The Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is urging Congress to take immediate action to remove what it labels as dangerous exemptions and regulatory waivers in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) process. The association warned that such policies undermine highway safety and contribute to high turnover in an industry already facing a prolonged freight downturn.
In a letter addressed this week to leaders of the House and Senate transportation committees, OOIDA representing small-business truckers emphasized that reinforcing training and qualification standards must be the industry’s priority, rather than loosening them.
Specifically, OOIDA highlighted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) practice of granting waivers to the rule requiring a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)-holder to have a qualified CDL holder seated in the cab during training. Among other changes, this rule is currently under consideration for elimination.
The proposed regulation titled “Increased Flexibility for Testing and for Drivers After Passing the Skills Test”, is supported by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) but strongly opposed by owner-operators and safety advocates.
- Permitting CLP-holders who pass their skills test to drive a commercial vehicle without a CDL-holder accompanying them.
- Allowing CDL applicants to take their skills test in a state other than their state of residence.
- Eliminating the 14-day mandatory waiting period after CLP issuance before taking the skills test.
OOIDA argues that the proposal fails to demonstrate how new drivers will receive sufficient mentorship and supervision if the front-seat requirement is removed, especially given the current minimum nature of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards.
Protecting the Common-Sense Safeguards
In its communication to Congress, OOIDA outlined several key areas where regulatory integrity and oversight should be strengthened:
- Elevate ELDT requirements. OOIDA calls for minimum mandatory behind-the-wheel training hours for instance at least 30 hours rather than the current benchmark which lacks a specified hour requirement.
- Clean up the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The group asserts that FMCSA must more aggressively remove non-compliant or sub-standard training providers from TPR to avoid weak training foundations.
- Tighten entry-level carrier audits. New carrier applicants are currently subject to minimum oversight. OOIDA says the risk of inexperienced or repeat violators (“chameleon carriers”) entering the system with little scrutiny is too high.
- Eliminate unsafe waivers and exemptions. OOIDA urges the confrontation of compliance gaps such as front-seat waiver proposals which they believe undermine driver mentoring and safe practice.
- Increase oversight of third-party testing. With more CDL skills and knowledge examinations handled by third-party entities, OOIDA calls for firm oversight and accountability particularly on fraud risk in knowledge and skills testing.
- Strengthen licensing integrity. The letter emphasizes language-proficiency requirements, integrity of issuing CDLs (especially to non-domiciled applicants), and consistent state practices as part of the broader safety puzzle.
Industry Context: Why This Matters Now
OOIDA’s urgency is framed by the state of the trucking sector today. While many talk of a “driver shortage,” OOIDA contends the real issue is high turnover largely driven by poorly trained drivers being thrust into roles unprepared. “There is no driver shortage in trucking,” OOIDA states; instead, “tremendous driver turnover” is the actual problem.
The association links this turnover to extended freight recession conditions, which in turn apply pressure on carriers and drivers alike:
- Freight volumes have been under pressure for an extended period; the industry is still coping with what OOIDA describes as “the longest-running freight recession in decades.”
- Under such conditions, some policy proposals (such as the DRIVE Safe Act, which would ease interstate driving for drivers under 21) are viewed by OOIDA as incentives to open the door to less-trained labor, rather than improving safety.
By focusing first on raising training and licensing standards rather than lowering them, OOIDA argues the trucking industry can more safely recruit and retain qualified drivers ultimately benefitting carriers, drivers and all road users.
Why This is Important to Your Fleet & Business
For owner-operators and carriers alike, the implications are significant:
Safety performance matters. Undercutting training or licensing standards may save short-term costs but can lead to higher crash risk, more regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage.
Retention and readiness go hand-in-hand. Investing in thorough training and mentorship increases driver confidence and skill, which supports longer tenures and lower turnover costs.
Regulatory wind-shifts may be coming. With OOIDA pushing Congress for stronger standards, the regulatory environment may tilt toward tighter oversight not less. Carriers should prepare accordingly.
Market differentiation. Being a carrier that commits to high training, safe practice and sound driver preparation can become a competitive advantage attracting better drivers, dispatch opportunities and customer trust.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is making a strong case: instead of opening the floodgates to lower-cost, less-qualified drivers, Congress and regulators should focus on raising the bar for education, licensing, testing and carrier entry. For fleets, operators and drivers serious about long-term success, the message is clear train harder, screen smarter, and play the long game.
