The Next Highway Bill Could Redefine Driver Training Standards—Here’s How

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is once again taking a firm stand on commercial driver safety.  In an October 20 letter to congressional leaders, OOIDA called for stronger training, licensing, and qualification standards for commercial drivers—arguing that too many new entrants are hitting the road without the necessary skills to safely operate large commercial vehicles.

“Far too many individuals are entering the trucking industry without the basic skills necessary to safely operate a commercial vehicle,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. He emphasized that inconsistent licensing processes across states have allowed hundreds of thousands of underqualified drivers onto U.S. highways—an issue that has contributed to preventable accidents and fatalities.

As lawmakers prepare to reauthorize the Highway Bill with the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act set to expire in September 2026, OOIDA is pushing for meaningful reforms to ensure safer, better-trained drivers enter the workforce.

Key Recommendations from OOIDA

1. Bolster Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Standards
OOIDA is urging Congress to require a minimum of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training for all new drivers.  Current ELDT rules only mandate that trainees demonstrate proficiency in specific skills, without setting a minimum time requirement.  OOIDA argues that this lack of structure leaves too much room for inconsistency, resulting in drivers who may be technically “certified” but not truly prepared for real-world conditions.

2. Strengthen Oversight of the Training Provider Registry (TPR)
The association is calling on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to take stronger action against non-compliant or inadequate training schools.  OOIDA says that eliminating “bad actors” from the TPR will help maintain higher standards across all training institutions and prevent unqualified individuals from entering the industry.

3. Tighten New-Entrant Audits
To improve safety at the carrier level, OOIDA is also recommending that the FMCSA perform more rigorous audits of new carriers before granting them operating authority.  This added oversight could help identify safety risks early and ensure new carriers are meeting compliance and training expectations.

4. End Unsafe CDL Exemptions and Waivers
OOIDA continues to oppose waivers allowing commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders to drive without a CDL holder in the passenger seat.  The group stresses that supervision from experienced drivers is critical during the learning process to reduce the risk of accidents and improve skill development.

5. Increase Accountability for Third-Party CDL Testing
As more states rely on third-party examiners for CDL testing, OOIDA is urging Congress to introduce stronger oversight to curb fraud and bribery.  Ensuring the integrity of CDL testing is vital to maintaining public confidence and safety standards in the industry.

A Push for Legislative Action

OOIDA also voiced support for Representative David Rouzer’s bill, which would codify the Department of Transportation’s interim final rule on non-domiciled CDL issuance.  The association says this step is necessary to create consistent and fair licensing standards across all states.

As Congress drafts the next iteration of the Highway Bill, OOIDA’s recommendations highlight a growing concern shared across the trucking industry: that relaxed training requirements and uneven enforcement could endanger both professional drivers and the motoring public.

By calling for tougher standards and greater accountability, OOIDA is pushing for reforms that prioritize safety, skill, and professionalism—ensuring that every driver on the road is equipped to meet the demands of modern trucking.

 

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