April 25, 2025

FMCSA denies request for younger commercial driving permits

Steve Smith

FMCSA denies request for younger commercial driving permits

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has denied a request from Connell High School in Washington to allow 17-year-olds to get commercial learner's permits (CLPs).

Why it matters: Connell High sought an exemption to the age rule to help their CDL training program students, but were turned down due to safety concerns.

The FMCSA cited the risks of letting young and inexperienced drivers operate commercial vehicles.
Most of the public comments on the exemption request opposed allowing 17-year-olds to obtain CLPs, reported the Federal Register.

What they're saying: FMCSA claims available data couldn't prove a 17-year-old's safety level would match that of older drivers under existing regulations.

Looking ahead: Connell High offers several safety features in their program, like training simulators and clean driving requirements, but these measures were not enough to sway the FMCSA's decision.

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