[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 6, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8029-8042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04044]



[[Page 8029]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 380

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0371]
RIN 2126-AC05


Commercial Driver's License Upgrade from Class B to Class A

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA amends the entry-level driver training (ELDT) 
regulations published on December 8, 2016, titled ``Minimum Training 
Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators'' (ELDT 
final rule), by adopting a new Class A CDL theory instruction upgrade 
curriculum to reduce the training time and costs incurred by Class B 
commercial driver's license (CDL) holders upgrading to a Class A CDL. 
This final rule does not change the regulatory text proposed in the 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The Agency believes that this 
modest change in the Class A theory training requirements for Class B 
CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL maintains the same level of 
safety established by the ELDT final rule, and the regulatory burden 
reduction will result in annualized cost savings of $18 million.

DATES: This final rule is effective May 6, 2019. The compliance date 
for this final rule is February 7, 2020.
    Petitions for Reconsideration of this final rule must be submitted 
to the FMCSA Administrator no later than April 5, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard Clemente, Driver and 
Carrier Operations (MC-PSD) Division, FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001, by telephone at 202-366-4325, or by email at 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material 
to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule is organized as follows:

I. Rulemaking Documents
    A. Availability of Rulemaking Documents
    B. Privacy Act
II. Executive Summary
III. Abbreviations
IV. Legal Basis
V. Background
VI. Discussion of Proposed Rule
VII. Discussion of Comments and Responses
VIII. International Impacts
IX. Section-by-Section
X. Regulatory Analyses
    A. E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review and DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures as Supplemented by E.O. 13563)
    B. E.O. 13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs)
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (Small Entities)
    D. Assistance for Small Entities
    E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    F. Paperwork Reduction Act (Collection of Information)
    G. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
    H. E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)
    I. E.O. 13045 (Protection of Children)
    J. E.O. 12630 (Taking of Private Property)
    K. Privacy
    L. E.O. 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)
    M. E.O. 13211 (Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use)
    N. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
    O. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (Technical 
Standards)
    P. Environment (NEPA)

I. Rulemaking Documents

A. Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    For access to docket FMCSA-2017-0371 to read background documents 
and comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time, or 
to Docket Services at U.S. Department of Transportation, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

B. Privacy Act

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the 
public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these 
comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

II. Executive Summary

    The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) 
required the issuance of final regulations establishing minimum ELDT 
requirements addressing the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe 
operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that must be acquired 
before obtaining a CDL for the first time or upgrading from one class 
of CDL to another (49 U.S.C. 31305(c)(1)). On December 8, 2016, FMCSA 
published a final rule establishing minimum ELDT requirements meeting 
the MAP-21 mandate (81 FR 88732) (``ELDT final rule''). Today, as part 
of the Agency's ongoing effort to review existing regulations to 
evaluate their continued necessity and effectiveness, FMCSA amends 49 
CFR part 380 by adding a new theory instruction upgrade curriculum for 
Class B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL. This final rule does 
not change the regulatory text proposed in the June 29, 2018, NPRM.
    The ELDT final rule required the same level of theory training for 
individuals obtaining a CDL for the first time as for those who already 
hold a Class B CDL and are upgrading to a Class A CDL. FMCSA now 
concludes that, because Class B CDL holders have prior training or 
experience, they are not required to receive the same level of theory 
training as individuals who have never held a CDL. Accordingly, the 
Agency adds an optional theory instruction upgrade curriculum for Class 
B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL, which removes eight 
instructional units involving ``Non-Driving Activities.'' However, 
Class B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL remain free to choose to 
complete the Class A theory instruction standard curriculum, which 
includes the eight units of theory instruction not included in the 
upgrade curriculum established by this rule. This rule applies only to 
Class B CDL holders; therefore, individuals obtaining a Class A CDL who 
do not already hold a Class B CDL must complete the full Class A theory 
(standard) curriculum, as required by the ELDT final rule.
    The theory instruction upgrade curriculum for Class B CDL holders 
does not require a minimum number of instruction hours, but the 
training provider is required to cover all topics in the curriculum and 
driver-trainees must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on 
the written theory assessment. This approach is consistent with the 
theory curricula requirements in the ELDT final rule. This final rule 
does not change the behind-the-wheel (BTW) (range and public road) 
training requirements set forth in the ELDT final rule. All driver-
trainees, including those who hold a Class B CDL, must demonstrate 
proficiency in all elements of the BTW curriculum in a Group A vehicle.
Costs and Benefits
    The Agency estimates that an annual average of approximately 11,340 
driver-trainees are affected by the rule, with each experiencing a 
reduction of 27 hours in time spent completing their theory 
instruction. This results in a substantial time cost savings to these 
driver-trainees, who no longer must attend this training, as well as a 
cost savings to the motor carriers that employ these drivers. The rule 
does not

[[Page 8030]]

result in any increase in costs. As presented in Table 1, the Agency 
estimates that the rule results in a 10-year cost savings of $182 
million on an undiscounted basis, $155 million discounted at 3%, $127 
million discounted at 7%, and $18 million on an annualized basis at a 
7% or a 3% discount rate, representing a decrease in cost or a cost 
savings. Most of this annualized cost savings ($17.10 million) is 
realized by driver-trainees, with the remainder of the annualized cost 
savings ($1.04 million) realized by motor carriers.

                                 Table 1--Summary of the Total Cost of the Rule
                                             [In millions of 2014$]
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                                                   Undiscounted                             Discounted
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              Year                Driver-trainee   Motor carrier   Total  Costs   Discounted  at  Discounted  at
                                       costs           costs           \(a)\            3%              7%
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2020............................   \(b)\ ($16.7)          ($1.0)         ($17.8)         ($17.2)         ($16.6)
2021............................          (16.8)           (1.0)          (17.8)          (16.8)          (15.6)
2022............................          (16.9)           (1.0)          (17.9)          (16.4)          (14.6)
2023............................          (17.0)           (1.0)          (18.0)          (16.0)          (13.8)
2024............................          (17.1)           (1.0)          (18.1)          (15.6)          (12.9)
2025............................          (17.2)           (1.0)          (18.2)          (15.3)          (12.2)
2026............................          (17.3)           (1.0)          (18.3)          (14.9)          (11.4)
2027............................          (17.4)           (1.1)          (18.4)          (14.5)          (10.7)
2028............................          (17.5)           (1.1)          (18.5)          (14.2)          (10.1)
2029............................          (17.6)           (1.1)          (18.6)          (13.9)           (9.5)
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.......................           (171)            (10)           (182)           (155)           (127)
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Annualized......................  ..............  ..............            (18)            (18)            (18)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
(a) Total cost values may not equal the sum of the components due to rounding. (The totals shown in this column
  are the rounded sum of unrounded components.)
(b) Values shown in parentheses are negative values (i.e., less than zero) and represent a decrease in cost or a
  cost savings.

