Lately I've been overhearing conversations at truck stops about the CDL testing becoming easier because of the ongoing shortage of truckers. Anyone know if there is any truth to this?

It's kind of scary to think about the implications if this were to be true.

 

I have not heard a thing.

 

I'm not sure how one could make it easier short of just handing out CDLs to anyone who asks for one. It's not rocket science, you have to pass some paper/computer tests on pretty basic stuff and then show you can actually handle the truck without getting into an accident.

 

The pre-trip is what gets everyone. Depending upon the DMV they are too picky or not enough.

 

More and more trucks are going to automatics. It is to the point where states are putting automatic transmissions on the license as a restriction. The same for air brakes.

An example, a driver takes his CDL test in a F550 with a gooseneck instead of in a Volvo he has the air brake restriction.

 

I would not assign much validity to what you hear in truck stops.

I'm fairly sure that the examiners at every DMV in every state in the nation don't give a hoot (or another word) about the commercial driver shortage.

Those examiners are all individuals and unless they are otherwise directed by their supervisors (and I seriously doubt that happens) then they will tend to pass only those who present the basic skills required.

Now, I'm not saying that those applicants are always proficient, but I suspect that a driver 'shortage' has no bearing on the outcome.

There HAS been some efforts to relax the restrictions on the CDL learners permit, (to help alleviate some of the barriers that new commercial drivers face) and this could be related to the conversations you may have overheard.

In fact, most of us in the industry tend to push for a more comprehensive (or at least some level of) training program that would be REQUIRED of a new commercial driver before they are allowed to drive solo.