FMCSA Driver Apprenticeship Program Now Live

A federal program to put more under-21 drivers behind the wheel of commercial vehicles is now a reality.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) officially started accepting applications July 26 from participants in its Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot program. The effort allows qualified drivers under the age of 21 to apprentice with participating trucking companies.

Interested parties can visit fmcsa.dot.gov/safedriver and click the “apply” button to go to a portal and submit an application. The multi-purpose portal can accommodate applications from carriers to participate, experienced drivers to work with apprentices, apprentice applications, status certification and more. Carriers must enter their USDOT number upon entry.

Under the pilot program, young drivers would complete two probationary periods operating a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce under direct supervision. 

The first probationary period would include at least 120 hours of on-duty time, at least 80 of which are driving time, while the second period must include at least 280 hours of on-duty time, with at least 160 hours of driving time.

Drivers under the age of 21 currently are only allowed to drive intrastate.