Kenworth Trucks
Image

FMCSA proposal would 'ease burdens' for vets seeking CDLs

March 15, 2016
Application window extended, state licensing restrictions eased

Following up on MAP-21 legislation designed to streamline the transition of military personnel into truck driving careers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Wednesday will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that simplifies the process of getting a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or CDL.

The NPRM “would ease the current burdens” on military personnel applying for CLPs and CDLs in two ways, according to a pre-publication copy of the Federal Register notice.

  • It would extend the time in which former military personnel are allowed to apply for a skills test waiver from 90 days to 1 year.
  • It would allow states to accept applications and administer all necessary tests for a CLP or CDL from active duty service members stationed in that state who are operating in a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as full-time CMV drivers. This would enable service members to complete their licensing requirements without incurring the time and expense of returning home.

“Because drivers’ licenses are often treated as proof of domicile, obtaining a CDL from the state where they are stationed could result in the loss of domicile and corresponding benefits (e.g., tax breaks) in what they consider their ‘home’ State,” the notice explains. “FMCSA, therefore, proposes to utilize the CMVSA’s broader authority to allow the state where military personnel are stationed to accept CLP or CDL applications and to administer written and skills tests for the CDL.”

To submit a comment on the proposal online, go to regulations.gov, and search for docket number FMCSA-2016-0051.

About the Author

Kevin Jones 1 | Editor

Kevin has served as editor-in-chief of Trailer/Body Builders magazine since 2017—just the third editor in the magazine’s 60 years. He is also editorial director for Endeavor Business Media’s Commercial Vehicle group, which includes FleetOwner, Bulk Transporter, Refrigerated Transporter, American Trucker, and Fleet Maintenance magazines and websites.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...

Driving Growth: How to Manage More Freight

Ready to grow your trucking business? Whether you have 25 or 200 trucks, this guide offers practical tips and success stories to help you expand with confidence. Discover how ...

How to Maximize Fleet Management with Vehicle Bypass

Watch now to learn how truck weigh station bypass systems boost fleet performance and driver satisfaction.

Optimizing your fleet safety program using AI

Learn how AI supports fleet safety programs with tools for compliance monitoring, driver coaching and incident analysis to reduce risks and improve efficiency.