FPCA Automobile Division: Commercial Driver License Rule Development

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Driver Licenses (“DHSMV”) has issued Notices of Development of Rulemaking for Commercial Driver Licenses (“CDL”):

15A-7.001: Definitions
15A-7.002: Purpose
15A-7.0025: Application
15A-7.003: CDL Endorsements
15A-7.004: CDL Restrictions
15A-7.005: Temporary CDL Instruction Permit
15A-7.006: Application; Operation in Interstate or Foreign Commerce; Certification Required; Medical Required; Exceptions
15A-7.007: Application; Intrastate Operation; Certification; Exceptions
15A-7.008: Tow Truck Testing and Licensing
15A-7.009: Issuance of Commercial Driver’s License; Department; Duties
15A-7.010: Issuance of License; Department Notify Commercial Driver’s License Information System
15A-7.011: Administration of Commercial Driver’s License Knowledge Tests
15A-7.012: Commercial Driver’s License Skills Tests
15A-7.013: Appropriate Motor Vehicle
15A-7.014: Commercial Driver’s License Document; Requirements; Class; Security Features
15A-7.015: Commercial Driver’s License for Hardship Purposes Only
15A-7.016: Persons Exempt From Requirements of Commercial Driver’s License Program; Noncommercial Driver’s License Endorsement
15A-7.017: Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment Program
15A-7.018: Military Qualifications for Waiver of Commercial Driver License Skills Test
15A-7.019: Third Party Testing Program

The proposed Rules would amend the current Rules to create and/or clarify certain definitions, and to reflect the previous revisions to Florida laws and related Federal rules. Revisions include the definition of a commercial driver license skills test, truck tractor, and semitrailer.

• The definition of a tank vehicle has been modified in addition to adding a new endorsement for school buses. Information on how to remove the airbrake restriction has been added and the Bus Only (“CMV”) and CMV < 26,000 lbs GVWR have been deleted.
• New restrictions have been added: Restriction 6, No Class A passenger vehicles, Restriction 7, No Class B passenger vehicles, Restriction 8, Automatic transmission-CMV.
• The requirements for a CDL temporary permit have been revised to ensure clarity.
• The CDL skills test definition has been expanded to include all 3-parts.
• The issuance procedures for CDLs have been updated plus the number of CDL tests an applicant may attempt, per day, has been noted.
• Information on the appropriate class of motor vehicle, to test for a CDL, has been expanded, and all references to a Class D license have been removed.
• Information on the Hazardous Materials Threat Assessment Program, Military Commercial Driver License qualifications and regulations regarding the Third Party Tester Program have been added.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Colodny Fass.