Training standards outlined for entry-level drivers

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a final rule establishing comprehensive national minimum training standards for entry-level commercial truck and bus operators seeking to obtain a commercial driver license (CDL) or certain endorsements.

Standards established in this rule address the knowledge and skills necessary for safe operation of commercial motor vehicles and also establish minimum qualifications for entities and individuals who provide entry-level driver training. The rule retains many of the consensus recommendations of a negotiated rulemaking committee comprised of 25 stakeholders and FMCSA representatives.

These CDL training requirements, which emphasize safety and promote driving efficiency, will result in lives saved, reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, vehicle maintenance cost reductions, and industrywide performance improvements. The rulemaking was mandated by Congress in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).

Under the final rule, applicants seeking a CDL would be required to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge training and behind-the-wheel training on a driving range and on a public road, with training obtained from an instructional program that meets FMCSA standards. There is no required minimum number of hours for the knowledge or behind-the-wheel portions of any of the individual training curricula. However, training providers must determine that each CDL applicant demonstrates proficiency in all required elements of the training in order to successfully complete the program.

Mandatory, comprehensive training in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all US territories would apply to these individuals under the final rule:

•First-time CDL applicants, including “Class A” CDLs and “Class B” CDLs

•Current CDL holders seeking a license upgrade (for example, a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL) or an additional endorsement necessary to transport hazardous materials, or to operate a motorcoach or school bus.

All these individuals are subject to the entry-level driver training requirements and must complete a course of instruction provided by an entity that meets the qualification standards set forth in the final rule. FMCSA anticipates that many entities currently providing entry-level driver training—including motor carriers, school districts, independent training schools and individuals—will be eligible to provide training that complies with the new requirements.

Drivers who are not subject to or are excepted or exempted from federal CDL requirements are not subject to this final rule. This includes military drivers, farmers and firefighters who are excepted from federal CDL requirements.

The entry-level driver training final rule goes into effect February 6, 2017, with a compliance date of February 2020.

Click here to view the entry-level driver training final rule.