    In the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final rule, FMCSA 
estimated that not only would driver-trainees and motor carriers incur 
costs, but that training providers, State Driver Licensing Agencies 
(SDLAs), and the Federal government would also incur costs, as a result 
of the ELDT final rule. For this rule, FMCSA does not anticipate any 
change in costs relative to the ELDT final rule for training providers, 
SDLAs, or the Federal government, because the regulatory obligations of 
these entities, as set forth in the ELDT final rule, are not affected.
    The Agency believes that this rule does not result in changes to 
the benefits of the ELDT final rule. In the regulatory evaluation for 
the ELDT final rule, the Agency estimated quantified benefits for three 
categories of non-safety benefits, including savings from reductions in 
fuel consumption, reductions in CO2 emissions related to 
those reductions in fuel consumption, and reductions in vehicle 
maintenance and repair costs. These estimated non-safety benefits were 
derived from the Speed Management and Space Management instructional 
units in the Class A theory instruction curriculum in the ELDT final 
rule. Because these two instructional units remain in the theory 
instruction upgrade curriculum, the Agency does not anticipate any 
change in these non-safety benefits from this rule.
    The regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final rule addressed the 
potential safety benefits of ELDT. In considering the potential safety 
impacts from the June 29, 2018, NPRM, the Agency noted that Class B CDL 
holders have prior training or experience in operating CMVs, which 
serves as an adequate substitute for the eight non-driving 
instructional units not included in the optional theory instruction 
upgrade curriculum. The Agency therefore presumed that the NPRM would 
not impact safety, and specifically requested comment on whether the 
proposed optional Class A CDL theory curriculum would reduce safety 
benefits relative to the ELDT final rule. The Agency received no 
comments in response to that request. Therefore, the Agency does not 
anticipate that this rule will change potential safety benefits 
previously identified in connection with the ELDT final rule.

III. Abbreviations and Acronyms

ANPRM Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
ATA American Trucking Associations, Inc.
BEA Bureau of Economic Analysis
BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics
BTW Behind the Wheel
CDL Commercial Driver's License
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CLP Commercial Learner's Permit
CMV Commercial Motor Vehicle
CMVSA Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act
CVTA Commercial Vehicle Training Association
DOT U.S. Department of Transportation
ELDT Entry-Level Driver Training
E.O. Executive Order
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FMCSRs Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
FR Federal Register
HM Hazardous Materials
IT Information Technology
MAP-21 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act
NAICS North American Industry Classification System
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
OMB Office of Management and Budget
OOIDA Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
OOS Out-of-Service
PIA Privacy Impact Assessment
PII Personally Identifiable Information
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
PTDI Professional Truck Driver Institute
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
RIA Regulatory Impact Analysis
RIN Regulation Identifier Number
SBA Small Business Administration
SDLA State Driver Licensing Agency
Sec.  Section symbol
TPR Training Provider Registry
U.S.C. United States Code

IV. Legal Basis for the Rulemaking

    As noted above, FMCSA's publication of the final rule, ``Minimum 
Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Vehicle Operators'' 
(81 FR 88732 (Dec. 8, 2016)), satisfied the MAP-21 requirement that the 
Agency

[[Page 8031]]

issue ELDT regulations. This rule, which amends regulations established 
by the ELDT final rule, is based on the authority of the Motor Carrier 
Act of 1935 (the 1935 Act) and the Motor Carrier Act of 1984 (the 1984 
Act), both as amended, and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 
1986 (CMVSA).
    The 1935 Act, codified at 49 U.S.C. 31502(b), provides that ``The 
Secretary of Transportation may prescribe requirements for--(1) 
qualifications and maximum hours of service of employees of, and safety 
of operation and equipment of, a motor carrier; and (2) qualifications 
and maximum hours of service of employees of, and standards of 
equipment of, a motor private carrier, when needed to promote safety of 
operation.'' This rule addresses the qualifications of certain motor 
carrier employees, consistent with the safe operation of CMVs.
    The 1984 Act, codified at 49 U.S.C. 31136(a), provides concurrent 
authority to regulate drivers, motor carriers, and vehicle equipment. 
Section 31136(a)(1) grants the Secretary broad authority to issue 
regulations ``on commercial motor vehicle safety,'' including 
regulations to ensure that ``commercial motor vehicles are . . . 
operated safely''. The remaining statutory factors and requirements in 
section 31136(a), to the extent they are relevant, are also satisfied 
here. In accordance with section 31136(a)(2), the elimination of 
duplicative theory training does not impose any ``responsibilities . . 
. on operators of commercial motor vehicles [that would] impair their 
ability to operate the vehicles safely.'' This rule does not directly 
address medical standards for drivers (section 31136(a)(3)) or possible 
physical effects caused by driving CMVs (section 31136(a)(4)). However, 
to the extent that the various curricula in the 2016 final rule on ELDT 
address FMCSA's medical requirements for CMV drivers, section 
31136(a)(3) was considered and addressed in that rulemaking. FMCSA does 
not anticipate that drivers will be coerced (section 31136(a)(5)) as a 
result of this rulemaking. However, the Agency notes that the ELDT 
theory training curricula for Class B CDLs, as well as the Class A 
theory instruction standard curriculum, includes a ``Whistleblower/
Coercion'' unit, addressing the right of an employee to question the 
safety practices of an employer without incurring the risk of losing a 
job or being subject to reprisal simply for stating a safety concern. 
This unit also instructs driver-trainees in procedures for reporting to 
FMCSA incidents of coercion from motor carriers, shippers, receivers, 
or transportation intermediaries.
    The CMVSA provides, among other things, that the Secretary shall 
prescribe regulations on minimum standards for testing and ensuring the 
fitness of an individual operating a CMV (49 U.S.C. 31305(a)). This 
rule addresses the fitness of specified individuals (i.e., Class B CDL 
holders upgrading to a Class A CDL) operating a CMV.
    Finally, the Administrator of FMCSA is delegated authority under 49 
CFR 1.87 to carry out the functions vested in the Secretary of 
Transportation by 49 U.S.C. Chapters 311, 313, and 315, as they relate 
to commercial motor vehicle operators, programs and safety.

V. Background

    On December 8, 2016, FMCSA published a final rule establishing 
minimum training standards for certain individuals applying for their 
CDL for the first time; an upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL 
holder upgrading to a Class A CDL); or a hazardous materials (H), 
passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time. The 
final rule, which set forth ELDT requirements for BTW and theory 
(knowledge) instruction, fulfilled the Congressional mandate in section 
32304 of MAP-21 and was based in part on consensus recommendations from 
the Agency's Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC). 
The ELDT final rule, effective on June 5, 2017 \1\ (with a compliance 
date of February 7, 2020), is the culmination of previous efforts by 
FMCSA and its predecessor agency, the Federal Highway Administration, 
to address the issue of CMV driver training standards.\2\
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    \1\ The ELDT rule was initially effective on February 6, 2017. 
In accordance with the Presidential directive as expressed in the 
memorandum of January 20, 2017, from the Assistant to the President 
and Chief of Staff, entitled ``Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,'' 
the effective date was temporarily delayed three times by final 
rules published on February 1, 2017 (82 FR 8903), March 21, 2017 (82 
FR 14476), and May 23, 2017 (82 FR 23516).
    \2\ For a more extensive review of the legal and regulatory 
history of these efforts, see 81 FR 88732, 88739-40 (Dec. 8, 2016).
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    The Department has longstanding processes to periodically review 
regulations and other agency actions and, if appropriate, revised to 
ensure that they continue to meet the needs for which they were 
originally designed, and that they remain cost-effective and cost-
justified.\3\ Consistent with these processes, the Agency revised the 
theory training requirements applicable to CMV drivers already holding 
a Class B CDL who wish to upgrade to a Class A CDL. The requirements 
pertaining to BTW (range and public road) instruction, as set forth in 
the ELDT final rule, remain unchanged for all driver-trainees, 
including Class B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL.
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    \3\ See Exec. Order No. 13777, section 1, 82 FR 12285 (March 1, 
2017) (``It is the policy of the United States to alleviate 
unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the American people or . . 
.''); Exec. Order No. 13610, 77 FR 28469 (May 14, 2012) (requiring 
agencies to conduct retrospective analyses of existing rules to 
determine whether they remain justified); Exec. Order No. 13563, 
section 6(b), 76 FR 2831, (Jan. 21, 2011) (requiring agencies to 
submit a plan ``under which the agency will periodically review its 
existing significant regulations to determine whether any such 
regulations should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed 
so as to make the agency's regulatory program more effective or less 
burdensome in achieving the regulatory objectives''); Exec. Order 
No. 12866, section 5, (Sept. 30, 1993) (requiring each agency to 
``review its existing significant regulations to determine whether 
any such regulations should be modified or eliminated so as to make 
the agency's regulatory program more effective in achieving the 
regulatory objectives, less burdensome, or in greater alignment with 
the President's priorities and the principles set forth in this 
Executive order'').
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VI. June 29, 2018, Proposed Rule

