Current Regulations and Bianco’s Proposal

Currently, federal regulations limit drivers under the age of 21 to operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) exclusively within their state of residence. Bianco, however, seeks to expand access to its training services to non-Michigan residents under this exemption.

The training center is located just 29 miles from the Wisconsin border, making it a convenient option for many Wisconsin-based students. According to FMCSA, Bianco shared that several young aspiring drivers from Wisconsin have expressed interest in joining because the facility is their nearest registered training provider.

Bianco also outlined safety precautions in its application. Under their proposal:

• Under-21 drivers would only operate CMVs when accompanied by a licensed training instructor.

• All range maneuvers would take place on Bianco’s insured and managed training lot.

• Every student must pass a pre-employment drug screening before beginning the program.

Public Input Requested

FMCSA is currently seeking public feedback on Bianco’s petition. Comments can be submitted through Feb. 14 here.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post CDL School Requests FMCSA Waiver for Training Under-21 Drivers from Wisconsin appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

On Tuesday, October 1, FMCSA published in the Federal Register that it would continue allowing specific exemptions from certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing requirements. This exemption chiefly benefits 14 Alaskan regions that lack the necessary infrastructure for the complete CDL skills assessment.

According to FMCSA, the renewal means drivers residing in these areas can bypass parts of the CDL skills test. These drivers, who are granted a restricted CDL, are also excused from the entry-level driver training mandates.

In 2022, Alaska sought relief from CDL regulations necessitating applicants to show competence in actions such as starting vehicle motion, executing turns, lane changes, managing curves, highway navigation, and controlled stops.

The FMCSA initially provided a two-year exemption to 14 areas without the facilities for the full skills test. This original exemption was confined to prevent CDL holders in these areas from using their licenses in other states. The regions include Bethel, Prince of Wales Island, Haines, Ketchikan, King Salmon, Kodiak Island, Kotzebue, Nome, Mitkof Island, Sitka, Skagway, Unalaska Island, Utqiavik, and Wrangell Island.

While the initial exemption was due to lapse this December, the renewed decision extends it until December 30, 2029. Notably, FMCSA reported receiving no public feedback on Alaska’s extension request and confirmed that there has been no decline in safety records for drivers under this exemption.

Source: Land Line

The post Alaska’s CDL Training Rule Exemption Extended Until 2029 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.