National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) DOT Practice Exam

A vehicle must transport a minimum of how many persons to be defined as a commercial motor vehicle for interstate commerce?

1. 4 for compensation, 10 not for compensation.

2. 6 for compensation, 8 not for compensation.

3. 9 for compensation, 16 not for compensation.

4. 10 for compensation, 15 not for compensation.

The correct answer is: 9 for compensation, 16 not for compensation.

To understand why the chosen answer is correct, it is important to examine the definitions related to commercial motor vehicles, particularly in the context of interstate commerce as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A vehicle is classified as a commercial motor vehicle primarily based on its use and the number of passengers it is designed to transport. For interstate commerce, a vehicle must be configured to carry a specific minimum number of persons for it to be considered a commercial motor vehicle. In the context of the question, the minimum required number of persons is nine when the vehicle is used for compensation, meaning drivers or carriers receiving payment to transport passengers. Additionally, the threshold for non-compensated transport is 16 persons. Therefore, the selection of nine persons for compensation and 16 for non-compensation is consistent with federal regulations, establishing that this option correctly captures the threshold necessary to classify a vehicle as a commercial motor vehicle when considering interstate transportation. Understanding these specific numbers is crucial for those involved in transport regulations, as compliance with these standards impacts both safety and legal operation.