🚚FMCSA Denies Exemption for Commercial Learner's Permit Age Requirement
Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): Connell High School; Application for Exemption
Summary
FMCSA announces its decision to deny Connell High School's (CHS) application for exemption from the commercial learner's permit (CLP) minimum 18-year age requirement. The applicant sought a 5-year exemption to allow students participating in the CHS Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Program to obtain a CLP at the age of 17. The program would span two semesters (one full school year) and provide 180 hours of classroom, field, and drive time training. FMCSA analyzed the application and determined there is insufficient information to conclude that the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.
Agencies
- Transportation Department
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The denial of CHS's application for exemption from the age requirement for a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) signifies continued compliance constraints for educational institutions offering CDL training programs. This impacts business owners in the transportation and logistics sectors regarding hiring practices and training program viability, as it maintains existing age restrictions that may limit the driver workforce.