FMCSA proposes to relax certain restrictions on CDLs, permits

In separate notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRMs), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed to give states more flexibility related to commercial learner's permits (CLPs) and to military drivers seeking commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). Comments on both NPRMs are due August 11.

One NPRM would allow states to issue CLPs with expiration dates of up to one year. CLPs issued for shorter periods may be renewed but the total period of time between the date of initial issuance and the expiration of the renewed CLP could not exceed one year. This proposed amendment would replace the current regulations, which require the States to issue CLPs initially for no more than 180 days, with the possibility of an additional 180-day renewal at the State's discretion. The NPRM is available at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2017-12080.

The other NPRM would allow State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) to waive the requirements for the commercial driver's license (CDL) knowledge tests for certain individuals who are or were regularly employed within the last year in a military position that requires or required the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The NPRM is available at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2017-12079.