“Two-Step Program” Required Upon Gaining CDL Before Driving Solo

“Two-Step Program” Required Upon Gaining CDL Before Driving Solo

“Two-Step Program” Required Upon Gaining CDL Before Driving Solo

In today’s world, a potential applicant needs to be 18-years of age before they can apply for a commercial driver’s license. Depending on the applicant, this could lead to a young, inexperienced and potential unprepared driver being permitted to get behind the wheel of a large commercial motor vehicle. A new bill aimed at allowing the interstate operation of commercial vehicles by 18 to 21-year-olds has hit the floor of Congress, with support from various lawmakers, the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) and the American Trucking Associations (ATA). The “Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy” or “DRIVE-Safe” Act, creates a “two-step” program for 18 to 21-year-olds who gain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) must complete before being given the green light for solo interstate operation. I believe this proposed bill is sound and necessary for the safety of our roadway!!! The program’s rules outlined in the bill include, but are not limited to:
  • The completion at least 400 hours of on-duty time;
  • Another 240 hours of driving time completed with an experienced driver in the cab with them and;
  • Trucks utilized by these drivers must be equipped with safety technology including active braking collision mitigation systems, video event capture, and a speed governor set at 65 miles per hour or below.
The proposed bill will strengthen many current industry training programs beyond current federal requirements to ensure safety and that drivers are best prepared. If you are involved in a tractor- trailer collision, please note there are many additional rules and regulations that govern the industry. It is important that you contact an attorney immediately to discuss specifics of your accident so the attorney can investigate and determine what, if any rules/regulations were violated, thereby resulting in your unfortunate event. Please call Bordas and Bordas with any questions.