Several hundred truck drivers have voiced their opposition to proposed modifications to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) CDL requirements.
In February, the FMCSA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking aimed at enhancing the flexibility of state driver licensing agencies and applicants. The agency is receiving comments on this proposal until April 2.
As of Wednesday, March 27, over 430 comments had been submitted to Regulations.gov. A significant portion of these comments were from truck drivers who oppose any efforts to reduce the standards for obtaining a CDL.
“I’ve been driving for the last four years, and I don’t think it’s a good move,” Darwyn Williams wrote. “Our families drive on these roads every day, and (less)-skilled drivers would make it more dangerous on every highway in the world. The new drivers lack discipline and knowing the importance of the profession. It’s not just about getting out here and making money. It’s about being aware, defensive driving, protecting yourself and others from fatal situations. I say no to this change!”
The FMCSA’s proposed changes include:
- Allowing applicants the choice to take a CDL skills test in a state other than their home state.
- Permitting commercial learner’s permit holders who have passed the CDL skills test to operate commercial motor vehicles on public roads without a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat.
- Eliminating the mandatory 14-day waiting period for CDL skills test after the initial issuance of a commercial learner’s permit.
- Mandating that third-party knowledge examiners adhere to the training, certification, and record-check standards currently applicable to state knowledge examiners.
Many truck drivers argue that these changes would compromise highway safety.
“I thought the FMCSA had the job of making things safer on our nation’s roads? The proposed rules change will only make things less safe and more dangerous,” Deshay Mcclinchy wrote. “People want to pick and choose testing states because they can’t maneuver the truck per some state tests. Having a skilled CDL driver in (the) truck with a trainee is crucial to safety.”
Mcclinchy also cited an example illustrating the crucial role a qualified and knowledgeable trainer can play at the onset of a trucker’s career.
“One Canadian man in my school died in Kansas on (his) first trip out because his trainer went to sleep in (the) sleeper while the student was driving and the student didn’t know how to recognize he was getting sleepy,” Mclinchy wrote. “My trainer stayed up with me and trained me. Taught me to know my body, recognize tiredness, look at all signs, (not to) tailgate and that speed limits are not always appropriate for big trucks, etc. My trainer gave the company a good understanding that he is a trainer, not a full-blown team truck operation. My record speaks for itself … Safety first, not company profits.”
To provide feedback on the FMCSA’s proposal, comments can be submitted by visiting Regulations.gov and entering Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0115.
Source: Land Line
