No Solo Rides for Learner Truckers: Safety Wins Again
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA said no to Agri-Tech Aviation’s request to let learner drivers operate commercial vehicles alone before getting their full license. They found it wouldn’t be as safe as current rules require. This means learner drivers still need a fully licensed driver riding shotgun, keeping roads safer for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Learner CDL Holders Must Be Accompanied
FMCSA denied Agri‑Tech Aviation’s request to let commercial learner's permit (CLP) holders who passed the CDL skills test operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) without a licensed CDL holder present. Under 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1), a CDL holder must be physically present in the front seat to accompany CLP holders, so CLP drivers at Agri‑Tech cannot drive unsupervised. The agency noted Agri‑Tech transports 500–900 gallons of jet fuel and 1,350 gallons of crop protection products, some requiring placarding, when explaining safety concerns.
Public Roadway Safety Requirement Preserved
FMCSA found insufficient evidence that letting unlicensed CLP holders drive unsupervised would achieve the same level of safety and denied the exemption request. That means CLP holders must continue to be accompanied by a licensed CDL holder as required by existing rules, a decision FMCSA said helps address safety concerns including potential transport of hazardous materials.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-20043, Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Application for Exemption; Federation of Professional Truckers
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked to skip using electronic logging devices (ELDs) and keep paper logs instead. The government said no because ELDs keep everyone safer on the road. Truck drivers still need to use ELDs, so no changes or extra costs for now.
2026-20048, Hours of Service of Drivers; Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Exemption Renewal for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC
The FMCSA is giving Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC a temporary green light to let their truck drivers work longer shifts—up to 16 hours straight—when moving steel coils and scrap metal between company sites. They’re also allowed to keep using special trucks that don’t meet some usual safety rules, but only for steel coil hauling. This exemption runs from late September 2026 to March 2027, and the public can share their thoughts by the end of October.
2026-19807, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 11 people who are hard of hearing or deaf to be allowed to drive big trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these folks can get behind the wheel and keep America moving! You have until October 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in.
2026-19808, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from nine hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be allowed to drive commercial trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these drivers can get exemptions to work interstate, opening new job opportunities. The public can share their thoughts by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-19810, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 20 hard of hearing or deaf drivers, letting them keep driving commercial trucks across state lines. These exemptions help qualified drivers stay on the road safely without meeting the usual hearing rules. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by October 28, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20045, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review at the National Institutes of Health is holding several closed virtual meetings in late October 2026 to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings are private to protect sensitive information about the research and applicants. Scientists applying for funding in areas like HIV, vascular health, and cancer will be affected, but no changes to funding or deadlines are announced.
Next: 2026-20047, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Community Development Financial Institutions Program-Certification Application
The Treasury Department wants your thoughts on the form used to apply for certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). This certification helps banks and lenders serve low-income communities better. If you’re involved with these institutions, now’s the time to comment before November 30, 2026, to help shape the process and reduce paperwork hassle.