Land Line Media: CLP Exemption Denied Amid Hazmat Concerns
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has declined to grant an exemption that would have allowed certain commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders to obtain hazardous materials endorsements, despite the applicants having passed their commercial driver’s license skills tests.
Federal Rule Bars HM Endorsements for CLP Holders
FMCSA cited 49 CFR 383.93(a)(2), which prohibits CLP holders from obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement. The agency stated that the applicants’ successful completion of the CDL skills test does not override the regulatory restriction.
“Although the applicant’s CLP holders for whom the exemption is sought have passed the CDL skills test, 49 CFR 383.93(a)(2) prohibits CLP holders from obtaining an HM endorsement,” FMCSA wrote.
Different From Previous CLP Exemptions
FMCSA has previously granted exemptions allowing certain commercial learner’s permit drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles without a fully licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat. However, the agency’s latest decision does not extend that flexibility to hazardous materials endorsements.
The decision reinforces the distinction between exemptions related to supervised vehicle operation and the separate federal requirements governing the transportation of hazardous materials.
