Is there a 17-year-old semitruck driver coming to a roadway near you? That’s the question a high school in Washington state wants answered affirmatively. It’s asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to let its young students get commercial truck learner permits.
A high school says 17-year-old semitruck drivers should be allowed
Connell High School (CHS) has asked the FMCSA for an exemption that would begin in September to allow under-18s enrolled in the high school’s CDL program to get a learner’s permit. The aim is to have the kids get their permits at 17, then undergo 180 hours of classroom, field, and drive time, aiming for a CDL when they turn 18.
Sound a little risky? The law currently allows 18-year-olds to drive big rigs intrastate, but to cross state lines they need to be 21. However, the high school says the makeup of its student body is largely minority and economically disadvantaged. It says most of the students come from an agricultural area. “CHS believes that granting the exemption will allow students to obtain a CDL at 18 years of age and, upon graduation from CHS, immediately enter the local workforce with stable, well-paying employment,” FMCSA published in a notice on the matter. “CHS also believes that the exemption could have a positive impact on the local communities and alleviate the current commercial driver shortage.”
The latter assertion of the “current commercial driver shortage” drew some raised eyebrows in the trucking community. “Those claims have been refuted by numerous organizations,” notes landline.media, a trucking interest website. “In addition, a pilot program for under-21 drivers is experiencing underwhelming participation numbers.”
If the thought of a 17-year-old semitruck driver concerns you, comments are being taken on the issue by the FMCSA. To do so, click here.
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I think this is a great idea. Many trades are taught in shop during high school. Why not CDL. They have to pass a very long test to pass and actually obtain a CDL. They have to stay in state for 3 years which will give them experience for OTR. The need for truck drivers is still high.
I don’t agree. At 17, kids today are lucky they know how to get a fork to their mouths. I was a hot rod punk at 17. Far as I can tell, there’s no difference between driving a semi locally in your state, and crossing a state line and driving in the next state. That’s a goofy rule. I drove for 30+ years. It’s scary enough being around adults that are learning to drive, or have just obtained their CDL and have been cut loose. I still think 21 is a good idea. Another point. When it comes to driving professionally, and doing a good job, you either “have it”, or “you don’t”. We all see those who “don’t” all the time . . .
More great points, thank you.
I don’t think it’s a good idea for an 18 year old to be allowed to drive a truck weighing in excess of 70,000lbs. Most at that age are just starting to drive a car. There are too many risks and distractions at that age driving a car let alone a fully loaded semi.
The analogy of minorities and disadvantage should not even be considered.
Agreed on all points.
💯
They don’t allow it anymore but I had a job as a cement truck driver when I was 17 until I graduated high school
AI strikes again. I assume that’s a soda bottle sticking out of his belt in the picture. 🤔
Totally idiotic. Change the system so immature drivers can drive these huge trucks? WTH! I commented on their site- not that it matters much.
How about commercial airline pilots? Why not? At the very least, FedEx Cargo or UPS! We’re having a pilot shortage too.
Cross the Rio Grande, be a lifeguard! Solve that pesky lifeguard shortage in NYC. Oh, you crossed on a bridge, congrats, you can build some bridges for our interstates, I mean heck, you know something about bridges.
Easy Cancel…
Can’t even make it up. LOL.
Nope 😉
I wonder what will happen when the insurance companies get ahold of this!!! Most states consider anyone under 25 and single an insured risk so the premiums should reflect this…
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 No, this does not bother me, not if it is a standard driver-training with an instructor in the cab with the trainee all the time. Seems a great idea to give a kid a trade with a minimal (none?) amount of debt and an opportunity to earn a reasonable living. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
I drove a semi when I was 15, not for hire. Low boy trailer hauling bulldozer and other equipment. 1956 VA&WVA old white and a new GM . My father’s company. Clean driving record.