The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) wants public comment on a pilot program allowing drivers ages 18-20 to haul interstate commercial freight.
Most states and the District of Columbia already allow 18- to 20-year-old commercial driver’s license holders to operate trucks within the state.
“This action will allow the Agency to carefully examine the safety, feasibility and possible economic benefits of allowing 18- to 20-year-old drivers to operate in interstate commerce,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck in announcing the proposed pilot project Friday. “Safety is always FMCSA’s top priority, so we encourage drivers, motor carriers and interested citizens to review this proposed new pilot program and share their thoughts and opinions.”
The proposed program allows drivers falling within one of two categories to participate:
- Eighteen- to 20-year-old CDL holders who operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce while taking part in a 120-hour probationary period and a subsequent 280-hour probationary period under an apprenticeship program established by an employer, or
- Nineteen- and 20-year-old commercial drivers who have operated CMVs in intrastate commerce for a minimum of one year and 25,000 miles.
Participating drivers would not be allowed to operate vehicles hauling passengers or hazardous materials or special configuration vehicles, according to the proposal. The test program would last up to three years.
Details of the proposed program can be found here.
Brent Harman
There are some 18 to 20 year olds out there that would do great. If we would just train them right and stop making excuses like ( not these kids today) we as grownups should do better for the younger generation . I’ve been driving for over 20 years. I have two 19 year old boys and all they want to do is drive big trucks.
Cherie
Horrible!!!! They drive way too fast in their cars. They are always on their phone texting while they are driving. They are way too irresponsible To handle their cars not the less a semi
John sheldon
Their to young and enexperience
dursin
Helllll noooo simply put
Lisa A Highsmith
Hell to the no no no!
Ronald Hillbery
So your going to put protestors in trucks! It’s a damn good thing we have smart people in charge of this country!
Nate
It’s a bad idea, but the government is full of bad ideas so , that’s must be another way they are trying to reduce the population hell real dumb idea . Teenager’s theses days don’t have the mind set to be responsible behind the wheel of a truck of 18 wheel’s . I’ve been and still trucking 31years now so my opinion NO. Hell the government can’t stop the truck’s driver now that’s 21 and up from making stupid mistakes.
Lary Eames
I agree with some others who commented about millennial thinking there entitled and immature we have 20 to 30 year olds out here now that have no professional curtisy so letting even younger people is not a sound decision
Lillie
Totally agree!! 18-20 yr olds?? Whats the age bracket of the looters and rioters?? Were gonna see more accidents, more truck fires, more NON deliveries!! I pity which ever companies hire these ‘ entitled’ boys and girls! May God have mercy on the souls of the drivers out here now!!