Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program

Project Goal:

The goal of the SDAP is to determine if CMV drivers under the age of 21, with a current CDL and operating in intrastate commerce, can operate CMVs (equipped with additional safety technology) with an equivalent level of safety in interstate commerce.

Background:

Section 23022 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program which allows employers to establish apprenticeship programs for younger CMV drivers to operate in interstate commerce with an experienced driver in the passenger seat after completing two probationary periods. After each probationary period, an apprentice must demonstrate they have mastered specific performance benchmarks. Upon completion of both probationary periods an apprentice may operate in interstate commerce without an experienced driver in the passenger seat.

Summary:

The primary goal is to collect and analyze sufficient data to determine the safety impacts of allowing commercial drivers under the age of 21, with specialized training and experience, to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. 

The secondary goal is for the data collection and analysis to answer the following questions.

1) What are the demonstrated abilities for technologies and training provided to apprentices in the pilot program to successfully improve safety?

2) How do the safety records of participating apprentices compare to other CMV drivers?

3) How many apprentices discontinued participation in the program before completion of P1?

4) How many apprentices discontinued participation in the program after completing P1 but before completion of P2?

5) How many apprentices discontinued participation in the program after completing P2 but before aging out at 21?

6) How do the safety records of participating drivers compare before, during, and after each probationary period?

7) What is the average on-duty time, driving time, and time spent away from each home terminal of participating drivers before, during, and after each probationary period?

Contractor:

M. Davis and Company