The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced minimum training requirements for operators of double and triple trucks, also known as longer combination vehicles.

FMCSA also established new requirements for instructors who train LCV drivers.

The rule, which is effective June 1, 2004, prohibits motor carriers from allowing drivers to operate a double or triple trailer until they are trained, even if they have a state-issued CDL with a double/triple trailer endorsement.

However, motor carriers may waive driver-training requirements for current LCV commercial motor vehicle drivers who have safe driving records and at least two years of LCV driving experience.

"The final rule will enhance the safety of commercial vehicle operations and help ensure that drivers of large trucks have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate longer combination vehicles on our nation's highways," FMCSA Administrator Annette M. Sandberg said.

LCV training will consist of driving and non-driving activities, such as route planning and checking cargo and weight. Because LCV doubles and triples have different operating characteristics, FMCSA established different training courses for each vehicle group. The rule also establishes two types of LCV driver instructors, classroom instructors and skills instructors.

For doubles training, drivers will need to show six months' driving experience in vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds. To enroll in the triples training class, drivers will need to show six months' truck-tractor/semi-trailer or twin-trailer experience.

FMCSA defines an LCV is any combination of a truck-tractor and two or more trailers or semi-trailers that has a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 80,000 pounds and operates in interstate commerce. Twin trailers, also known as western doubles, would not be subject to this rule. Western doubles have a gross vehicle weight rating of 80,000 pounds or less.