Trucking Groups Seek Exemption to Train Drivers Under 21
Published Date: 1/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The American Trucking Associations want a 5-year exemption to keep training drivers under 21, even though the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot ended in November 2025. This affects young drivers and trucking companies eager to get new talent on the road sooner. The government is asking for public comments by February 27, 2026, before deciding if this change will roll out.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allows 18–20-Year-Olds to Train
The American Trucking Associations asked FMCSA for a five-year exemption to let motor carriers that participated in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot continue onboarding and training 18- to 20-year-old apprentice drivers after the SDAP ended on November 7, 2025. If FMCSA grants the exemption, drivers born in 2006 through 2008 could be trained for interstate commercial driving during that five-year period.
Motor Carriers Can Keep Hiring Younger Drivers
ATA seeks a five-year exemption to allow motor carriers that had been approved for the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot to continue onboarding and training drivers under age 21 after the pilot program concluded on November 7, 2025. This would let those participating carriers continue to recruit and train younger drivers if FMCSA grants the exemption.
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