    The ELDT final rule required the same level of theory training for 
individuals obtaining a CDL for the first time as those who already 
hold a Class B CDL and are upgrading to a Class A CDL. FMCSA 
subsequently concluded that this approach imposed an unnecessary 
regulatory burden because, due to prior training or experience in 
operating a CMV, Class B CDL holders do not require the same level of 
theory training as individuals who have never held a CDL. Accordingly, 
the Agency proposed the following change: Class B CDL holders upgrading 
to a Class A CDL would not be required to complete eight instructional 
units currently included in Section A.1.5, ``Non-Driving Activities,'' 
of the theory instruction portion of the Class A CDL training 
curriculum as set forth in Appendix A to 49 CFR part 380. Under this 
proposal, the theory instructional units that would no longer be 
required for Class B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL are: 
Handling and Documenting Cargo, Environmental Compliance Issues, Post-
Crash Procedures, External Communications, Whistleblower/Coercion, Trip 
Planning, Drugs/Alcohol, and Medical Requirements. These units would, 
however, remain required elements of the theory instruction standard 
curriculum for any individual obtaining a Class A CDL who does not 
already hold a Class B CDL. These units, which provide instruction in 
activities that do not involve actually operating a CMV, are identical, 
except for minor editorial differences in some of the topic

[[Page 8032]]

descriptions, to the above-specified instructional units included in 
Section B.1.5, ``Non-Driving Activities,'' of the Theory Instruction 
portion of the Class B CDL Curriculum as set forth in Appendix B to 49 
CFR part 380.
    The NPRM explained that driver-trainees affected by the proposal 
would fall into one of two categories: those who obtain a Class B CDL 
after the compliance date of February 7, 2020, and thus are subject to 
the training requirements set forth in the ELDT final rule, and those 
who obtain a Class B CDL before the compliance date of the final rule 
and thus are not subject to those requirements.\4\ The first category, 
drivers who obtain a Class B CDL by completing ELDT training after 
February 7, 2020, will have already demonstrated proficiency in the 
eight non-driving theory topics, identified above, included in the 
Section B.1.5 of the Class B training curriculum, the content of which 
is virtually identical to the content of section A.1.5. The Agency 
noted that, accordingly, requiring Class B CDL holders who are 
upgrading to Class A to be re-trained in those topics, which they have 
already mastered by successfully completing the Class B theory 
instruction, imposes an unnecessary regulatory burden on those 
individuals.
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    \4\ The latter category would also include drivers who obtain a 
Class B CLP before the compliance date of the ELDT final rule and 
obtain the Class B CDL after the compliance date, but before the CLP 
or renewed CLP expires. See 49 CFR 380.603(c)(1).
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    The second category of driver-trainees affected by the NPRM would 
be drivers who obtained their Class B CDL prior to the February 7, 
2020, compliance date of the final rule. These Class B CDL holders 
would already have experience operating a CMV and would have received 
some training, including, for example, the ELDT required in Sec.  
380.503 \5\ and/or finishing training provided by motor carrier 
employers. Accordingly, FMCSA proposed that these drivers not be 
required to complete the entire Class A theory instruction curriculum 
as set forth in the ELDT final rule. Under the NPRM, any Class B holder 
could thus choose to complete the Class A CDL theory curriculum 
(upgrade or standard) best suiting their individual needs.
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    \5\ The current ELDT requirements, set forth in subpart E of 
part 380, will be removed and reserved and replaced by new subparts 
F and G on the compliance date of the ELDT final rule. See 81 FR 
88732, 88783.
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    FMCSA also explained that, unlike the eight Class A theory 
instructional units not included in the proposed upgrade curriculum, 
instruction in two ``non-driving'' theory units--Hours of Service (HOS) 
Requirements and Fatigue and Wellness Awareness--would vary to some 
extent, depending on the vehicle group (Group A or Group B). 
Consequently, the Agency proposed that those instructional units be 
retained in the Class A theory upgrade curriculum.
    FMCSA also noted that instruction would vary, depending on the 
underlying vehicle group, for the theory topics identified in Sections 
A.1.1 and B.1.1 (Basic Operation), A.1.2 and B.1.2 (Safe Operating 
Procedures), A.1.3 and B.1.3 (Advanced Operating Practices), and A.1.4 
and B.1.4 (Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions)--all of which 
address, to varying degrees, operational characteristics of the two 
vehicle groups. FMCSA therefore proposed to retain those topics in the 
theory instruction upgrade curriculum.
    In the proposed rule, FMCSA emphasized that the Class A BTW range 
and public road curriculum would remain unchanged for all driver-
trainees, including those who hold a Class B CDL. The Agency also 
stated that, to the extent that Class B CDL holders already have 
previous training or experience in the CMV industry, they are not 
novice drivers. FMCSA therefore concluded that the proposed addition of 
an optional Class A theory instruction upgrade curriculum would not 
impact the level of safety established in the ELDT final rule, and 
invited comments addressing this issue. The proposal set forth minimum 
theory training requirements applicable to Class B CDL holders 
upgrading to a Class A CDL. Nothing in the NPRM precluded training 
providers from imposing more extensive theory training requirements for 
Class B CDL holders to whom they provide Class A theory training. 
Additionally, under the proposal, States remained free to impose theory 
training requirements more stringent than those proposed in the NPRM, 
just as they remain free to impose ELDT requirements more stringent 
than those set forth in the ELDT final rule.

VII. Discussion of Comments and Responses

    The Agency received eight comments in response to the NPRM. As 
discussed further below, none of the comments warranted a change in the 
proposed regulatory text or in FMCSA's rationale for the proposal, as 
set forth in the preamble to the NPRM. The American Trucking 
Associations (ATA) supported the proposal, describing the NPRM as ``an 
important improvement to the ELDT regulations that will help keep these 
experienced drivers in the industry.'' Citing the difficulty of 
recruiting drivers capable of meeting DOT's driver qualification 
requirements, ATA also noted that ``[l]ooking for ways that provide 
flexibility in the hiring process but maintain a high level of safety 
is important to the growth and continued success of the trucking 
industry.'' Similarly, C.R. England, Inc. (C.R. England) appreciated 
the Agency's effort ``to reduce unnecessary requirements and `red tape' 
for the benefit of drivers and carriers alike.'' Overall, the Owner-
Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) favored the 
``elimination of these duplicative requirements.''
    The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) opposed the 
NPRM, stating that the proposed removal of the eight topics from the 
Class A CDL theory curriculum ``is not warranted.'' Two anonymous 
individuals opposed the proposal, but neither commenter provided a 
substantive explanation for their position.
    The remaining two comments were also submitted by individuals, but 
both were outside the scope of the NPRM.

