NTTC Sends Letter to FMCSA Supporting Increased Flexibility for CDL Testing

On April 1, 2024, the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) submitted a letter to Acting Administrator Sue Lawless of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in response to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Commercial Driver's License Requirements: Increased Flexibility for Testing and for Drivers after Passing the Skills Test. This NPRM is identified by Docket Number FMCSA-2023-0115. 

In its proposed rulemaking, FMCSA sought to increase flexibility for State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) and commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants by expanding applicants' ability to take a CDL skills test in a State other than their State of domicile; permit a commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder who has passed the CDL skills test to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roads without having a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat; and eliminate the requirement that an applicant wait at least 14 days to take the CDL skills test following initial issuance of the CLP. These proposals are intended to improve the efficiency and convenience of CDL issuance and improve highway safety by further ensuring the integrity of third-party CDL knowledge testing.
 
 In its letter, NTTC expressed strong support for the authorization of a State to administer the CDL skills test to an out-of-State CLP holder who has not obtained training in the testing State. Further, NTTC expressed no concerns with lifting the mandatory 14-day waiting period between obtaining a CLP and taking the CDL skills test. NTTC however expressed neutrality with the proposal to allow a CLP holder to operate a truck with the CDL holder elsewhere than the front passenger seat. This position was taken because most tank trucks operate with day cabs due to their short haul use, and that most tank truck companies do not utilize CLP drivers in training.

 The response letter, directed by NTTC’s Workforce Committee, can be found in its entirety on the NTTC website by clicking here. NTTC staff will monitor this proposed rulemaking, and will announce updates to members when available.