Whether you are wanting to start you own trucking business as an owner-operator or are looking to drive for another company, it all begins with getting a CDL.
Now, there may be more flexibility in this process.
The FMCSA recently released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with the goal to increase testing efficiency and flexibility for applicants seeking a CDL or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
For State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) and commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants, they are looking to:
- Expand applicants’ ability to take a CDL skills test in a State other than their State of domicile;
- Permit a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder who has passed the CDL skills test to operate a CMV on public roads without having a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat;
- Eliminate requirement that an applicant wait at least 14 days to take the CDL skills test following initial issuance of the CLP;
- Eliminate requirement that CMV drivers must have a passenger (P) endorsement to transport CMVs designed to carry passengers, including school buses, when the vehicle is being transported in a driveaway-towaway operation and the vehicle is not carrying any passengers.
- Require third-party knowledge examiners be subject to the training, certification, and record check standards currently applicable to State knowledge examiners and third-party knowledge testers be subject to the auditing and monitoring requirements now applicable to third-party skills testers.
FMCSA said that the proposed changes will “allow applicants to obtain a CDL and be productively employed as a CMV driver in less time than it currently takes, without compromising safety.”
The agency is allowing 60 days for public comments on these proposals. You can submit a public comment here.
CDL Skills Testing for Out-of-State Applicants
The NPRM proposes to “remove the requirement that an applicant must have obtained training in the testing State in order to take the CDL skills test in that State.”
Currently, section 383.79(a)(1) permits a State to administer the CDL skills test to an applicant domiciled in another State, provided the individual has obtained training in the State where the skills test will be administered.
Then, these test results are transmitted electronically directly from the testing State to the licensing State in a direct, efficient, and secure manner.
Removing this requirement “may allow applicants to obtain a CDL sooner by scheduling the skills test in a state with shorter waiting times.”
CLP Holders Who Have Passed the CDL Skills Test
Since FMCSA implemented the minimum ELDT requirements, once the CLP holder has passed the skills test (demonstrating their ability to safely operate a CMV), the current restriction limiting CLP holders to CMV operation only for purpose of BTW training would no longer be necessary.
If the rule passes, the FMCSA would allow CLP holders who have passed the CDL skills test to operate a CMV for any reason, provided
- a CDL holder is physically present in the CMV,
- the CLP driver has passed the CDL skills test, and
- the driver possesses documentary evidence from the testing State that they have passed the CDL skills test.
CLP Holders Eligible to Take the CDL Skills Test
Currently, CLP holders must wait 2 weeks from getting their commercial learner’s permit to taking the CDL skills test.
While this restriction “was intended to ensure CLP holders obtained behind the wheel training prior to taking the skills test to improve their chances of passing the test on the first attempt”, the new ELDT (theory and behind-the-wheel training) before taking the skills test solves this problem.
Receive Best-In-Class CDL Training at CNS Driver Training Center
Now is the time to receive 1-on-1 CDL training with CNS Driver Training Center and get your CDL license.
Learn more about all levels of truck driver training, testing and CDL permit test preparation that we offer at our CNS Driver Training Center.
Are you an employer? Our On-Site Company Contract Training Program can be tailored to your specifications from equipment to time frames. If you are interested in group training, we can accommodate that as well.
We at DTC will be fully prepared to help new drivers pass their CDL test as we can teach you these exact skills and be ready for the test when it happens.
If you have questions about our CDL training packages, give us a call at 717-496-9145 or email us at support@cnstrains.com.
