PAM Transport Asks FMCSA to Ease the CLP Front-Seat Rule: What It Would Change
The carrier wants learner-permit holders who already passed the CDL skills test to drive without a CDL holder in the passenger seat. Comments open Oct. 27.
PAM Transport has asked FMCSA for a five-year exemption from one piece of the commercial learner's permit (CLP) rule.
The notice went on public inspection October 26 and publishes in the Federal Register on October 27. Comments are due 30 days after publication, which works out to November 26, 2026. The docket is FMCSA-2026-3466.
The rule today
Under 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1), a CLP holder may drive a commercial motor vehicle only with a CDL holder in the front seat beside them.
What PAM wants
The exemption would apply only to CLP holders who have already passed the CDL skills test but have not yet received their CDL. A qualified CDL holder would still have to be physically in the truck, but not necessarily in the passenger seat.
PAM says this gap hits drivers who train outside their home state. They pass the test, then must wait for the home state to issue the license. PAM cites extra trips home, idle time and lost drivers while they wait. It estimates 500 to 700 CLP holders a year would be covered.
The eight conditions
To drive under the exemption, a driver would need:
- A valid CLP from the state of domicile
- A valid state driver's license from the same state
- A passed CDL skills test, with proof
- The required endorsements
- A current medical qualification
- No out-of-service order or suspension
- PAM's own qualification standards met
- A qualified CDL holder physically present in the truck
Drivers would carry those documents plus a copy of the exemption. PAM says it would track safety and pull any driver who stops qualifying.
What to watch
This is an application, not a decision. FMCSA will review comments before granting or denying it. If granted, it would cover PAM drivers only.
Carriers or drivers who want a say can file on regulations.gov under the docket number above.