1. Retention of Drugs/Alcohol and Trip Planning Units in the Class A 
CDL Theory Instruction Upgrade Curriculum

    Comment: C.R. England suggested that drugs/alcohol and trip 
planning should be retained in the proposed Class A CDL Theory 
Instruction Upgrade Curriculum ``due to the ongoing importance of these 
two topics.''
    FMCSA Response: The Agency notes that, as discussed in the NPRM, 
all Class B CDL holders who choose the Class A CDL theory instruction 
upgrade curriculum will already have received training in drug and 
alcohol testing. Class B holders who obtain their CDL before February 
7, 2020, must receive detailed information from their employer 
concerning the drug and alcohol use and testing requirements and 
prohibitions set forth in 49 CFR parts 382 and 40, as required by Sec.  
382.601. These employer-provided materials must also include 
information concerning the impact of drug and alcohol use on an 
individual's health and ability to perform safety sensitive functions 
and require that each driver certify in writing that he or she received 
these materials. Class B holders who obtain their CDL after February 7, 
2020, will have demonstrated their proficiency in the drugs/alcohol 
theory topic included in the Class B Theory Curriculum as Unit B1.5.9, 
in addition to being subject to the requirements of Sec.  382.601.
    Similarly, drivers who obtain their Class B CDL after February 7, 
2020, will

[[Page 8033]]

have demonstrated proficiency in the trip planning topic included in 
the Class B Theory Curriculum as Unit B1.5.8. Drivers who obtain their 
Class B CDL before February 7, 2020, will have gained knowledge and 
experience as CMV operators and thus will be familiar with the core 
principles of trip planning.
    FMCSA therefore continues to believe that inclusion of these non-
driving topics in the Class A CDL theory instruction upgrade curriculum 
is not necessary. The Agency notes, however, that Class B holders who 
want further training in these topics when upgrading to a Class A CDL 
may choose the Class A theory instruction standard curriculum, which 
includes units on drugs/alcohol and trip planning.

2. Application of Class A CDL Theory Training Requirements to Drivers 
Obtaining a Class B CDL Prior to February 7, 2020

    Comment: OOIDA, while supporting elimination of duplicative Class A 
CDL theory training requirements for drivers who obtain a Class B CDL 
after February 7, 2020, stated that ``commercial drivers with a Class B 
CDL prior to February 7, 2020, should not be exempt from the training 
requirements discussed in this rulemaking.''
    FMCSA Response: FMCSA did not propose that drivers who obtain a 
Class B CDL before February 7, 2020, should be exempt from Class A CDL 
theory training requirements. Under the proposal and this final rule, 
all Class B CDL holders seeking to upgrade their license to a Class A 
CDL must successfully complete Class A theory training, regardless of 
when they obtained their Class B CDL. The Agency proposed providing 
Class B CDL holders with the option to fulfill the Class A CDL theory 
instruction training requirement by completing either the standard or 
the upgrade curriculum. As discussed in the NPRM, drivers who obtain 
their Class B CDL before February 7, 2020, will already have some 
degree of training, knowledge, and experience and, in that sense, are 
not new to the motor carrier industry. Accordingly, these Class B 
holders may choose the upgrade curriculum, which contains fewer non-
driving instructional units than the standard curriculum. Drivers who 
obtain their Class B CDL after February 7, 2020, will have completed 
the Class B theory instruction curriculum set forth in the ELDT final 
rule, which includes the eight non-driving units not included in the 
Class A upgrade curriculum. Therefore, these Class B holders, who have 
already demonstrated proficiency in those eight non-driving 
instructional units, may choose the upgrade curriculum when seeking a 
Class A CDL. FMCSA reiterates that Class B holders upgrading to a Class 
A CDL may choose the theory instruction curriculum that best suits 
their needs, including the full standard curriculum.

3. The Proposed Class A CDL Theory Instruction Upgrade Curriculum

    Comment: CVTA, while acknowledging FMCSA's effort to reduce 
redundancies for Class B CDL holders seeking to upgrade to a Class A 
CDL, nevertheless opposed the NPRM. First, CVTA argued that because 
most commercial truck driving schools are likely to offer a Class A 
curriculum that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements established 
by the ELDT final rule, ``[i]t is more efficient to subject Class B 
holders to a full Class A curriculum rather than dedicating resources'' 
to ``create a special program for a limited number of people.'' Second, 
CVTA argued that even if FMCSA allowed a training provider to offer the 
abbreviated upgrade curriculum, as proposed, ``students would still be 
required to take and pass an assessment, which will contain questions 
covering these eight subjects.'' Lastly, CVTA disputed FMCSA's 
assertion that Class B CDL holders ``will already have demonstrated 
proficiency in the eight non-driving theory topics'' not included in 
the Class A theory upgrade curriculum, concluding that ``the NPRM 
wrongly presumes all Class B holders have some experience handling 
freight.''
    FMCSA Response: Under the ELDT final rule and this rule, training 
providers are free to continue or develop ELDT programs that exceed the 
Agency's requirements. The Agency did not propose to require that 
training providers offer the Class A theory instruction upgrade 
curriculum.
    FMCSA also disagrees that students subject to the upgrade 
curriculum would be required to take and pass an assessment covering 
subjects that are not part of that curriculum. CVTA correctly noted 
that the ELDT final rule requires that driver-trainees must demonstrate 
proficiency in the knowledge objectives described in the theory 
curricula by achieving an overall score of 80% on a written assessment. 
However, FMCSA does not intend that driver-trainees who complete the 
Class A upgrade curriculum be tested on the eight non-driving theory 
instructional units not included in that curriculum. The introductory 
paragraph to ``Appendix A to part 380, Class A CDL training 
curriculum,'' as set forth in the ELDT final rule and this rule, notes 
that training providers must cover all theory subjects set forth in the 
curriculum. Additionally, in the ELDT final rule, Sec.  380.715(a), 
``Assessments,'' states that training providers must ``determine 
driver-trainees' proficiency in the knowledge objectives in the theory 
portion of each unit of instruction in appendices A through E of part 
380, as applicable.'' Accordingly, driver-trainees would be tested only 
on the instructional units included in the Class A theory curriculum 
(i.e., standard or upgrade curriculum) they choose to complete.
    Finally, FMCSA's statement that certain Class B holders will 
already have demonstrated proficiency in the eight non-driving theory 
instructional units referred specifically to drivers who obtain their 
Class B CDL after February 7, 2020, and therefore are subject to the 
ELDT final rule. To obtain a Class B CDL, these drivers would be 
required to complete the Class B theory instruction curriculum (thereby 
demonstrating proficiency), which includes the eight non-driving units 
not included in the Class A upgrade curriculum. FMCSA emphasizes, 
however, that as proposed in the NPRM and as adopted in this final 
rule, these Class B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL, as well as 
drivers who obtained their Class B CDL before February 7, 2020, can 
receive theory instruction in handling and documenting cargo (as well 
as the other seven non-driving units) by selecting the Class A standard 
curriculum rather than the upgrade curriculum. The Agency believes that 
this approach obviates CVTA's concern that Class B holders who operate 
commercial passenger vehicles, such as motor coaches and school buses, 
would not necessarily have experience in handling and documenting 
cargo.

