FMCSA has started an apprenticeship program for young drivers. The program will help curb the adverse driver shortage. It was in an infrastructure bill last year. It is meant to train under-21 drivers in interstate commerce. Initially, the law did not allow such young drivers on the interstate. They only operated within their states of employment.

The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program

As reported by Transport Topics, the program's main aim is to deal with the driver shortage issues. The program is open to young drivers who already have commercial driver licenses to operate within their states. It comes with very strict guidelines that drivers and carriers must follow. FMCSA will watch out for performance throughout the program to ensure safety.

The infrastructure bill laid down the program's requirements; the program will have two trial periods. One will be of 120 hours and 280 hours for the other. Participants will install safety technologies on their trucks. Once the program is up and running, FMCSA will announce its website. The public notice will direct those interested in applying for the same.

The two trial periods will be subject to assessment. The learner will have an experienced driver with them during the training. An experienced driver is at least 26 years old, with five years of interstate experience. The driver must also have a good accident report. The first 120 hours will be rated based on completion and competence while driving. The young driver must also complete the 280 hours. They must also be competent with other details like braking, maneuvering, and procedures like fueling, hooking and unhooking the trailers, planning, navigation, and many others.

Public Reaction to the Pilot Program

People reacted differently to the idea of having the program. Most of the comments were positive. According to an article by Truckers News, there were various comments. Some believed that the idea would help reduce driver shortages. Others thought that the young drivers were not ready and would cause many road accidents. Some blamed the driver shortage on poor working conditions. They suggested that truckers should improve driver retention and all will be well.

Despite the different reactions, the pilot program would help if well done. Supervisors must accurately report how the students perform. In doing so, they will produce better quality drivers. The program is meant to provide a solution to the issues at hand. Participants must be compliant to make it easier.