The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is accepting applications for a pilot program to permit 18-20 year olds who possess the U.S. Military equivalent of a commercial driver’s license to operate large trucks in interstate commerce.

The program was directed by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and will allow military veterans and reservists between the ages of 18 and 20 to operate commercial trucks in interstate commerce. In addition to the military equivalent of a CDL, applicants must also be sponsored by a participating trucking company.

The pilot program will run for up to three years during which time, the younger drivers will have its safety records compared to the records of a control group of drivers aged 21-24. It will help the government determine the viability of lowering the driving age for interstate commercial driving as well as help former and current U.S. military members find a path to employment within the trucking industry.

“We are excited to launch this program to help the brave men and women who serve our country explore employment opportunities in the commercial motor vehicle industry,” said Raymond Martinez, FMCSA Administrator. “With the nation’s economy reaching new heights, the trucking industry continues to need drivers and have job openings. We encourage Veterans and Reservists to apply and to learn more about this exciting new program.”

For more information on the pilot program, click here.