Hotshot Connect Forum :: FMCSA Proposes New CDL Requirements

admin · Site Admin

FMCSA Proposes New CDL Requirements
Rule Would Require Educational Accreditation

Commercial driver licenses applicants would be required to complete classroom and behind-the-wheel training from an accredited program, under a proposed new federal rule announced Wednesday.

Beginning three years after the effective date of a final rule, CDL or upgraded CDL applicants would be required to provide a valid certificate from an accredited truck driving program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced.

“This proposed rule will give truck drivers additional skills needed to keep our roads safe,” FMCSA Administrator John Hill said in a statement.

The rule would not affect current CDL holders.

The training curriculum includes CDL safety regulations, vehicle operation and safe operating practices, FMCSA said.

The educational institution must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

For a “Class A” CDLs for tractor-trailer drivers, the rule would require a minimum of 76 hours of classroom instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training, for a total of 120 hours.

For “Class B” CDLs (large “box” or van trucks) and “Class C” CDLs (hazardous materials or certain passenger-carrying vehicles), the proposed rule would require a minimum of 58 hours of classroom instruction and 32 hours behind-the-wheel training, for a total of 90 hours.

bth9461

I guess I better get busy and get my CDL.

Brian

TGPILOT

Brian, somewhere I have all of the questions and answers for the CDL on cd. It's almost like taking the test. Works, great.

Tom

admin · Site Admin

FMCSA Proposes New CDL Requirements

Commercial driver license applicants would be required to complete classroom and behind-the-wheel training from an accredited program, under a proposed new federal rule announced last Wednesday.

Beginning three years after the effective date of a final rule, CDL or upgraded CDL applicants would be required to provide a valid certificate from an accredited truck driving program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced.

The rule would not affect current CDL holders.

The training curriculum includes CDL safety regulations, vehicle operation and safe operating practices, FMCSA said.

The educational institution must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

For a "Class A" CDLs for tractor-trailer drivers, the rule would require a minimum of 76 hours of classroom instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training, for a total of 120 hours.

For "Class B" CDLs (large "box" or van trucks) and "Class C" CDLs (hazardous materials or certain passenger-carrying vehicles), the proposed rule would require a minimum of 58 hours of classroom instruction and 32 hours behind-the-wheel training, for a total of 90 hours. —

mhlogistics

This proposal would cripple the trucking industry, they already have a tuff time getting drivers as it is. I bet the truck driving schools would love it though! Some schools already charge as much as $6,000.00 for their course.

Here in California your required to have a CDL to pull a fifthwheel RV. I wonder if they'll make the RV'rs go through the same course?

admin · Site Admin

It would sure skim out alot of drivers. I am not sure if its good or bad thing.
Hay, Maybe starting a driving school wouldnt be a bad ideal. Naaa, I havent got the nerves for it. lol

mhlogistics

LOL, I've thought of that a few times myself. I came to the same conclusion. I taught a few new guys to drive semi. It gave me nightmares. They're sure trying to close the gate on the new guys though aren't they?

Tom Cobb · Site Admin

They are just opening the doors for fed insured bank loans to complete the course thru private schools. They best way is to complete it thru the jr. college system. There are several in TX that offer truck driving school and it costs a lot less than the private school. I think it takes a little longer because of the class schedules conforming to the schools reg schedule.

You could almost see this coming. It aleviates the companies from having to provide the same instruction at company expense. There have discussions in the industry and govt for a while about the training issues.

bth9461

So when does this take effect?

Brian

admin · Site Admin

Best I get out of it, is the rule is still in the proposal state. once it is finalized .
Beginning three years after the effective date of a final rule, all applicants for a CDL or upgraded CDL would be required to provide a valid certificate from a truck driving program or institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed rule. Instructions are available at www.regulations.gov docket number FMCSA-2007-27748. Public comments will be accepted until March 25, 2008.