New CDL Requirements Proposed, Hope to Make Licensing Easier

Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) have introduced a new bill called the Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently (LICENSE) Act. The goal of this bill is to help fix supply chain problems by making it easier for people to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This change in CDL requirements could help bring more truck drivers into the industry.

Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

The bill is based on temporary changes made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes helped trucking companies work more efficiently. They also did not lower safety standards. The LICENSE Act would make two of these changes permanent.

“Wyoming relies on America’s truck drivers to deliver goods to folks and small businesses throughout our rural state,” said Senator Lummis. “Streamlining commercial driver’s licensing and cutting this burdensome red tape will ensure the people in the Cowboy State can rely on deliveries so they get the resources they need.”

Senator Kelly highlighted how important truck drivers are to Arizona’s economy. “I’m glad to work with my colleague Senator Lummis to cut red tape, support the trucking industry, and ensure the federal government is doing everything it can to strengthen our economy and lower costs for families in Arizona,” he said.

Industry Leaders Show Their Support

Many trucking industry leaders support the bill. Dan Horvath, Senior Vice President of Regulatory & Safety Policy at the American Trucking Associations (ATA), said the LICENSE Act is a good idea. “The LICENSE Act leverages the lessons learned during the pandemic and makes permanent two commonsense waivers… providing certainty to the trucking industry and strengthening our supply chain.”

Kevin Hawley, President & CEO of the Wyoming Trucking Association, said the changes will help drivers. “This represents an important step toward making it more efficient and simpler for drivers to obtain their CDLs while keeping our roadways safe,” he said.

What the LICENSE Act Would Do for CDL Requirements

The LICENSE Act includes several important changes that aim to simplify the licensing process. These include:

Expanded CDL Testing: States and third-party examiners would be able to give both the CDL skills and knowledge tests. This change would make the licensing process faster without lowering safety standards.
Flexible Supervision for CLP Holders: Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders who have already passed their road tests could have their licensed supervisors move to the sleeper berth. This would recognize that many CLP holders are just waiting for their official CDL and do not need constant supervision.
Testing Across State Lines: States would be allowed to give CDL tests to people from other states. This change would make it easier for future truck drivers to take their tests closer to home.

Hopes of Boosting the Trucking Workforce

Creators of the bill say the trucking industry is facing a major shortage of truck drivers. Many experts believe the LICENSE Act can help fix this issue. Ryan Streblow, President and CEO of the National Tank Truck Carriers, said the bill is a smart solution. “This efficiency is a commonsense solution that aims to address tank truck workforce shortages and strengthen our supply chain,” he said.

Danny Bradford, Chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, said the bill will help new drivers start their careers faster. “This bill reduces bureaucratic barriers that delay new drivers from receiving their Commercial Driver’s License,” he said. He also encouraged Congress to pass the bill quickly.

Industry Support for Easier CDL Requirements

The LICENSE Act has support from many trucking organizations. Some of these include the American Trucking Associations, the Agricultural & Food Transporters Conference, the Moving and Storage Conference, and the Truckload Carriers Association. They believe the changes in the bill will help the industry by reducing unnecessary delays and helping the economy.

By making it easier to get a CDL, the LICENSE Act could help fix driver shortages and strengthen the supply chain. This bill could provide better opportunities for people looking to join the trucking industry.

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