The
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration wants to know what you
think of the graduated CDL – a concept that’s intended to help new
CDL drivers by giving them progressively more difficult driving
experiences.
The
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century requires FMCSA to
review the current CDL testing process and assess the merits of
a graduated licensing program.
Toward
that end, FMCSA has published a list of questions based on information
obtained through focus groups with truckdrivers and others. FMCSA
said the focus groups indicated support for the concept, but they
weren’t sure whether drivers between ages 18 and 21 should be eligible.
The
questions are intended to help determine whether a graduated CDL
is needed. Among them:
- Should a
graduated CDL be linked to enrollment in a commercial driver-training
program?
- How much entry-level
training and experience should new drivers receive before graduating
to an unrestricted CDL?
- Should an
applicant’s past driving record be considered in issuing a GCDL?
- If a GCDL
holder is at fault in an accident or is convicted of a moving violation,
should the penalty be more severe than for drivers with unrestricted
CDLs?
- What kind of restrictions should apply to entry-level drivers?
Should a fully licensed CDL driver be required to accompany and
observe a driver with a GCDL? What should be the minimum age for
obtaining a GCDL?
A
complete list of questions were published in the Feb. 25 Federal
Register, which can be accessed at http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/index.html.
Answers and comments can be submitted electronically at http://dms.dot.gov. Reference docket number FMCSA-2002-12334.
Comments are due May 27, 2003.
