New Commercial Driver's License Rules Proposed

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) is in the process of gathering stakeholder comments on a proposed rule setting minimum training requirements for applicants for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Under a law passed in 2007 (SHB 1267), the DOL is required to establish rules for professional training programs.

The new law exempts employer-trained drivers from this requirement. However, there has been some discussion of the training requirements eventually applying to employer-trained drivers as well. There is also a proposed federal CDL training rule, which is currently in its public comment period. That proposed rule does not exempt employer-trained drivers.

When the new Washington rules take effect, an applicant who has been trained by his or her employer will have to present a certificate to the DOL stating that he or she has the skills and training necessary to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely.

The Washington Retail Association has had several stakeholder meetings with the DOL regarding the new training requirements. The Department would like some feedback from retailers on this subject.

· How much time would retailers need for outreach efforts before the new rule goes into effect? The Department is suggesting six months.

· What would be the most effective methods for retailers to get notice of the new requirements?

· What would be the most convenient way for retailers to obtain the certificate for their CDL applicants? The Department has suggested it might make the certificate available on its website.

If you have any comments or questions, please contact Vicky Marin at (360) 943-9198, ext. 12.