Laws for truck drivers occur at all levels of the government because big rigs often travel over state lines. It is the job of a driver to know and understand the law.
While states usually handle dispersing commercial driver’s licenses, the federal government also has the ability to regulate them. According to the American Traffic Safety Services Association, a new federal law will make some changes to what you must do to get a commercial driver’s license for the first time.
Application
The new rules will only apply to those who are getting an entry-level CDL. They will apply to everyone getting a new Class A or B license or those who are upgrading a license or seeking an endorsement for hazardous materials, passengers and school buses.
You should note that if you already hold a CDL, the changes will not apply to you. It will only apply if you seek changes covered under the new law. It also will not apply if you are exempt from the skills test part of the licensing process.
The law comes under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 Century Act at the federal level, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration manages the regulations.
Regulations
The act creates a Training Provider Registry which lists the only approved training programs a new driver can take. You must use one of these providers to have the valid training required to get a CDL. Your name will go into a database after you complete your training that is accessible to the state.
The new rules go into place on February 7, 2022. If you do not complete training and secure your license prior to that time, it is essential to check that your training provider will be on the registry.