BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announcing its proposal for a new Under 21-Commerical Driver Pilot Program today:

“Young people in North Dakota are raised on hard work, ready and able to handle important responsibilities, accept whatever challenges life throws at them, and take advantage of good opportunities placed in front of them. They would be prime candidates for this pilot program, which would greatly help our producers. I hope it is successfully implemented and I urge North Dakotans to offer their input.”

FMCSA Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck announced the proposal today.

“This action will allow the Agency to carefully examine the safety, feasibility, and possible economic benefits of allowing 18 to 20-year-old drivers to operate in interstate commerce, said Deputy Administrator Deck. “Safety is always FMCSA’s top priority, so we encourage drivers, motor carriers, and interested citizens to review this proposed new pilot program and share their thoughts and opinions.”

According to FMCSA, this proposed pilot program would allow drivers to participate if they fall within two categories:

  • 18 to 20-year-old commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who operate CMVs in interstate commerce while taking part in a 120-hour probationary period and a subsequent 280-hour probationary period under an apprenticeship program established by an employer, or
  • 19 and 20-year-old commercial drivers who have operated CMVs in intrastate commerce for a minimum of one year and 25,000 miles. The study group drivers would not be allowed to operate vehicles hauling passengers or hazardous materials or special configuration vehicles.

Senator Cramer signed onto the bipartisan legislation this programs aligns with in May of 2019. Learn more here.