In response to several requests, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extended the comment period for the proposed rulemaking on commercial driver's license learner's permit standards until July 9.


In April, the FMCSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that revises commercial driver's license knowledge and skills testing standards and requires new federal minimum standards for states to issue commercial learner's permits.

Some of the proposed requirements include:
• successful completion of knowledge and skills testing prior to issuance of a commercial learner's permit
• all CDL applicants to have CLP for 30 days before applying for a CDL
• all CLP applicants be at least 18 years old before applying for a CLP
• increased documentation requirements for CDL and CLP applicants to demonstrate legal presence
• Disallowing the use of language interpreters for the knowledge and skills tests.
• a CLP holder meet virtually the same requirements as those for a CDL holder. This means that a driver holding a CLP would be subject to the same driver disqualification offenses as apply to a CDL holder.
• increased fraud prevention measures to be implemented by the state driver's licensing agencies

Comments must be identified by Docket ID Number FMCSA-2007-27659, and submitted by one of the following methods:

Electronically: Through the Federal Docket Management System, at www.regulations.gov, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Mail/Courier: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Management Facility, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Fax: (202) 493-2251.

For access to the docket to read comments received and background material, go to the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://www.regulations.gov, and search for docket ID Number FMCSA-2007-27659.