FMCSA New CLP Exemption: Covenant Has a Big Advantage as
Permit Holders Can Train More Effectively

FMCSA Grants Covenant Logistics Exemption for CLP Holders

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has given Covenant Transport Inc. and Landair Transport Inc., known together as Covenant Logistics, a new CLP exemption. This exemption allows commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders who have passed their skills test but have not yet received their commercial driver’s license (CDL) to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) without a CDL holder in the front seat. This exemption is effective from July 30, 2024, to July 30, 2026. The goal is to keep safety at the same level or better.

Current Rules

Currently, CLP holders must have a CDL holder seated next to them when driving a CMV. This rule ensures that new drivers get direct supervision. But the new CLP exemption lets permit holders, who have passed the skills test, drive while a CDL holder is in the vehicle, just not in the front seat.

The Request and Public Comments

Covenant Logistics asked for this exemption to help new drivers start working and training right away, even before they get their CDL document. This helps them avoid delays and stay productive. Covenant Logistics believes this will help new drivers learn and earn money quickly.

The FMCSA received 27 comments on this request. Most comments (25) were against the exemption. They worried about safety. Groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association (OOIDA) and the Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) argued that new drivers need close supervision. But two comments, from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and AWM Associates, supported the exemption. They said it would help new drivers start working sooner and be consistent with other similar exemptions.

FMCSA’s Decision

The FMCSA looked at the request and the comments. They decided that the exemption would keep safety at the same level or better. They noted that CLP holders who pass the skills test can already drive alone once they get their CDL. The exemption allows them to start working right away, with a CDL holder in the vehicle for extra safety.

Terms and Conditions

The exemption comes with rules to ensure safety:

1. Follow all other Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR parts 350-399).
2. Have a valid driver’s license, CLP with endorsements, and proof of passing the CDL skills test.
3. Have a CDL holder with the right class and endorsements in the CMV.
4. Drivers must not be under any out-of-service orders or have suspended driving privileges.
5. Show the exemption document to enforcement officials if asked.

Preemption and Notification

During this exemption, no state can enforce laws that go against it. States can adopt similar exemptions for intrastate commerce but do not have to. Covenant Logistics must tell the FMCSA within five business days if any of their drivers under this exemption have an accident. They need to provide details about the accident.

Looking Ahead

The FMCSA’s decision balances productivity and safety. By allowing CLP holders to drive without a CDL holder in the front seat, as long as they have passed the skills test and follow the rules, Covenant Logistics can keep operations smooth without compromising safety. This new CLP exemption helps modernize training practices while maintaining high safety standards in the trucking industry.

The FMCSA has given Covenant Logistics an exemption allowing CLP holders who have passed their skills test to drive CMVs without a CDL holder in the front seat. Effective from July 30, 2024, to July 30, 2026, this aims to improve productivity and training while keeping safety high.