Also in response to the Trump Administration’s regulatory freeze memo, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced postponement of the entry-level driver training final rule that was to go into effect on February 6. The effective date of the rule is being delayed until March 21. However, the rule will not be enforced for three years after it becomes effective. FMCSA said the delay is consistent with the memorandum’s directive to postpone for 60 days to allow time for a thorough review of certain regulations.
The rule established comprehensive national minimum training standards for entry-level commercial truck operators seeking to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The rule’s standards include mandatory training for the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles and the establishment of minimum qualifications for entities and individuals who provide entry-level driver training. AGC submitted comments on the rule when it was proposed and suggested that a requirement that entry level drivers must have 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving before they could become eligible for a CDL was excessive. FMCSA accepted AGC’s comment and dropped the 30 hour behind-the-wheel requirement.
For more information, contact Brian Deery at [email protected] or (703) 837-5319.