Per Trump order, FMCSA delays new driver training rule

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Updated Feb 5, 2017
A recently published FMCSA rule setting training requirements for entry-level truck drivers has been slightly delayed, in accordance with a recent order issued by President Trump.A recently published FMCSA rule setting training requirements for entry-level truck drivers has been slightly delayed, in accordance with a recent order issued by President Trump.

Prompted by a Jan. 20 memorandum issued by President Trump, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will publish a notice Feb. 1 officially delaying the effective date of a new rule establishing national truck driver training standards.

The rule, named Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Vehicle Operators, was slated to take effect Feb. 6, 2017, following its Dec. 8, 2016 publication in the Federal Register. The agency has delayed the rule’s effective date to March 21, 2017, to comply with Trump’s order to federal agencies to freeze new rules and to delay those published but not yet effective, such as the entry-level driver training rule.

Trump’s order barred such rules from being enacted until 60 days following the issuance of Jan. 20 memorandum — March 21. FMCSA says in its notice the rule could still be delayed further, pending review by Trump and his staffers. The rule has a three-year implementation window and only applies to truckers receiving their CDL on or after Feb. 7, 2020. FMCSA in its notice did not delay the Feb. 7, 2020, compliance date.

The entry-level driver training rule sets a core classroom curriculum for those seeking a CDL. It also requires behind-the-wheel training, but to the chagrin of some trucking industry groups, it does not require a minimum amount of behind-the-wheel training time. The agency’s initial draft of the rule required 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training, but that provision was removed in the rule’s final draft.

The rule also will establish a national registry of certified trainers. CDL trainees must be trained by a trainer in the registry to qualify to receive a CDL.

See more on the rule’s requirements at this link.