terminal, vehicle, and container requirements.
  • Flammable/combustible liquid cargo tanks.
  • Instructional techniques, and conflict prevention and resolution techniques.
  • Departmental form completion, report writing, and correspondence procedures.
  • Cultural diversity, the Department's sexual harassment policy, and a supervisor's role in maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
  • The Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives.
  • A supervisor's role in the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program and the processes available to meet equal employment opportunity objectives.
Skill in:
  • Making arithmetical computations.
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.
  • 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.
  • Interpret and apply statutory and regulatory requirements.
  • Interpret and apply State and Federal regulations and Department policy.
  • Read and comprehend correspondence, contracts, documents, and specifications.
  • Prepare detailed and complex reports, forms, and correspondence.
  • Review and edit reports.
  • Compile and analyze data.
  • Determine and recommend corrective measures to carriers.
  • Identify training needs and conduct field training on a one-to-one basis.
  • Review and evaluate field investigations.
  • Detect improper maintenance practices.
  • Appraise the condition of automotive equipment.
  • Perform detailed mechanical inspections to determine if the mechanical condition of a vehicle contributed to an accident.
  • Analyze work-related situations accurately.
  • Operate and test brake and lighting systems.
  • Operate commercial vehicle controls and specialized tools and equipment.
  • Supervise, direct, and evaluate the work of a group of subordinates, maintain the confidence and cooperation of employees in leading by example, and understand and fairly apply progressive disciplinary measures to improve employee performance.
  • Maintain cooperative relations with allied agencies and labor organizations.
  • Operate a personal computer and standard office equipment.
  • Maintain a working environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment.
  • Promote and effectively contribute to the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program and objectives.

Eligible List Information

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

  • California Highway Patrol

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 24 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

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

Veterans' Preference is not granted for promotional examinations.

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
052/Selection Standards and Examinations Section
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)