Trucking Group Gives Conditional OK to New Entry-Level Driver Training Rules

A leading trucking association, American Trucking Associations (ATA) said its leadership was pleased to see the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed new entry-level driver training requirements but takes issue with one of the required elements.  

“FMCSA has been working toward a strong entry level driver training standard since 1991 and we are pleased that they have released this proposed rule that will raise standards and improve safety,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “This rule does a good job of outlining the knowledge and skills a new driver should have before heading out on the road, but ATA is concerned that an arbitrary requirement centered on behind- the-wheel training hours distracts from a more important focus on performance and safety outcomes.”

ATA notes that it has “repeatedly emphasized that demonstrating the ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle was far more important than the number of hours of instruction or practice a new driver received.”

Category: General Update