A fixed minimum of driving hours gives training buyers a simple input to compare. FMCSA's December 8, 2016 final rule did not adopt that federal floor, making the required curriculum and demonstrated proficiency more important to understanding what a covered trainee was buying. The market question is whether providers can deliver those requirements efficiently, not whether the cheapest or shortest course automatically qualifies. [2016-28012][2016-03869]

The March proposal supplied a concrete alternative: at least 30 behind-the-wheel hours for Class A and 15 for Class B, with road and range subrequirements. Proficiency was required there too. The final eliminated the fixed hour minima rather than eliminating training. That change permits variation in duration within a common set of learning obligations; it does not demonstrate lower prices or better competition. [2016-28012][2016-03869]

Providers still had to teach every applicable theory element and obtain an overall theory assessment score of at least 80 percent from trainees. Required driving maneuvers had to be demonstrated to the instructor's satisfaction before certification. The incentive question is therefore about credible assessment as well as teaching cost: a quick certificate cannot stand in for the required performance. [2016-28012][2016-03869]

Coverage was limited to certain first licenses, upgrades and first specified endorsements, subject to exceptions, rather than every existing CDL holder. The rule's original timetable separated February 6, 2017 effectiveness from February 7, 2020 compliance. The proposal and final are stages of one regulatory chain. Neither measures actual tuition changes, provider entry or the financial return from choosing a particular training program. [2016-28012][2016-03869]

Source documents

  1. Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operatorshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-12-08/html/2016-28012.htm
  2. Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operatorshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-03-07/html/2016-03869.htm