Project Goal:

To Conduct a pilot program which exempts participating military drivers aged 18, 19, and 20 with specific training and experience ("covered drivers") from the age restrictions in current HOS regulations in order to study the feasibility, benefits, and safety impacts of allowing a “covered driver” to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce.

Background:

Section 5404 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, 2015 (FAST Act) requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program to study the feasibility, benefits, and safety impacts of allowing a “covered driver” to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. For the purposes of this pilot program, a “covered driver” is between the ages of 18 and 21, is a member or former member of the armed forces, and is qualified in a military occupational specialty to operate a CMV or a similar vehicle.

Summary:

The pilot program will be conducted, monitored, and evaluated in consultation with a working group consisting of representatives of the armed forces, industry, drivers, safety advocacy organizations, and State licensing and enforcement officials. The working group shall review the data collected and provide recommendations to the Secretary on the feasibility, benefits, and safety impacts of allowing a covered driver to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program is concluded, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the findings of the pilot program and the recommendations of the working group.

Contractor: