The US Department of Transportation‘s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking public comment on a potential pilot programme that would allow drivers aged 18 to 20 to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

“Commercial trucks and buses are essential to a thriving national economy, and the department wants to ensure the public has an opportunity to comment on this important potential change,” said US Transportation secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Drivers aged 18 to 20 may currently only operate CMVs in intrastate commerce. In July 2018, USDOT announced the details of the Commercial Driver Pilot Program required under the Fixing America‘s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which allows certain 18- to 20-year-olds with military training to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

This week‘s action requests comments on a second pilot programme to allow non-military drivers aged 18 to 20 to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.  FMCSA requests comments on the training, qualifications, driving limitations, and vehicle safety systems that they should consider in developing options or approaches for a second pilot programme for younger drivers.

“We want input from the public on efforts that offer the potential to create more jobs in the commercial motor vehicle industry, while maintaining the highest level of safety.  We encourage all CMV stakeholders to submit comments on a potential interstate pilot programme for younger drivers,” said FMCSA administrator Raymond P. Martinez.