The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is proposing and seeking public comments on a new pilot program to allow drivers aged 18-20 to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

The agency proposes a pilot program to allow drivers to participate if they fall within two categories:

1. 18 to 20-year-old commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who operate CMVs 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
2. 19- and 20-year-old commercial drivers who have operated CMVs in intrastate commerce for a minimum of one year and 25,000 miles. The study group drivers would not be allowed to operate vehicles hauling passengers or hazardous materials or special configuration vehicles.

Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia already allow 18- to 20-year-old CDL holders to operate CMVs in intrastate commerce—meaning under-21 drivers may currently drive within state borders.

In July 2018, FMCSA announced the details of a Military Commercial Driver Pilot Program, which allows certain 18- to 20-year-olds with military training to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

To view this Federal Register Notice and learn more about the proposed pilot program, click here.