4. Estimated Cost Savings Resulting From the NPRM

    Comment: OOIDA suggested that the estimated cost savings of $182 
million ``be reallocated towards other ELDT programs.''
    FMCSA Response: This rule retains the estimated 10-year cost 
savings of $182 million on an undiscounted basis, as discussed in the 
NPRM. However, the cost savings attributable to this rule would not 
accrue to FMCSA or any other part of the Federal Government, and the 
Agency has no authority to ``reallocate'' the savings to other aspects 
of ELDT. The cost savings would be primarily experienced by driver-
trainees able to complete their Class A theory instruction in fewer 
hours relative to the

[[Page 8034]]

baseline of the ELDT final rule, resulting in lower tuition costs and 
reducing the opportunity cost of time for these individuals. Motor 
carriers employing these drivers would also experience reduced 
opportunity cost, or cost savings, relative to the baseline of the ELDT 
final rule. The estimated cost savings resulting from this final rule 
are discussed further below in Section VIII.A, ``E.O. 12866, E.O. 
13563, and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures.''

VIII. International Impacts

    The FMCSRs, and any exceptions to the FMCSRs, apply only within the 
United States (and, in some cases, United States territories). Motor 
carriers and drivers are subject to the laws and regulations of the 
countries in which they operate, unless an international agreement 
states otherwise. Drivers and carriers should be aware of the 
regulatory differences among nations.

IX. Section-by-Section Analysis

    FMCSA made no changes to the proposed regulatory text in response 
to the comments it received.
    As proposed, this final rule amends Sec.  380.707(a) to add ``or 
Class A theory instruction upgrade curriculum applicants'' to the last 
sentence in the paragraph to account for the fact that training 
providers must verify that Class A CDL theory instruction upgrade 
curriculum training applicants possess a valid Class B CDL.
    In Appendix A to part 380, Class A CDL Training Curriculum, as 
proposed, FMCSA adds a sentence to the introductory text that states, 
``Class A CDL applicants who possess a valid Class B CDL may complete 
the Theory Instruction Upgrade Curriculum in lieu of the Theory 
Instruction Standard Curriculum.'' Additionally, the Agency renames the 
Class A ``Theory Instruction'' as ``Theory Instruction Standard 
Curriculum.'' Finally, the Agency adds a new section, ``Theory 
Instruction Upgrade Curriculum.''

X. Regulatory Analyses

A. E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O. 13563 (Improving 
Regulation and Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures

    FMCSA performed an analysis of the impacts of the rule and 
determined it is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of E.O. 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), Regulatory Planning and 
Review, as supplemented by E.O. 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), 
Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review. Accordingly, the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has not reviewed it under that Order. It is 
also not significant within the meaning of DOT regulatory policies and 
procedures (DOT Order 2100.5 dated May 22, 1980; 44 FR 11034 (Feb. 26, 
1979)).
    As discussed earlier, because Class B CDL holders have previous 
training or experience in the CMV industry, the rule establishes a new 
theory instruction upgrade curriculum that removes eight instructional 
units involving ``Non-Driving Activities'' for Class B CDL holders 
upgrading to a Class A CDL. The rule does not change the BTW training 
requirements set forth in the ELDT final rule. Consistent with the ELDT 
final rule, the Class A theory instruction upgrade curriculum does not 
have a required minimum number of instruction hours, but the training 
provider must cover all topics in the curriculum, and driver-trainees 
must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the written 
theory assessment. FMCSA estimates that this new curriculum results in 
cost savings by taking less time to complete, without impacting the 
benefits of the ELDT final rule.
    The Agency estimates that an annual average of approximately 11,340 
driver-trainees are affected by the rule, with each experiencing a 
reduction of 27 hours to complete the theory instruction. This results 
in a substantial cost savings to these driver-trainees, as well as a 
cost savings to the motor carriers that ultimately employ these 
drivers. The rule does not result in any increase in costs. As 
presented in Table 3, the Agency estimates that the rule results in a 
10-year cost savings of $182 million on an undiscounted basis, $155 
million discounted at 3%, $127 million discounted at 7%, and $18 
million on an annualized basis at a 7% or a 3% discount rate. Most of 
this annualized cost savings ($17.10 million) is realized by driver-
trainees, with the remainder of the annualized cost savings ($1.04 
million) realized by motor carriers.
Scope and Key Inputs to the Analysis
    The rule revises regulations established in the ELDT final rule 
and, therefore, the ELDT final rule serves as the baseline against 
which the effects of the rule are evaluated. The compliance date of the 
regulations established by the ELDT final rule remains February 7, 
2020; therefore, the same analysis period of 2020 to 2029, used in 
evaluating the effects of the ELDT final rule, is used in evaluating 
the effects of this rule. Furthermore, to ensure that meaningful 
relative comparisons can be made between the results of the regulatory 
analysis for this rule and the baseline represented by the ELDT final 
rule, all monetary values are expressed in 2014 dollars, the same base 
year used to express monetary values in the evaluation of the ELDT 
final rule.
    Many of the key inputs to this analysis are based on the same data 
sources as those developed and used in the evaluation of the ELDT final 
rule. Therefore, a copy of the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final 
rule is available in the docket,\6\ and, where applicable, the Agency 
cites that document in the analysis below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). ``Regulatory Evaluation of 
Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor 
Vehicle Operators. final rule. Regulatory Impact Analysis. Final 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. Unfunded Mandates Analysis.'' 
November 2016. Docket ID FMCSA-YEAR-2007-27748. Available at: 
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FMCSA-2007-27748-1291 
(accessed September 7, 2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of Driver-Trainees Affected by the Rule
    The Agency estimates that an annual average of 11,340 driver-
trainees are affected by the rule, totaling approximately 113,000 
driver-trainees affected over the 10-year analysis period. Annual 
estimates of the number of driver-trainees affected by the rule are 
presented below in Table 2.

    Table 2--Estimated Number of Driver-Trainees Affected by the Rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Driver-
                                                             trainees
                          Year                              affected by
                                                             the rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020....................................................          11,069
2021....................................................          11,129
2022....................................................          11,188
2023....................................................          11,248
2024....................................................          11,309
2025....................................................          11,369
2026....................................................          11,430
2027....................................................          11,491
2028....................................................          11,553
2029....................................................          11,615
                                                         ---------------
  Total.................................................         113,403
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The estimated number of driver-trainees affected by the rule is a key 
input in determining the potential cost savings to driver-trainees and 
to the motor carriers that ultimately employ these drivers.
    To derive the estimates presented above in Table 2, FMCSA first 
estimated the total annual number of Class B CDL holders upgrading to a 
Class A CDL. These estimates are based on a June 2015 information 
collection, performed as part of the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT 
final rule, requesting data from the 51 SDLAs, including

[[Page 8035]]

