US may toughen CDL licensing procedures

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — It could get tougher to acquire a commercial driver’s licence (CDL) in the US, if a proposal put forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) becomes law.

The proposal would require applicants seeking a CDL to complete both classroom and behind-the-wheel training from an accredited education program or institution.

“This proposed rule will give truck drivers additional skills needed to keep our roads safe,” FMCSA administrator John H. Hill said in a release.

Drivers pursuing a Class A licence would require a minimum 76 hours of classroom instruction as well as 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training under the new rules. Drivers would have to show a certificate from a truck driving program before they could obtain their new CDL. The rule would not impact current CDL holders.

The FMCSA is now seeking public comments on the proposal.

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