The FMCSA today announced the agency plans to establish a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on the minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial truck drivers.
The FMCSA made the announcement in this week’s Federal Register Notice.
According to a press release from the FMCSA, the agency is seeking comments from professional drivers, CDL schools, truck and bus associations, carriers, state licensing agencies, law enforcement, labor unions, safety advocacy groups, insurance companies and the general public on recommendations for minimum training requirements for prospective CDL holders.
MAP-21 tasked the FMCSA with establishing minimum training requirements for prospective CDL holders.
The FMCSA first broached the subject in an August 2014 Federal Register announcement. In the announcement, the FMCSA states, “The Agency is exploring the feasibility of conducting a negotiated rule making …concerning entry-level training for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Specifically, the Agency is exploring a Reg Neg to implement the entry-level driver training (ELDT) provisions in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The FMCSA has hired a convener to speak with interested parties about the feasibility of conducting of an ELDT Reg Neg. FMCSA anticipates that these interested parties may include driver organizations, CMV training organizations, motor carriers (of property and passengers) and industry associations, State licensing agencies, State enforcement agencies, labor unions, safety advocacy groups, and insurance companies.”
The committee will examine minimum training requirements, including classwork verses experience behind the wheel; accredited verses certification of CDL schools and training programs; curriculum for passengers; hazmat carrier; instructor qualifications; and other factors.
In addition to the notice for comments, the FMCSA is seeking committee member nominations. The FMCSA says it’s seeking to “achieve balanced committee.”
Follow this link to read the notice in its entirety and to submit comments. Comments must be submitted by January 9, 2015.