In 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was enacted to created uniform federal standards for commercial truck drivers that would help truck operators drive more safely and lower the number of truck accidents on our public roads. Before 1986, most states allowed anyone with a regular driver's license to operate commercial vehicles. Many were untrained and unsafe and the truck accidents mounted. Now, there are strict written and road tests to determine the potential commercial driver's license holder's knowledge and skills. These basic federal standards apply in all states. However, each state may add additional requirements, and many do. A truck driver's license is a privilege that can be taken away, however, if the driver does not observe traffic safety rules and builds up tickets and accidents on his national driving record.