Licensing & CDL
New York joins the Even Exchange program: how military drivers can skip the CDL knowledge test
Paired with the military skills test waiver, the program lets qualified service members and veterans trade military driving experience for a commercial license. Here is who qualifies and what to check.
Three ELDT providers pulled from FMCSA's registry over English proficiency are back, and their appeals are closed
FMCSA's emergency removals on Aug. 31 cited drivers the schools had certified who were later cited for failing the English standard. Here is how the removal, appeal and reinstatement process worked.
FMCSA denies 16 seizure-disorder exemption requests: every applicant fell short on seizure-free time
A Nov. 9 notice closes out a batch of 17 applications first published in March. Here's how the agency decides and what a denial means.
FMCSA moves to keep entry-level driver training reporting in place to 2030; comments due December 21
FMCSA plans to renew the paperwork approval behind the entry-level driver training system, which requires training providers to register in the Training Provider Registry and report each student who finishes training, and it is taking public comments until December 21, 2026.
FMCSA reinstates three CDL schools, fights six other ELDT removal appeals
All nine were pulled from the Training Provider Registry on August 31 over English proficiency failures. Filings dated October 26 show how the cases are splitting.
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.
Paper medical cards no longer count as proof for most CDL drivers
Since Oct. 12, drivers licensed outside Alaska and their carriers must rely on the electronic medical certification posted to the driver's state record.
Non-Domiciled CDL Final Rule Takes Effect After Court Stay of Interim Rule
On March 16, 2026, FMCSA's final rule limiting non-domiciled CDLs to H-2A, H-2B and E-2 holders took effect, replacing a stayed interim rule.
Quebec Sets Mandatory Training for New Class 1 Drivers
Quebec announced in November 2025 that, from December 15, new Class 1 applicants would need a 125-hour SAAQ program or a trucking diploma.
FMCSA Restricts Non-Domiciled CDLs to Three Visa Categories
A September 2025 interim final rule limited non-domiciled CDLs to H-2A, H-2B and E-2 holders and required immigration checks at every transaction.
National Registry II Starts Sending Medical Results to States
In June 2025, FMCSA began electronically passing driver medical certification results from the National Registry to state licensing agencies.
Alberta Replaces MELT With a Class 1 Learning Pathway
Alberta announced in March 2025 that new Class 1 drivers would train for 133 hours under a new pathway from April 1, backed by proposed grants.
FMCSA Awards $3.5 Million for CDL Training at 27 Schools
In August 2024, FMCSA funded safety training for drivers, with priority for veterans and rural, refugee and underserved communities.
Alberta Exempts Farmers From MELT and Plans a New Class 1 Pathway
From April 1, 2024, Alberta farmers could get a farm-restricted Class 1 licence without entry-level training, as the province announced plans to replace MELT.
FMCSA Proposes More Flexible CDL Testing Rules
A February 2024 proposal would let applicants test in other states, drop the 14-day permit wait, and let permit holders who passed the skills test drive with a CDL holder aboard.
FMCSA Updates Medical Advisory Criteria and Revives the Medical Examiner's Handbook
In January 2024, FMCSA replaced its guidance for medical examiners who certify CDL drivers and published a new handbook withdrawn since 2015.
Ontario Funds Free Truck Driver Training for Women and Newcomers
In June 2023, Ontario announced $1.3 million for AZ and DZ training for 54 people from groups underrepresented in trucking.
DOT Adds Oral Fluid Drug Testing for Truck Drivers
A May 2023 final rule let employers choose oral fluid instead of urine for DOT drug tests, once two labs were certified to run them.
FMCSA Opens Under-21 Apprenticeship Pilot to Carrier Applications
In July 2022, FMCSA began accepting carrier applications for the pilot letting 18- to 20-year-old CDL holders drive interstate.
FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training Rules Reach Their Compliance Date
From February 7, 2022, new Class A and B CDL applicants and first-time S, P and H endorsement seekers had to train with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
FMCSA Finalizes Alternative Vision Standard for Truck Drivers
A January 2022 final rule let drivers who fall short of the vision standard in one eye qualify through a medical examiner instead of a federal exemption.
Infrastructure Law Creates Under-21 Truck Driver Apprenticeship Pilot
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed November 15, 2021, set up an interstate apprenticeship pilot for CDL holders under 21 and several other trucking measures.
FMCSA Proposes Alternative Vision Standard for Truck Drivers
A January 2021 proposal would let drivers who fail the vision test in one eye be qualified by a medical examiner instead of applying for a federal exemption.
FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Waivers for CLP Holders, CDLs and Medical Certificates
FMCSA reissued its pandemic licensing waivers in June 2020, keeping relief for learner's permit holders and expiring credentials in place from July 1 to September 30, 2020.