Effective July 20, 2004, those who employ commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers operating in interstate commerce must be certain that entry-level drivers get training in these four areas:
•Driver qualification requirements, including federal rules on medical certification, medical examination procedures, general qualifications, responsibilities, and disqualifications based on various offenses, orders, and loss of driving privileges.
•Hours of service, including limitations on driving hours, the requirement to be off-duty for certain periods of time, record of duty status preparation and exceptions, and fatigue countermeasures as a means to avoid accidents.
•Driver wellness, covering basic health maintenance including diet and exercise, also the importance of avoiding excessive use of alcohol.
•Whistleblower protection, including the right of an employee to question the safety practices of an employer without the employee’s risk of losing a job or being subject to reprisals simply for stating a safety concern.
This rule affects all drivers who began operating a CMV after July 20, 2003. Those who started driving between July 20, 2003, and Oct 18, 2004, must receive the training no later than Oct 18, 2004. Drivers must obtain a certificate or diploma certifying they received mandated training. Their employers must have a copy of the certificate in the driver’s personnel or qualification file.
The Federal Register published this final rule May 21, 2004.
