FMCSA seeks public input on younger CMV drivers

   The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced Tuesday that it is seeking public comment on a potential pilot program that would allow drivers ages 18 to 20 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
   “Commercial trucks and buses are essential to a thriving national economy and the department wants to ensure the public has an opportunity to comment on this important potential change,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
   Drivers ages 18 to 20 currently may only operate CMVs in intrastate commerce.  Last July USDOT announced the details of the commercial driver pilot program required under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act that would allow certain 18- to 20-year-olds with military training to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
   Comments are sought on a second pilot program to allow non-military drivers ages 18 to 20 to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. The FMCSA requests comments on the training, qualifications, driving limitations and vehicle safety systems that FMCSA should consider in developing options or approaches for a second pilot program for younger drivers.
    “We want input from the public on efforts that offer the potential to create more jobs in the commercial motor vehicle industry, while maintaining the highest level of safety.  We encourage all CMV stakeholders to submit comments on a potential interstate pilot program for younger drivers,” said FMCSA Administrator Raymond P. Martinez.
   The Federal Register Notice, including how to submit comments, is available here.