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BUSINESS 25
US proposes mandatory entry-level driver training
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The US Federal Motor Carrier Safe- ty Administration has proposed a set of comprehensive national prerequi- site training standards for entry-level commercial truck drivers.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemak- ing calls for comprehensive training requirements before obtaining a com- mercial driver’s licence (CDL).
Under the proposal, applicants seeking a CDL would have to obtain a minimum of 30 hours of behind-the- wheel training from an instruction-
al program that meets FMCSA stan- dards. This would include a minimum of 10 hours operating the vehicles on
a practice driving range. There is no proposed minimum number of hours that drivers will have to spend on classroom portions of their training.
“A diverse group of commercial mo- tor vehicle stakeholders completed a tremendous amount of work, and that effort resulted in an unprecedent-
ed consensus,” said FMCSA acting administrator Scott Darling. “These comprehensive entry-level driv-
er training standards exemplify our commitment to working closely with our safety partners, including state and local law enforcement, the safety advocacy community, and all other stakeholders to reduce crashes and to save lives.”
The rules would apply to first-time CDL applicants and CDL-holders seeking an upgrade.
An FMCSA representative told Truck News the proposed rule would have no impact on Canadian-licensed commer- cial motor vehicle drivers. However, the proposal reflects a similar move- ment in Ontario to introduce mandato- ry training requirements for entry-level commercial drivers.
The American Trucking Associa- tions said it was generally pleased with the proposal, though it expressed some lingering concerns
“FMCSA has been working toward a strong entry-level driver training stan- dard since 1991 and we are pleased that they have released this proposed rule that will raise standards and im- prove safety,” said ATA president and CEO Bill Graves. “This rule does a good job of outlining the knowledge and skills a new driver should have before heading out on the road, but ATA is concerned that an arbitrary re- quirement centered on behind-the- wheel training hours distracts from a more important focus on performance and safety outcomes.”
ATA notes that demonstrating the ability to safely operate a commer- cial vehicle is far more important than the number of hours of instruction or practice a new driver received.
“Some prospective drivers may demonstrate proficiency before reaching an arbitrary minimum hours requirement, but more con- cerning is the possibility that achiev- ing this time threshold will erro- neously convey competence and possession of the skills needed to safely drive,” Graves said.
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