The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) recently proposed changes to the rules for obtaining a CDL license and training procedures. If the proposed rules are passed and put into place, new CDL applicants would be required to log a set number of hours before they would be able to obtain their CDL license.
The FMCSA has created two different minimum driving hour requirements based on the type of CDL license the applicant seeks. For instance, in order to obtain a CDL Class A license, which allows you to operate tractor trailers and vehicles with gross weights equal to or more than 26,001 pounds, you would need to successfully log a minimum of 30 behind-the-wheel hours during a FMCSA-compliant truck driver training program. A minimum of 10 hours must be completed on a closed driving practice range.
For a CDL Class B license, you would need to log a minimum of 15 behind-the-wheel hours before being able to apply for your CDL license. A Class B license is required to operate buses, dump trucks, box trucks, and other straight trucks. A minimum of 7 hours must be completed on a closed driving practice range.
Besides new CDL applicants, the proposed changes in the mandatory driving hours would be enforced when upgrading a CDL or if drivers had previously lost their CDL through disqualification and are reapplying to have their CDL reinstated. Additionally, the FMCSA would not require firefighters, farmers, or military truck drivers to obtain the new minimum driving hour requirements.
The reason the FMCSA is considering increasing the mandatory number of driver training hours is because a driver who has logged more training hours is a safer truck driver. Whether you are current truck driver or are in process of obtaining your CDL, you can make sure your ride is always comfortable with replacement truck seats from Suburban Seating & Safety. Give us a call today at (844) SAS-SEAT or 844-727-7328 to learn more about our customized solutions.