information regarding the number of upgrades of Class B CDLs to Class A 
CDLs issued in 2014.\7\ Seventeen SDLAs responded to this data 
collection, 13 of which provided data regarding the number of upgrades. 
For these 13 SDLAs, a total of 13,937 upgrades from Class B CDLs to 
Class A CDLs were issued in 2014. Accounting for the difference in the 
number of licensed drivers across states, FMCSA extrapolated this value 
to a national total that is representative of all 51 SDLAs. This 
adjustment results in a national estimate of 67,000 upgrades from Class 
B CDLs to Class A CDLs issued in 2014. Further details regarding the 
June 2015 information collection and the methods used to develop the 
national estimate of 67,000 upgrades from Class B CDLs to Class A CDLs 
issued in 2014 can be found in the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT 
final rule.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). ``Report by State Driver 
Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) on the Annual Number of Entry-Level 
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Applicants and Related Data.'' OMB 
Control No: 2126-0059.
    \8\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
19-20, 26.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This 2014 baseline value of 67,000 upgrades from Class B CDLs to 
Class A CDLs was then used to develop projections of the number of 
Class B CDL to Class A CDL upgrades issued annually for the 2020 to 
2029 analysis period. These future projections were developed by 
increasing the current baseline 2014 value consistent with occupation-
specific employment growth projections for several commercial vehicle-
related occupations obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 
Employment Projections program.\9\ FMCSA projected that the annual 
number of Class B CDL to Class A CDL upgrades for the 2020 to 2029 
analysis period would range between 69,000 and 73,000. These 
projections and further details regarding their development can be 
found in the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final rule.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics 
(BLS). Employment Projections Program. ``Table 1.2: Employment by 
detailed occupation, 2014 and projected 2024.'' Available at: http://www.bls.gov/emp/ind-occ-matrix/occupation.xlsx (accessed July 29, 
2016).
    \10\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation.'' 
Annual projections for 2020 to 2029 for ``Upgrade of Class B CDL to 
Class A CDL'' are presented in Table 11 on page 18, and discussed on 
pp. 27-30.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, the resulting annual projections of the overall number of 
upgrades from Class B CDLs to Class A CDLs are then adjusted to account 
for the portion of these drivers who are not affected by the ELDT final 
rule because these drivers are already receiving training in the 
absence of that rule. These drivers are not affected by the rule. In 
the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final rule, FMCSA estimated that 
84% of driver-trainees obtaining a Class A CDL already receive training 
in the absence of that rule and therefore are not affected by the ELDT 
final rule.\11\ The remaining portion (16%) of driver-trainees are 
those affected by the ELDT final rule, and therefore, by this rule. The 
annual projections of the overall number of upgrades from Class B CDLs 
to Class A CDLs developed earlier are adjusted accordingly, using this 
16% value to estimate the number of Class B CDL holders upgrading to a 
Class A CDL who are affected by the rule. This results in the estimated 
number of driver-trainees affected annually by the rule, as presented 
earlier in Table 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
52-62.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Estimated Hours To Complete the Theory Instruction Upgrade Curriculum

    The estimated number of hours necessary to complete the theory 
instruction upgrade curriculum, and the resulting time savings compared 
to the estimated time necessary to complete the Class A theory 
instruction curriculum that was set forth in the ELDT final rule, 
provide key inputs in determining the potential cost savings to driver-
trainees and to the motor carriers that ultimately employ these 
drivers. Under both the ELDT final rule and this rule, there is no 
minimum number of hours that driver-trainees are required to spend on 
the theory portions of any of the training curricula. The training 
provider must, however, cover all topics in the theory instruction 
curriculum, and driver-trainees must receive an overall minimum score 
of at least 80 percent on the written theory assessment. The Agency 
estimated that, on average, driver-trainees need 60 hours to complete 
the Class A theory instruction curriculum set forth in the ELDT final 
rule,\12\ which, in this rule, is renamed the ``Theory Instruction 
Standard Curriculum.'' For this rule, the Agency estimates that Class B 
CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL on average need 33 hours to 
complete the theory instruction upgrade curriculum. Accordingly, the 
Agency estimates the rule results in a time savings of 27 hours for 
each Class B CDL holder upgrading to a Class A CDL.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
70-74.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Class A theory instruction curriculum set forth in the ELDT 
final rule included 30 instructional units, among them 10 instructional 
units related to non-driving activities. The theory instruction upgrade 
curriculum removes eight of these instructional units related to non-
driving activities. In the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final 
rule, the Agency did not develop separate estimates of the time 
necessary to complete each of the 30 instructional units comprising the 
Class A theory instruction curriculum. Accordingly, FMCSA cannot make a 
direct estimate of the time savings resulting from the elimination of 
eight instructional units related to non-driving activities. Although 
the number of instructional units is reduced by 27% (with eight out of 
30 instructional units removed), the varying subject matter and content 
of each of the 30 instructional units means that the number of hours 
required to complete the training is not necessarily reduced by a 
proportional 27% (i.e., a 16-hour reduction from the 60-hour estimate 
for the theory instruction standard curriculum discussed above).
    Therefore, in order to develop an estimate of the number of hours 
necessary to complete the theory instruction upgrade curriculum and the 
resulting time savings compared to the estimated time necessary to 
complete the Class A theory instruction curriculum in the ELDT final 
rule, the Agency examined the theory instructional units of the 
curricula standards for driver-trainees as established by the 
Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI).\13\ These PTDI curricula 
standards were reviewed previously during the development of the ELDT 
final rule. The theory instructional units of the PTDI curricula 
standards align closely with the 30 instructional units of the Class A 
theory instruction curriculum in the ELDT final rule. Furthermore, the 
PTDI curricula standards specify a minimum number of hours for six 
major categories into which each of the individual instructional units 
is assigned. These PTDI estimates help to provide a relative measure of 
the amount of time necessary to complete each of the individual 
instructional units in the rule. Based on the minimum number of 
training hours required under the PTDI standards for each of the 
individual

[[Page 8036]]

