FMCSA Grants Truck Tester Special License Exemption Till 2030
Published Date: 12/10/2025
Notice
Summary
The government has renewed a special permission for International Motors, LLC (formerly Navistar) so one of their drivers, Erik Holma, can keep test driving big trucks on U.S. roads without a regular commercial driver’s license. This exemption lasts from December 10, 2025, to December 10, 2030, helping the company test vehicles safely and legally. It mainly affects International Motors and keeps their testing work rolling without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Five-Year CDL Exemption Renewed
FMCSA renewed an exemption allowing International Motors' driver Erik Holma to operate commercial motor vehicles in the United States without a State-issued commercial driver's license from December 10, 2025 through December 10, 2030. This renewal explicitly applies to Mr. Holma and allows International to continue on-road vehicle testing under the exemption.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirement Imposed
Although the exemption states the driver is not subject to 49 CFR part 382 drug and alcohol testing (including Clearinghouse) requirements, FMCSA's terms require International to implement a drug and alcohol testing program meeting 49 CFR part 382, subparts A–F and to require that Mr. Holma be subject to those testing requirements and random testing via a consortium. International must provide documentation of that program upon request.
Must Be Accompanied by CDL Holder
When operating under this exemption, Mr. Holma must be accompanied at all times by a holder of a State-issued CDL who is familiar with the routes traveled. This is a standing operational requirement while the driver is testing CMVs under the exemption.
Accident and Conviction Reporting Rules
International must notify FMCSA in writing within 5 business days of any accident involving the exempt driver and must notify FMCSA in writing if the driver is convicted of an offense under 49 CFR 391.15. Accident reports must include specified details (e.g., crash date, location, injuries, fatalities, driver and co-driver names, vehicle number, and recent on-duty/driving time).
Federal Preemption During Exemption Period
While this exemption is in effect (December 10, 2025 through December 10, 2030), no State may enforce laws or regulations that conflict with or are inconsistent with the exemption for the firm or person operating under it, per 49 U.S.C. 31315(d) and 49 CFR 381.600.
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