After receiving 34 petitions in response to their May 2011 amendment, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted several changes to their final ruling regarding issuance of commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and driver’s licenses (CDLs).
According to the federal register, the following amendments have been granted:
Verification
Previously- Two State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA) members were required to “verify CLP and CDL applicants’ test scores, completed application forms, and documents to prove legal presence,” leading to complaints of increased workloads for agency SDLA members during a time of reduced resources. 1
Amendment- Although the FMCSA no longer requires two people to verify the same document, two people must still be involved in the licensing process.
Training Schools
Previously- CDL training schools were only allowed to administer skill tests if there were “no skills testing alternative within 50 miles of the school and the same examiner does not train and test the same student applicant,” otherwise, skills testing was prohibited, which some called a hardship and too restrictive. 1
Amendment- CDL training schools are allowed to administer skills tests with the understanding that the examiner does not test their own students.
Bonding
Previously- Third party CDL testers (many of whom are governmental entities) were required to “maintain bonds in an amount sufficient to pay for retesting of drivers if required due to examiners engaging in fraudulent activities related to skills testing.” 1
Amendment- Due to a lower risk obtaining expenses and that most states do not require political agencies to obtain bonds, the FMCSA eliminated the requirement for governmental entities to maintain bonds. 1
CLP Photos
Previously- Driver digital color or black and white laser engraved photographs on CLP’s were prohibited, leading to security complaints.
Amendment- CLP photograph inclusion, including digital color and black and white laser engraved, is now permissive.
Background Checks
Previously- Test examiners were required to undergo background checks every year, which many considered to be a burden.
Amendment- Test examiners only need to undergo background checks upon hiring.
The above amendments become effective April 24, 2013.
Click on the image to the right to read a copy of the revisions listed in the Federal Reserve.
Do you believe that these amendments will have any effect on the driver shortage or the quality of drivers operating on the road?
If you are a qualified CDL driver looking for a position at a reputable trucking company, visit Road Scholar Transport’s Employment Opportunities Section!
1http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-03-25/pdf/2013-06760.pdf#page=1&zoom=auto,0,800
while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
