FMCSA issues waiver allowing CDL permit holders to operate without co-driver in seat

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a 3-month waiver allowing student drivers holding a Commercial Driver’s License permit to operate a commercial vehicle without a commercially-licensed co driver in the passenger seat, as long as the CDL driver is elsewhere in the cab.

The waiver requires that the driver with the permit has previously passed a driver skills test showing they can operate the vehicle. The FMCSA says the waiver, which expires June 30th, “is in the public interest, given CDL and CLP holders’ critical role in delivering necessary property and passengers, including, but not limited to, shipments of essential supplies and persons to respond to the COVID-19 outbreaks. This waiver is in the public interest because it would allow drivers covered under this waiver to deliver essential supplies and persons across State lines to address the national emergency. This waiver will also reduce the administrative burden on CLP holders during this national emergency.”

As many states have closed their Motor Vehicle Departments, the waiver also allows permit holders to take a driving skills tests in states, other than where the live. This waiver applies to all permit holders regardless of whether the driver has received driver training as long as they have a valid medical card.

Using the comment box below, what are your thoughts on this. If permit holders are now able to run as a team, should employers pay full driver pay? What about insurance implications?

FMCSA WAIVER PERMIT by Freight Broker Live on Scribd