Following its extension of COVID-related hours of service, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is also allowing states to extend truck drivers’ commercial driver's license (CDL), as well as commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The previous waiver was set to expire on Feb. 28 but is now effective starting March 1 through May 31.
According to the FMCSA, the COVID-19 public health emergency has caused states to experience greater than normal employee absences, reduced hours of operation, or closed offices of their State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) in response to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 safety protocols.
“Many CDL and CLP holders may be unable to renew their CDLs and CLPs or provide medical certificates to their SDLA,” the waiver explained. “In addition, due to limited operations or backlogs, drivers may be unable to obtain appointments for physical examinations with medical examiners to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).”
While this waiver began in March 2020, FMCSA urges truck drivers to renew their licenses and certifications as soon as “practicable” as the waiver expires on May 31.
