According to the FMCSA, adopting a new Class A CDL theory instruction upgrade curriculum will save eligible driver trainees and motor carriers $18 million annually.
In a news release, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said, โTodayโs action demonstrates the departmentโs commitment to reducing regulatory burdens and addressing our nationโs shortage of commercial driversโ.
The final rule amends the entry-level driver training rule that was published in December 2016 and requires the same level of theory training for individuals obtaining a CDL for the first time as for those who already hold a Class B CDL and are upgrading to a Class A CDL.
FMCSA said Class B CDL holders shouldnโt be required to receive the same level of theory training as individuals who have never had a CDL.
โThis effort is a commonsense way of reducing the regulatory burdens placed on CDL applicants and their employers,โ FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez said.ย
โFMCSA continues to strategically reform burdensome regulations to improve the lives of ordinary Americans by saving them valuable time and money โ while simultaneously maintaining the highest level of safety.โ
The rule, which is set to go into effect Feb. 7, 2020, only applies to Class B CDL holders and does not change the training requirements created in the 2016 entry-level driver training rule.
The final rule is set to publish in the Federal Register on Wednesday, March 6.
