WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 1999) — The U.S. Federal Highway Administration is planning a survey to determine how the trucking industry feels about allowing younger drivers to obtain commercial licenses.

Last year’s Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century directed the agency to review current license testing and standards, including the possibility of a graduated system that would allow provisional and graduated licenses for truck drivers who don’t meet the 21-year minimum age requirement.

The study, to be done by the American Trucking Association’s Transportation Research Institute, is intended to help identify the need for such a program as well as the benefits and costs. Some 2000 motor carriers, drivers, training schools, insurance companies, licensing and law enforcement agencies will be included in the survey.

The results will help determine if FHWA should move on to the next step, which is pilot testing.