theory instructional units, the elimination of the eight instructional 
units related to non-driving activities reduces the total hours of 
Class A theory instruction by approximately 44.2%. Applying this 44.2% 
reduction to the estimated 60 hours needed to complete the Class A 
theory instruction curriculum in the ELDT final rule results in a 27-
hour reduction in the time needed for Class B CDL holders upgrading to 
a Class A CDL to complete theory training by taking the theory 
instruction upgrade curriculum. Accordingly, the Agency estimates that 
Class B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL, on average, now only 
require 33 hours to complete the theory instruction upgrade curriculum. 
Accordingly, the Agency estimates the rule results in a time savings of 
27 hours for each Class B CDL holder upgrading to a Class A CDL.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ Professional Truck Driver Institute, Inc. (PTDI). 
``Curricula Standards and Guidelines for Entry-Level Commercial 
Motor Vehicle Driver Courses.'' February 15, 2017. Page 16. 
Available at: http://www.ptdi.org/resources/Documents/Standards/CURRICULUM%20STANDARDS%20ENTRY%20LEVEL%20021517.pdf (accessed 
October 2, 2017).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Inputs to the Analysis
    The reduction of 27 hours in theory training for each of the 
driver-trainees affected by the rule results in a change in the costs 
incurred by these driver-trainees, relative to the baseline of the ELDT 
final rule. This change in cost is comprised of two components, a 
reduction in tuition costs incurred by these driver-trainees, and a 
reduction in the opportunity cost of time for these driver-trainees.
    FMCSA evaluated tuition costs using an average hourly cost of 
training of $26 per hour, based on a review of nearly nine hundred CDL 
driver training programs as discussed in the regulatory evaluation for 
the ELDT final rule.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
68-69.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agency evaluated changes in the opportunity cost of time for 
driver-trainees using the driver wage rate to represent the value of 
driver-trainee time that, in the absence of the rule, was spent in 
training but now is available to driver-trainees for other uses, such 
as productive employment. FMCSA uses a driver wage rate of $30 per 
hour, representing the median hourly base wage rate for truck drivers 
plus fringe benefits, as discussed in the regulatory evaluation of the 
ELDT final rule.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
11-14.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, the reduction of 27 hours in theory training for each of 
the driver-trainees affected by the rule also reduces the opportunity 
costs incurred by motor carriers that ultimately employ these driver-
trainees. The opportunity cost to motor carriers from a regulatory 
action represents the value of the best alternative to the firm that 
must be forgone by, or is now made available to, the firm as a result 
of that regulatory action.\16\ Under the rule, an input of production 
(driver labor) that was previously unavailable to carriers in the 
absence of the rule is now available to carriers, for a time equivalent 
to the 27-hour reduction in theory training for each of the affected 
driver-trainees. The value of this time to the motor carrier is 
measured by estimating the change in profit to the firm, and is a 
function of the estimated 27-hour reduction in theory training for each 
of the affected driver-trainees, the marginal cost of operating a CMV, 
and an estimate of a typical average motor carrier profit margin. As 
discussed in the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final rule, the 
Agency estimates that the marginal cost of operating a CMV is $68 per 
hour, and that the average profit margin for motor carriers is 5%.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
76-79.
    \17\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
76-79.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costs
    The rule does not result in any increase in costs. In the 
regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final rule, the Agency estimated 
that not only would driver-trainees and motor carriers incur costs, but 
that training providers, SDLAs, and the Federal government would also 
incur costs as a result of the ELDT final rule. For this rule, the 
Agency does not anticipate any change in costs relative to the ELDT 
final rule for training providers, SDLAs, or the Federal government 
because it does not affect the regulatory obligations of these entities 
as set forth in the ELDT final rule.
    Costs to training providers resulting from the ELDT final rule 
included costs for submitting a Training Provider Registration Form 
(TPRF) for each training location to the Training Provider Registry 
(TPR), costs for electronically submitting training certification 
information to the TPR for driver-trainees who have completed training, 
and costs for preparing for and being subject to compliance audits.\18\ 
Under the rule, training providers still need to register with the TPR, 
and for those driver-trainees affected by the rule, training providers 
still need to transmit training completion information electronically 
to the TPR. Accordingly, FMCSA does not anticipate any change in costs 
to training providers resulting from the rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
79-81.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Costs to SDLAs resulting from the ELDT final rule included costs 
for updates to SDLA information technology (IT) systems to be able to 
receive driver training completion information from CDLIS and store 
this information in the driver history record. Under the rule, SDLAs 
continue to receive and store the same information. Therefore, FMCSA 
does not anticipate any change in costs to SDLAs resulting from the 
rule.
    Finally, costs to the Federal Government resulting from the ELDT 
final rule included costs for FMCSA to create and manage the TPR and to 
enforce the regulations established by the final rule. Under the rule, 
the TPR must be developed and maintained in the same manner as under 
the ELDT final rule. In addition, training program enforcement 
activities, such as compliance audits performed on training providers, 
remain unchanged under the rule as compared to the ELDT final rule, and 
FMCSA's review of training provider registration forms also remains 
unchanged. Accordingly, FMCSA does not anticipate any change in costs 
to the Federal government resulting from the rule.
    As discussed above, FMCSA estimates a reduction in costs incurred 
by driver-trainees and motor carriers affected by the rule. Because 
there is an estimated reduction of 27 hours of training for each 
driver-trainee affected by the rule, the Agency estimates that both 
driver-trainees and motor carriers experience negative costs, that is, 
a decrease in costs or a cost savings. The rule does not result in any 
increase in costs for driver-trainees or motor carriers. The rule 
reduces tuition costs, as well as the opportunity cost of time for 
these driver-trainees, relative to the baseline of the ELDT final rule.
    For each year of the 10-year analysis period, FMCSA multiplied the 
estimated number of driver-trainees annually that are affected by the 
rule, as presented in Table 2, by the estimated reduction of 27 hours 
in theory training for each of these driver-trainees. FMCSA then 
multiplied the resulting total aggregate reduction in theory training 
hours by $26 per hour (the estimated average hourly cost of 
training),\19\ yielding an estimate of the overall change in tuition 
costs experienced by

[[Page 8037]]

driver-trainees for each year of the analysis period. Additionally, the 
Agency multiplied the total aggregate reduction in theory training 
hours by the estimated driver wage rate of $30 per hour, yielding an 
estimate of the change in the opportunity cost of time experienced by 
driver-trainees for each year of the analysis period. As presented in 
Table 3, the Agency estimates that the rule results in a 10-year 
tuition cost savings to driver-trainees of $80 million on an 
undiscounted basis. The Agency estimates that the rule also results in 
a 10-year opportunity cost of time savings to driver-trainees of $92 
million on an undiscounted basis. In total, the Agency estimates that 
the rule results in a 10-year cost savings to driver-trainees of $171 
million on an undiscounted basis, and $17.10 million on an annualized 
basis at a 7% discount rate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The tuition costs noted above are derived from observed 
tuition charged for the CDL training programs identified by FMCSA, 
and are proxies for tuition costs that might be charged for a 
curriculum that meets the requirements of the rule. More details can 
be found in section 3.2.1 of the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT 
final rule. DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' 
pp. 68-69.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The development of the key inputs necessary to estimate the change 
in cost to motor-carriers, described earlier, includes the marginal 
cost of operating a CMV, an estimate of a typical average motor carrier 
profit margin, and the estimated 27-hour reduction in theory training 
for each of the driver-trainees affected by the rule. For each year of 
the 10-year analysis period, the estimated number of driver-trainees 
who are affected by the rule as presented earlier in Table 2 is 
multiplied by the estimated reduction of 27 hours in theory training 
for each of these driver-trainees. The resulting total reduction in 
theory training hours is then multiplied by the estimated marginal cost 
of operating a CMV of $68 per hour, and the estimated profit margin of 
5% for motor carriers. As presented in Table 3, the Agency estimates 
that the rule results in a 10-year opportunity cost savings to motor 
carriers of $10 million on an undiscounted basis, and $1.04 million on 
an annualized basis at a 7% discount rate, representing a decrease in 
opportunity cost, or an opportunity cost savings to motor carriers.
    As presented in Table 3, the Agency estimates that the rule results 
in a 10-year cost savings of $182 million on an undiscounted basis, 
$155 million discounted at 3%, $127 million discounted at 7%, and $18 
million on an annualized basis at a 7% discount rate, representing a 
decrease in cost or a cost savings. Most of this annualized cost 
savings ($17.10 million) is realized by driver-trainees, with the 
remainder of the annualized cost savings ($1.04 million) realized by 
motor carriers.

                                                             Table 3--Total Cost of the Rule
                                                                 [in millions of 2014$]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Undiscounted                                     Discounted
                                              Driver-    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Year                       trainees                     Driver-trainee   Motor carrier
                                            affected by   Driver-trainee    opportunity     opportunity    Total  costs   Discounted  at  Discounted  at
                                             the rule      tuition costs       costs           costs           \(a)\            3%              7%
                                                     [A]  [B] = [A] x [-  [C] = [A] x [-  [D] = [A] x [-           [E] =  ..............  ..............
                                                             27 hours] x     27 hours] x     27 hours] x     [B] + [C] +
                                                          [$26 per hour]  [$30 per hour]  [$68 per hour]             [D]
                                                                                                x [0.05]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020....................................          11,069    \(b)\ ($7.8)          ($9.0)          ($1.0)         ($17.8)         ($17.2)         ($16.6)
2021....................................          11,129           (7.8)           (9.0)           (1.0)          (17.8)          (16.8)          (15.6)
2022....................................          11,188           (7.9)           (9.1)           (1.0)          (17.9)          (16.4)          (14.6)
2023....................................          11,248           (7.9)           (9.1)           (1.0)          (18.0)          (16.0)          (13.8)
2024....................................          11,309           (7.9)           (9.2)           (1.0)          (18.1)          (15.6)          (12.9)
2025....................................          11,369           (8.0)           (9.2)           (1.0)          (18.2)          (15.3)          (12.2)
2026....................................          11,430           (8.0)           (9.3)           (1.0)          (18.3)          (14.9)          (11.4)
2027....................................          11,491           (8.1)           (9.3)           (1.1)          (18.4)          (14.5)          (10.7)
2028....................................          11,553           (8.1)           (9.4)           (1.1)          (18.5)          (14.2)          (10.1)
2029....................................          11,615           (8.2)           (9.4)           (1.1)          (18.6)          (13.9)           (9.5)
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................         113,403            (80)            (92)            (10)           (182)           (155)           (127)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annualized..............................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            (18)            (18)            (18)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
\a\ Total cost values may not equal the sum of the components due to rounding (the totals shown in this column are the rounded sum of unrounded
  components).
\b\ Values shown in parentheses are negative values (i.e., less than zero), and represent a decrease in cost or a cost savings.

