In response to the president’s national emergency declaration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced a three-month waiver to prevent the possible shortage of commercial motor vehicle drivers and continue to allow intrastate and interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learners permit (CLP) holders to transport critical goods and supplies to businesses and individuals affected by COVID-19.

The FMCSA has determined that it is in the public interest to issue a waiver until June 30, 2020, waiving a requirement that a CLP holder be accompanied by a CDL holder, with the proper CDL class and endorsements, seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder operates a CMV on public roads or highways. The CLP holder must possess evidence from the testing jurisdiction, including an authorized third-part tester, that the CLP holder has passed the CDL driving skills test, and has a valid non-CDL driver’s license, CLP, and medical certificate, unless the FMCSA waiver issued on March 24, 2020 applies.

Additionally, the waiver removes the restriction under 49 CFR 383.79(a) that limits a state to administer a driving skills test, in accordance with subparts F, G, and H of 49 CRF 383, to an out-of-state CDL applicant who has taken driving training in that state.

To read the full announcement, visit fmcsa.dot.gov