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FMCSA Announces Proposed Rule for Training New Drivers

posted by TrueNorth and TSA (Truckers Service Association) on Thursday, April 14, 2016

Last month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) outlining new standards for the training of certain commercial drivers. According to the proposed rule, the new training standards would apply to drivers applying for their initial commercial driver's license (CDL), and upgrade of their current CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL), or a hazardous materials, passenger or school bus endorsement for their license. 

Main Features of the New Standards

The new training standards all feature the basic components: theory, which includes material provided by an instructor through lectures, demonstrations, driving simulation devices and similar means; and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training, which refers to training provided by a certified instructor while the driver-trainee operates the vehicle either on the range or on public roads. 

The new standards outline a number of skills and concepts that instructors will have to cover in the theory portion of the training, but they outline no specific minimum number of hours required to attain them. Instead, they leave the time and method of covering those topics up to the instructor. However, BTW hour requirements are made more explicit: 

• Class A CDL: at least 30 hours of BTW instruction, including 10 hours on the range, 10 hours on public roads or 10 trips on public roads, and 10 additional hours split at the discretion of the instructor. 
• Class B CDL: at least 15 hours of BTW instruction, including seven hours of training on public roads, with the remaining eight hours spent at the discretion of the instructor. 

Officials Seek Input on Sleep Apnea Rule 

The FMCSA and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are seeking input from transportation industry stakeholders on the prevalence of sleep apnea among vehicle operators. 

As outlined in the advance notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies are considering whether they should mandate sleep tests that were recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board. Sleep apnea is a disorder which interrupts breathing during sleep, subsequently waking up the individual and disrupting normal sleep patterns. Officials worry that sleep apnea could further exacerbate the problem of driver fatigue already present in the transportation industry. 

TrueNorth Keeps You Safe on the Road

At TrueNorth, our mission is to assist transportation companies and their people with protecting and maximizing assets, resources and opportunities.  Learn how TrueNorth's Transportation Division can help you achieve your goals and provide peace of mind while you're on the road.  Call us today at (800) 877-9637.

Through a partnership with Atlas Injury Prevention Solutions, Health Solutions, and Dr. Michael Levine, TrueNorth is proud to announce the launch of Sleep Solution: a program and resource designed to manage sleep apnea programs and assist the transportation industry in reducing the costs and risks associated with chronic sleep disorders among their staff.

  Learn more about Sleep Solution  

TSA: Truckers Service Association

Truckers Service Association is a non-profit organization we work with to deliver specialized benefits and insurance products to owner-operators to optimally protect their businesses and families.  Find out more about TSA by visiting their website, www.tsatruck.com.  TSA offers a number of value-added benefits to drivers with membership.  

  Learn more about TSA benefits and discounts