FMCSA Grants Another Commercial Learner’s Permit Exemption
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has renewed an exemption allowing Landair Transport LLC, doing business as Covenant Logistics, to operate certain commercial motor vehicles without a qualified CDL holder seated in the front passenger seat during specified training situations.
Exemption applies after skills test
FMCSA’s final decision renews Covenant Logistics’ exemption from the federal requirement that a commercial driver’s license holder with the proper class and endorsements be seated in the front seat whenever a commercial learner’s permit holder is receiving behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways.
The exemption applies only after the commercial learner’s permit holder has passed the CDL skills test. The agency’s decision does not eliminate other applicable commercial driver qualification, supervision or safety requirements.
Renewal has drawn opposition
The exemption has faced opposition from truck safety groups and individual truckers, who have raised concerns about allowing CLP holders to operate without a fully qualified CDL holder seated in the front seat.
FMCSA nevertheless approved the renewal for Landair Transport, which operates as part of Covenant Logistics.
