The Federal Highway Safety Administration has asked for comments regarding the need for a graduated commercial driver’s license.

The concept of graduated driver’s licensing is described as “a system designed to ease beginning drivers into the traffic environment under controlled exposure to progressively more difficult driving experiences.”
The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century requires FMCSA to review adequacy of the current CDL testing process and assess the merits of a graduated licensing program.
The agency has published a list of questions based on information obtained through a series of focus groups with truck and bus drivers, industry representatives and enforcement and regulatory agency representatives. FMCSA said the focus groups indicated support for a graduated CDL, but were divided over whether drivers between 18 and 21 years of age should be eligible.
The questions are intended to help determine if a graduated CDL is needed and how it would best be implemented. For instance, FMCSA wants opinions on whether or not a GCDL should be linked to enrollment in a commercial driver training program. How many months or years of entry level training and experience should new drivers receive before “graduating” to an unrestricted CDL?
Should an applicant’s past driving record be considered in issuing a GCDL? If a GCDL holder is found to be at fault in an accident or is convicted of a moving violation, should the penalty be more severe than for drivers with unrestricted CDLs? What kind of restrictions should apply to entry-level drivers? Should a fully licensed CDL driver be required to accompany and observe a driver with a GCDL? What should be the minimum age for obtaining a GDCL?
Further discussion and the full list of questions were published in the Feb. 25 Federal Register which can be accessed at www.nara.gov/fedreg. Answers and comments can be submitted electronically at http://dms.dot.gov. Reference docket number FMCSA-2002-12334. Comments are due May 27, 2003.