Trucking industry stakeholders square off over CDL test flexibility

WASHINGTON — Regulators received heavy opposition from truck owner-operators and safety advocates on a proposal aimed at making it easier to test and employ new drivers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s proposed rule, “Increased Flexibility for Testing and for Drivers after Passing the Skills Test,” would loosen current CDL testing regulations by:

Allowing commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders who have passed the CDL skills test to operate a truck without having a CDL holder in the passenger seat.

Expanding CDL applicants’ ability to take a skills test in a state other than the state in which they live.

Eliminating the requirement that an applicant wait at least 14 days after being issued a CLP to take the CDL skills test.

The proposed changes, which FMCSA published for comment in February, stem from temporary waivers and exemptions issued by FMCSA during and after the pandemic, as well as a petition filed by the American Trucking Associations in 2020. The public comment period ended April 2.

In pushing for the changes, ATA said it considers a streamlined CDL testing process a way to attract more drivers.

“If the industry and broader supply chain doesn’t effectively address the driver shortage, it could reach 160,000 drivers by 2030,” stated ATA’s safety policy director, Brenna Lyles, in comments submitted on the proposed rule.

Source: freightwaves.com