The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has filed for a limited exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) commercial learner's permit (CLP) requirement.
Currently, agency regulations state that CLPs are valid only up to 180 days from the date of issuance, after which the CLP holder must retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests in order to renew it.
ODOT wants to be allowed to extend that 180-day timeline to one year for CLPs issued to its drivers and believes no impact on highway safety would result if such an exemption is granted.
Because ODOT's request could be applicable to other states, FMCSA is requesting public comments not only on whether to allow this exemption but whether, if granted, it should apply to all state driver's licensing agencies (SDLAs).
The public comment period is open under December 28 and comments can be submitted by clicking here.
