National Coalition Calls on Congress to Help Process CDLs, CLPs

A national coalition of trucking associations, fleets and driving schools is pressing Congress to take action to reopen driver's license facilities to deal with commercial driver license issues.

“Many MTA members have expressed concern that they have CLP drivers ready to go on the road but are still restricted because they can't road test,” expressed the Mid-West Truckers Association in a recent announcement that the association has joined the coalition. “With the need for drivers in many categories, it's frustrating that we can't even get a limited CDL administrative effort from the Secretary of State's office. Several legislators have taken up the cause and have also asked the Governor's office to intervene, but to no avail. All we ask is for limited operations to process CDL's and road tests.”

The group sent a letter to minority and majority leaders in both the House of Representatives and the Senate on April 7, calling for Congress to draft legislation that would to grant temporary authority to the Secretary of Transportation to issue CDLs or allow CDL schools to do so.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the closing of licensing facilities in 27 states. As a result, there has been no CDL processing, renewals or driving test opportunities in these states.