FMCSA Could Add an Eighth Carrier to Learner’s Permit Exemptions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is pursuing several changes to commercial driver licensing, training oversight and hours-of-service enforcement, while also granting and considering exemptions opposed by some trucking safety groups.

FMCSA Tightens Oversight of Non-Domiciled CDLs

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued an emergency interim final rule aimed at strengthening federal oversight of how states issue non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses.

The action follows a nationwide FMCSA review that found widespread noncompliance among state driver licensing agencies. The agency also cited a series of fatal crashes involving holders of non-domiciled CDLs.

Under FMCSA guidance issued March 30, eligible nonimmigrant categories for a non-domiciled CDL or commercial learner’s permit include H-2A, H-2B and E-2 classifications, subject to additional requirements established by the rule.

FMCSA officials also said the agency has removed more than 10,000 training providers from its registry since December 2025. The agency has separately issued a final rule easing certain reporting requirements and proposed stronger enforcement of English-language proficiency standards.

Exemption Requests Draw Safety Opposition

FMCSA granted Landair Transport a five-year exemption on Sept. 1, despite opposition from truck safety groups and individual drivers. The agency received 10 comments on the request, including eight opposed and one in support.

PAM Transport is seeking a similar five-year exemption from federal requirements that commercial learner’s permit holders have a qualified CDL holder seated beside them after passing their CDL skills tests.

The requested exemption would allow certain newly trained drivers to operate commercial vehicles before receiving their physical CDL credentials. PAM Transport said denying the exemption could create financial hardship for trained drivers and contribute to the loss of recently acquired driving skills.

During the public comment period, the Truck Safety Coalition argued that granting the exemption would constitute “regulatory malpractice.”

Fuel Haulers Covered by Emergency Hours-of-Service Waiver

FMCSA first issued an emergency waiver on Sept. 16 for drivers and motor carriers transporting gasoline and diesel fuel. The waiver, which remains in effect through Dec. 16, exempts eligible operations from the maximum driving-time limits in 49 CFR 395.3 for property-carrying vehicles.

The agency recently amended the order, although the available information did not specify the changes. The emergency waiver has been in effect since mid-September.

Additional FMCSA Requirements

Federal commercial driver requirements also apply to operations transporting more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation; more than 15 passengers, including the driver, without compensation; or specified hazardous materials.