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A career in commercial trucking can provide numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth for individuals, including those who start their careers as teen drivers. From getting a learner’s permit to joining a pilot program and undergoing driver training, a teen driver can drive interstate as long as they meet the age requirements and hold the necessary licenses and qualifications.
To drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce (across state lines), a driver must be at least 21 years old due to federal regulations. This age requirement is set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). While the age requirement for interstate commerce is 21 years old, some states allow individuals as young as 18 to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and operate commercial vehicles within that state’s borders. This provides opportunities for younger drivers to engage in intrastate commerce.
Regardless of age, aspiring commercial truck drivers need to obtain a CDL. The CDL process typically involves meeting educational requirements, completing a training program, and passing written and skills tests. The age requirements to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the United States are as follows:
It’s crucial to note that these requirements are set by federal regulations administered by the FMCSA. Additionally, obtaining a CDL involves meeting specific driver education courses, training, and testing criteria.
It’s advisable to check with the relevant state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing agency for the most current and accurate information regarding age requirements and other regulations related to commercial driving.
Young drivers need to undergo proper driver education and training from reputable truck driving schools. These programs provide the necessary skills and knowledge to become a licensed driver and learn how to operate commercial vehicles safely and comply with regulations.
In response to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the FMCSA introduced SDAP, an apprenticeship pilot program intended to enable drivers aged 18 to 20, possessing an intrastate commercial driver’s license, to engage in interstate commerce under precise conditions.
The proposed pilot program was announced in January 2022. This three-year initiative is meant to help individuals aged 18, 19, and 20 to explore interstate trucking careers. Moreover, it aims to assist motor carriers in recruiting and training new drivers through the implementation of the apprenticeship pilot program.
This pilot program explores the practicalities, advantages, and safety implications of granting individuals under the age of 21 the ability to operate CMVs in other states. This program is part of the FMCSA’s commitment to gathering data and scrutinizing the safety capabilities of younger drivers who have experience driving heavy vehicles from their time in the military. The pilot program also gives them the opportunity to drive CMVs for interstate commerce. Its main objective was to determine whether the safety performance of younger drivers with military training could rival or surpass that of their counterparts aged 21 and older. This pioneering military CDL initiative extends an exemption from the standard prerequisite that all commercial driver’s license holders must be 21 years old, heralding a new frontier of military CDL opportunities for budding young truckers in the country.
However, eligibility for this pilot program hinges on meeting a specific set of criteria:
Upon reaching the age of 21, participants will be disengaged from the initiative but will still be eligible to continue operating in an interstate capacity for their current motor carrier or explore opportunities with another company.
There are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for teen drivers interested in interstate commerce:
Keep in mind that regulations can change, so it’s crucial to verify the most current requirements from the relevant authorities, such as FMCSA and the DMV.
Commercial trucking offers many opportunities for teen drivers who want to learn safe driving and see different parts of the country through interstate commerce. Knowing the value of comprehensive insurance early on in your career is one of the keys to success.
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