BREAKING NEWS: Governor Signs TANY's Younger Driver Legislation

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Allow 18- to 20-Year-Old Drivers to Obtain a Class A CDL License for Intrastate Operation

"Late yesterday evening, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S5486 Kennedy/A6295 Lupardo) that will allow drivers between the ages of 18 and 20, after completion of a rigorous training program, to obtain their Class A CDL for intrastate operation. New York becomes the 50th state to allow individuals under the age of 21 to obtain a Class A CDL for operation within the state's borders.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s5486

The legislation was a priority issue for TANY during the 2021 legislative session and a critical piece of our workforce development initiative. As we continue to focus on encouraging high school students to consider careers in the trucking industry, it was imperative that they have the opportunity to obtain their Class A CDL prior to the age of 21.

To address safety concerns regarding younger drivers operating large commercial vehicles, the legislation provides for training that closely mirrors the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's entry-level driver training requirements and requires a minimum of three-hundred (300) hours of behind-the-wheel training under the immediate supervision and control of an experienced driver.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt

The NYS Department of Transportation will need to promulgate a rule to establish the younger driver program and TANY will keep members posted on that progress.

TANY thanks Senator Tim Kennedy (D-63) and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D-123) for their commitment and leadership as sponsors of this important legislation."

Shared from today's TANY email update.