The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the comment period on a proposed rule pertaining to commercial driver license (CDL) testing and commercial learner permits to July 9, 2008, according to information published in the Federal Register June 9.
The proposed rule (49 CFR Parts 383, 384, and 385) would revise the CDL knowledge and skills testing standards, and require new federal minimum standards for states to issue commercial learner's permits. FMCSA also is proposing that a learner permit holder meet virtually the same requirements as those for a CDL holder
The revisions in the proposal would require successful completion of the knowledge test, currently a prerequisite for the CDL, before issuance of the CLP. The proposal calls for incorporation by reference the latest American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators' (AAMVA) Model Test package for knowledge and skill standards. It also would include a prohibition on use of foreign language interpreters in the administration of the knowledge and skills tests.
In addition, the proposal specifically requires that each applicant obtain a CLP and hold it for a minimum of 30 days before applying for a CDL. It would establish a minimum age of 18 for issuance of a CLP. The CLP would have to be a separate document from the CDL or non-commercial driver's license.
If the proposal becomes a final rule, it would mean that a driver holding a CLP also would be subject to the same driver disqualification offenses as apply to a CDL holder, according to FMCSA information.