Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration January 5, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA announces that CRST Expedited (CRST) has applied for an exemption from the requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that requires a commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder to always be accompanied by a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. CRST requests an exemption to allow CLP holders who have successfully passed the CDL skills test to be able to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without having a CDL holder seated beside them in the CMV. CRST states that the CDL holder would remain in the CMV at all times while the CLP holder is driving, but not necessarily in the passenger seat. CRST believes that the exemption, if granted, would promote greater productivity and help individuals who have passed the CDL skills test return to actively earning a living faster while achieving a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by complying with the regulations. FMCSA requests public comment on CRST's application for exemption.