A rule which would set requirements for new truck drivers has been in the works now for decades. First ordered in 1991, it has been delayed again and again, but was finally supposed to go into effect on February 7th, 2020. Now the deadline has been pushed back again, but no one can seem to take responsibility as to why.
Dubbed “Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators,” the rule would require drivers to demonstrate proficiency behind the wheel on public roads, pass theory exams, and receive training at a company which is on the FMCSA’s Trainer Provider Registry. It would also put increased requirements on training providers, including that they must have had a valid CDL for at least two years.
No one seems to be in agreement about why the delay was necessary. But everyone agrees that the main issue is that no one has been able to figure out how to transfer electronic training certificates between federal and state databases. This issue has been known about for at least four years and still has not been resolved.
According to Transport Topics’ conversation with one unnamed FMCSA official, the delay is “mostly due to the failure of the states aligning their systems with the federal system.”
But unsurprisingly, there’s also blame being thrown at the federal government. That database of eligible trainers that the FMCSA wants to make was supposed to be available October 1st, 2019 so carriers could sign up. It’s not functioning properly, so it’s still impossible for driver training schools to even sign up for the program.
Source: truckinginfo, freightwaves, legalexaminer, gobytrucknews, ttnews
So you can only become a truck driver if you go through the big companies with this rule? I’m sure there is no corruption to be seen here.
A few lobbyists putting change in the government vending machine.
What a load of bs. Government can’t do a simple task. No wonder this country is 23 trillion in debt
Try over 87 Trillion when you Count Other Debts
More rules. Rules will be the end of this country.
I was heavily involved in entry-level truck driver training for over 25 years, and a participant directly involved with the entry-level rule making process. I will tell you that the main opposition to the requirements comes from very large carriers, and private schools. Neither group wants oversight of their practices or requirements governing their training operations. The so-called requirements scheduled for implementation in February were so watered down from the original intent as to be laughable. But from my perspective no one’s laughing because thousands of ill-prepared and woefully under-trained new drivers continue to be put on the public roadways every year. The rules wouldn’t have helped much, but if nothing else they were at least a small step in the right direction.
Excellent point.
A few lobbyists putting change in the government vending machine.
Thank god, i have been meaning to upgrade to my A from a B for quite some time now. With this new set of rules i would have had to attend a school and pay an ungodly sum of money. Before you all jump on bashing, i have NO intent to drive a semi, none whatsoever. However, if i want to be able to transport any of my own equipment behind my triaxle i need the A. Kinda stupid that its all the same class for me to tow around 10,001 lbs vs tooling down the interstate in a semi. These rules are needed, but the implementation was poor at best. I know plenty of great drivers who never went to a truck driving school and i know plenty of TERRIBLE drivers that did. Lets up the practical standards but not mandate school if you can pass those standards without it.
Our government is so damm corrupt, they have sold the people out to the highest bidder.
What happened to just learning how to drive a damn truck and going to the DMV and taking your test like we all used to what is so freaking hard about that. No more of the training companies being able to issue license that is a direct conflict of interest
Amazing. Don’t even include the training schools in any eligibility requirements.
If they don’t do their job then the student does not pass the test with the state. That’s it, no license issued. Is it that difficult. Idiots trying to justify their positions. Making up new regulations for job security. How much money have they spent trying to implement this new or should I say old rule that they cant implement.
Government disfunction at it’s best.
All thes b.s rules and regulations is what’s killing the truck industry.
Gee Wally, where do we go from here? Gosh, I don’t know Beav…sure are making it tough….