FMCSA's New-Driver Rules Mandate Additional Training

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ew-driver regulations the Department of Transportation released last week will require all new heavy-truck drivers to go through another set of classes beyond what it takes to get a commercial driver license.

The new rules covering the training and qualifications of new commercial drivers will take effect July 20, said the DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Under the terms of a final rule published May 21 in the Federal Register, employers must ensure that drivers with less than one year behind the wheel have training in hours-of-service regulations, driver medical qualifications, health and wellness and whistleblower rules. The training will take 10.5 hours, the published rule estimated.

“FMCSA believes that operating experience helps [commercial motor vehicle] drivers reduce crashes caused by driver error,” DOT said.

For the full story, see the May 31 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.