For people preparing to earn a commercial driver's license, the federal training rule published December 8, 2016 changed how readiness would be measured. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration retained prescribed instruction for covered entry-level applicants, but did not set a minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours. Completing training still meant demonstrating the required skills, not merely enrolling in a course. [2016-28012][2016-03869]

The March 7 proposal had contemplated at least 30 driving hours for Class A trainees and 15 for Class B, with additional road and range conditions. It also required proficiency. The final rule dropped the fixed federal hour floors while retaining instructor assessment. These documents describe a change within one rulemaking, rather than two independent findings about what makes drivers safer. [2016-28012][2016-03869]

The difference matters to a prospective worker comparing programs: a shorter advertised schedule does not establish that the required learning has been completed. Providers must teach every applicable theory element, and trainees need an overall theory assessment score of at least 80 percent. Required driving maneuvers must be demonstrated proficiently to the instructor's satisfaction before certification. [2016-28012][2016-03869]

This was not an instruction for every existing CDL holder to retrain. The rule covered certain first licenses, upgrades and first specified endorsements, subject to exceptions. Its published calendar separated February 6, 2017 effectiveness from February 7, 2020 compliance. For workers, the central question was how providers would deliver and assess competence; the documents do not establish lower tuition, faster hiring or improved earnings. [2016-28012][2016-03869]

Source documents

  1. Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operatorshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-12-08/html/2016-28012.htm
  2. Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operatorshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-03-07/html/2016-03869.htm