Washington, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released a draft rule titled “Increased Flexibility for Testing and for Drivers after Passing the Skills Test” and closed its public comment period on April 2, 2026.

The trucking sector is already battling a projected shortfall of 160,000 drivers by 2030, a gap that the American Trucking Associations says could require more than a million new entrants to keep freight moving. Pandemic‑era waivers that temporarily relaxed licensing requirements have prompted the agency to consider making some of those concessions permanent.

The proposal would let a Commercial Learner's Permit holder who has passed the skills portion of the CDL exam operate a commercial vehicle without a qualified CDL driver in the passenger seat. It would also permit applicants to schedule their skills test in any state that offers it and would scrap the current 14‑day waiting period after a learner receives a CLP. ATA safety policy director Brenna Lyles argued that “over one million new drivers will be needed to keep up with industry demands and growth alongside driver outflows,” and she urged the FMCSA to eliminate any regulatory roadblocks that slow entry. In contrast, Peter Kurdock, general counsel for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, warned that “CDL applicants would be allowed to choose any state in which to test, including those that could be believed or demonstrated to be ‘easier’ or less stringent,” and cited a Boston Globe investigation that exposed chronic oversight failures at the FMCSA.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers who already hold a full license could see a new pool of entry‑level drivers competing for positions, potentially driving down wages for entry‑level OTR truck driver jobs. Owner‑operators may find it easier to hire a fresh driver who can start hauling within days, but they will also have to weigh the risk of bringing on someone who has not been vetted through a state‑specific mentorship program. Fleet managers could schedule skills tests in neighboring states to avoid bottlenecks, yet they will need to adjust their compliance tracking to reflect that a driver’s test location no longer ties directly to the carrier’s home state. The removal of the 14‑day CLP hold period could accelerate the timeline from learner to paid driver, shaving weeks off the hiring cycle for trucking companies hiring now.

Industry Reaction

The ATA has thrown its weight behind the rule, claiming that reduced paperwork and broader testing options are essential to stem the looming shortage. Safety advocates, however, contend that the changes undermine the very purpose of the skills test, which is to ensure that every new driver can handle a combination rig safely. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety highlighted the Boston Globe’s findings that the FMCSA has historically struggled to police unsafe carriers, suggesting that a looser testing regime could exacerbate existing safety gaps. Several independent owner‑operators voiced concerns on industry forums that “shopping” for the easiest state test could become a new loophole, eroding the credibility of the CDL credential.

Key Points

• FMCSA proposal would let CLP holders drive without a CDL‑qualified passenger.
• Applicants could take the skills test in any state, removing geographic restrictions.
• The mandatory 14‑day waiting period after receiving a CLP would be eliminated.
• ATA projects a need for over one million new drivers by 2030, while safety groups warn of reduced oversight.

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