FMCSA’s final version of a rule to set minimum truck driver training standards has been sent to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. Once it is approved, which can take up to 90 days, it can be published by DOT to go into effect in three years.
If the final version of the rule is the same as the proposed rule that was released earlier in March, the Entry-Level Driver Training will include a core curriculum for new truck drivers receiving their Commercial Driver’s License. To get the license, the drivers will be required to finish 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training. The rule has also added minimum requirements and qualifications to instructors, training vehicles and testing. That will help create a registry of approved trainers.
The core curriculum consists of two categories: behind-the-wheel training and classroom time.
Behind-the-wheel training takes 30 hours in total and consists of 10 hours driving on a range plus either 10 hours driving on public roads or 10 trips on public roads, no less than 50 minutes each. The remaining hours are at the discretion of the instructor.
During the hours in the classroom new drivers will get information on instruments and controls of a truck, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, backing and docking, shifting, hours of operation, driving at night, and more.
The estimated 10-year cost of the rule would be at $5.55 billion, including costs to everyone involved, such as state agencies, trainers, carriers and drivers.
Great now you better rush to get your CDL before the federalies make it harder than ever!
You have to wonder about this endless “mission creep” of Federal government regulations. Are they really necessary- do they have REAL benefit- or is it just the compulsive need for the government to control every last detail of everyone’s life?
Semi trucks have been on the highways as long as I can remember. And I don’t remember any major accidents, anything that made the front page news. I would reckon that truck drivers, since their livelihoods depend on it, are already about ten times more cautious than the average driver.
Do we really need this? The article says the new regulations will cost $5.5 billion. Yes, billion with a B. But what are the benefits? You won’t hear that, because the government won’t spell it out.
Good thing the cowboys from the Old West Wyatt Earp days aren’t around any longer. They would be required to attend 100 hours of training in horse care & safety, environmental rights, and proper lassoing techniques by our friends in Washington.