Two rules proposed to ease new drivers into trucking

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed two new rules meant to simplify obtaining a commercial driver’s license for many individuals and reduce administrative expenses to both the applicant and state licensing agencies.

FMCSA is seeking public comment on the two proposed rules announced recently:

• Military Licensing and State CDL Reciprocity.  This proposed rule would allow state licensing agencies to waive the CDL knowledge test for qualified veterans and active duty personnel, including National Guard and Reserves, seeking to obtain a civilian CDL. This waiver would simplify processing and reduce costs for states and for qualified individuals.
• Commercial Learner’s Permit Validity.  This proposed rule would allow states to issue a CDL learner’s permit with an expiration date of up to one year, replacing the current six-month limitation.  This extra flexibility would eliminate paperwork requirements by the states.  It would also eliminate re-testing and additional fees incurred by individuals who seek an additional 180-day renewal of their CDL learner’s permit.

The public comment period for both proposals will remain open for 60 days following their formal publication in the Federal Register.

Click here for a copy of the Military Licensing and State CDL Reciprocity NPRM.

Click here for a copy of the Commercial Learner’s Permit Validity NPRM.

Comments for the commercial learner’s permit changes can be made by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0346 at www.regulations.gov. The knowledge test waiver proposal comments can be made by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0047.