DOT Publishes Entry-Level CDL Applicant Driver Training Rule

(January 13, 2017) — The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has published a final rule detailing minimum training requirements for commercial drivers’ license (CDL) applicants and CDL holders who seek endorsements, including the hazardous materials endorsement, reports the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). The compliance deadline is Feb. 7, 2020. Therefore, those seeking a CDL or an endorsement after that date must complete the recently published minimum training requirements before taking the CDL exam or endorsement exam.

The training requirements include curricula on theory, or knowledge-based information, and behind-the- wheel driving. Before sitting for the CDL examination, applicants must receive an 80% or higher test score covering theory and competently perform behind-the-wheel skills to the satisfaction of the training provider. Similarly, applicants seeking the hazardous materials endorsement must receive an 80% or higher score on a hazardous materials test before they can take the endorsement exam administered by the state.

Training must be administered by a training provider listed in the new Training Provider Registry. DOT sets the minimum requirements for providers, which include record-keeping and regularly sending notice to DOT information on applicants who pass the theory test and complete behind-the-wheel training. Training providers must comply with these requirements to maintain status on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

NPGA adamantly opposed the original proposed minimum training requirements, and many association members emphasized NPGA’s position to Congress during Propane Days in May 2016. In addition, NPGA staff discussed the association’s concerns with congressional committees with jurisdiction over DOT activities. The original proposal included minimum numbers of hours of behind- the-wheel training and varying record-keeping responsibilities, depending on the number of CDL applications a training provider received each year. “While we are pleased that DOT agreed with our criticisms on minimum hours and some elements of record-keeping, we remain opposed to regulatory burdens like the theory test before the actual CDL exam, which may deter potential driver applicants,” the association said.

NPGA is pursuing several courses of action to prepare and support the propane industry. It intends to raise concerns about the training requirements to the new administration under President Donald Trump, as well as in the new session of Congress. Meanwhile, NPGA and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) are discussing the best mechanism to provide information, materials, and support to the industry to adhere to the new requirements.