The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended the deadline for complying with its new training requirements for commercial driver’s license drivers to February 7, 2022. The final rule establishes minimum training standards for certain CDL drivers. The individuals will be subject to entry-level driver training provided by an entity listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
The training will apply to these individuals:
- Those applying for their CDL for the first time.
- Those upgrading their CDL, for example, a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL.
- Those seeking a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time.
The extension will allow FMCSA additional time to complete its Training Provider Registry. This registry will allow self-certification of training providers and provide an electronic interface to receive and store entry-level training certification information that can be transmitted to state driver licensing agencies.
The regulation is not retroactive. The entry-level driver training requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement issued before February 7, 2022.
Those who meet one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 are exempt from the entry-level driving training requirements.
Find more information on the new requirements on the FMCSA website.