Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, April 2, 2020:
FMCSA allowing CLP holders to drive without CDL holder in front seat
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a temporary waiver on March 28 for commercial learner’s permit holders, allowing them to drive commercial vehicles without a CDL holder in the front seat of the truck. A CDL holder still has to be present somewhere in the truck under the waiver, however.
The waiver also only applies to CLP holders who have “possession of evidence from the testing jurisdiction, including an authorized third-party tester, that the CLP holder has passed the CDL driving skills test,” the waiver says.
The waiver is effective through June 30.
“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,” FMCSA says in the notice. “This waiver will also reduce the administrative burden on CLP holders during this national emergency.”
Medical examiner pleads guilty to falsifying DOT medical exams
Ronald E. Sherry, a physician’s assistant, pleaded guilty Feb. 27 to false entries and obstruction related to fraudulent medical exams of CDL holders.
The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General says Sherry was an FMCSA-certified medical examiner authorized to conduct physicals for CDL applicants and holders.
