FMCSA Announces Forthcoming Third Party Commercial Driver’s License Testers Final Rule
On December 17, the FMCSA announced a forthcoming final rule that will amend federal regulations to allow third party examiners to both teach and test student-trainees. As you know, currently regulations prohibit a skills examiner from teaching a student they will test.
“During the COVID-19 public health emergency truckers have been American heroes—and the Department is committed to helping our economy by reducing unnecessary barriers for those interested in obtaining jobs in the trucking industry,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
FMCSA Deputy Administrator, Wiley Deck stated that, “under Secretary Chao’s leadership, the Trump Administration has continued to examine ways to provide common-sense regulatory reform and help individuals seeking to enter the commercial driver industry. This new rule will provide states more flexibility during the ongoing public health emergency to test CDL applicants and allow more drivers to safely enter the industry.”
Indeed, today’s rule falls in line with a series of other action the Agency has taken, such as waivers and stakeholder outreach sessions aimed at providing states with flexibility.
To see the FMCSA’s full press release, please click here