Benefits
    The Agency anticipates no change in the benefits of the ELDT final 
rule as a result of this rule. In the regulatory evaluation for the 
ELDT final rule, the Agency estimated quantified benefits for three 
categories of non-safety benefits, including savings from reductions in 
fuel consumption, reductions in CO2 emissions related to 
these reductions in fuel consumption, and reductions in vehicle 
maintenance and repair costs. These estimated non-safety benefits were 
derived from the Speed Management and Space Management instructional 
units in the Class A theory instruction curriculum set forth in the 
ELDT final rule.\20\ Because these two instructional units remain in 
the theory instruction upgrade curriculum, the Agency does not 
anticipate any change in these non-safety benefits from this rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ DOT FMCSA, ``ELDT Final Rule Regulatory Evaluation,'' pp. 
87-122.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final rule addressed the 
potential safety benefits of entry-level driver training. In 
considering the potential impacts on safety from this rule, the Agency 
notes that Class B holders have previous training or experience in the 
CMV industry, which serves as an adequate substitute for the eight non-
driving instructional units that are not included in the theory 
instruction upgrade curriculum. Therefore, the Agency anticipates that 
there is no change in potential safety benefits associated with this 
rule.

[[Page 8038]]

B. E.O. 13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs)

    Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs, was issued on January 30, 2017 (82 FR 9339, Feb. 3, 
2017). E.O. 13771 requires that for every one new regulation issued by 
an Agency, at least two prior regulations be identified for 
elimination, and that the cost of planned regulations be prudently 
managed and controlled through a budgeting process.\21\ Final 
implementation guidance addressing the requirements of E.O. 13771 was 
issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on April 5, 
2017.\22\ The OMB guidance defines what is an E.O. 13771 regulatory 
action and what is an E.O. 13771 deregulatory action, provides 
procedures for how agencies should account for the costs and cost 
savings of such actions, and outlines various other details regarding 
implementation of E.O. 13771.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ Executive Office of the President. Executive Order 13771 of 
January 30, 2017. Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs. 82 FR 9339. Feb. 3, 2017. Section 1 (Purpose).
    \22\ Executive Office of the President. Office of Management and 
Budget. Memorandum M-17-21. Guidance Implementing Executive Order 
13771. April 5, 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This final rule has total costs less than zero, and is therefore an 
E.O. 13771 deregulatory action.\23\ The present value of the cost 
savings of this rule, measured on an infinite time horizon at a 7% 
discount rate, expressed in 2016 dollars, and discounted to 2020 (the 
year the rule goes into effect and cost savings would first be 
realized), is $278 million. On an annualized basis, these cost savings 
are $19.5 million.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Executive Office of the President. Office of Management and 
Budget. Memorandum M-17-21. Guidance Implementing Executive Order 
13771. April 5, 2017. Q4 on page 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the purpose of E.O. 13771 accounting, the April 5, 2017, OMB 
guidance requires that agencies also calculate the costs and cost 
savings discounted to year 2016.\24\ In accordance with this 
requirement, the present value of the cost savings of this rule, 
measured on an infinite time horizon at a 7% discount rate, expressed 
in 2016 dollars, and discounted to 2016, is $212 million. On an 
annualized basis, these cost savings are $15 million.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ Executive Office of the President. Office of Management and 
Budget. Memorandum M-17-21. Guidance Implementing Executive Order 
13771. April 5, 2017. Q25 on page 11.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601, et 
seq.), as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 
Act of 1996 (SBREFA) (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857), requires Federal 
agencies to consider the impact of their regulatory actions on small 
entities, analyze effective alternatives that minimize small entity 
impacts, and make their analyses available for public comment. The term 
``small entities'' means small businesses and not-for-profit 
organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not 
dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with 
populations under 50,000.\25\ Accordingly, DOT policy requires an 
analysis of the impact of all regulations on small entities, and 
mandates that agencies strive to lessen any adverse effects on these 
entities. Section 605 of the RFA allows an Agency to certify a rule, in 
lieu of preparing an analysis, if the rulemaking is not expected to 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354, 94 Stat. 
1164 (codified at 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This rule affects a subset of driver-trainees and motor carriers. 
Driver-trainees are not considered small entities because they do not 
meet the definition of a small entity in Section 601 of the RFA. 
Specifically, driver-trainees are considered neither a small business 
under Section 601(3) of the RFA, nor are they considered a small 
organization under Section 601(4) of the RFA.
    Motor carriers affected by this rule are most likely those that 
hire Class A CDL drivers. Passenger motor carriers generally rely on 
CMVs that do not require a Class A CDL to operate (i.e., Group B 
vehicles), and thus are not be affected by this rule. In the regulatory 
evaluation for the ELDT final rule, FMCSA estimated that there were 
approximately 1.1 million inter- and intrastate freight motor carriers, 
of which a subset operate Group A vehicles, and thus are affected by 
this rule. FMCSA estimates that this rule affects between 11,000 and 
12,000 CMV driver-trainees per year, resulting in fewer than 12,000 
motor carriers affected per year, which is approximately 0.9% of the 
total number of inter- and intrastate freight motor carriers. FMCSA 
does not know how many of these motor carriers would be considered 
``small.''
    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) defines the size 
standards used to classify entities as small. SBA establishes separate 
standards for each industry, as defined by the North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS).\26\ This rule could affect many 
different industry sectors; for example, the transportation sector 
(e.g., General freight trucking industry group (4841) and the 
Specialized freight trucking industry group (4842)), the agricultural 
sector, and the construction sector. Industry groups within these 
sectors have size standards for qualifying as small based on the number 
of employees (e.g., 500 employees), or on the amount of annual revenue 
(e.g., $27.5 million in revenue). FMCSA does not have specific 
information about the number of employees or revenue for each of the 
motor carriers. However, FMCSA is aware that the motor carrier industry 
largely consists of smaller firms. Of the 1.1 million freight motor 
carriers, roughly 1 million have between 1 and 6 power units. If all of 
the approximately 1 million freight motor carriers with 6 or fewer 
power units are considered small based on the applicable size standard, 
then a maximum of 1.2% (12,000 / 1 million) of small entities are 
affected by this rule. Therefore, FMCSA estimates that this rule does 
not impact a substantial number of small entities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB). ``North American Industry Classification System.'' 
2017. Available at: https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/2017NAICS/2017_NAICS_Manual.pdf (accessed December 1, 2017).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed earlier in the Regulatory Analyses section, FMCSA 
estimates the impact to the affected motor carriers as a reduction in 
opportunity cost, or a cost savings, relative to the baseline of the 
ELDT final rule. This rule removes some of the training requirements 
accounted for in the regulatory evaluation for the ELDT final rule, 
allowing those drivers who are upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class 
A CDL to begin working and earning a profit for the motor carrier 
earlier than under the current training procedures. Therefore, this 
rule provides affected motor carriers with increased access to labor 
hours, and consequently profit, resulting in an opportunity cost 
savings to the motor carrier. FMCSA estimated the opportunity cost to 
the motor carrier as a function of the number of hours previously spent 
in training that are now available for labor, an estimate of the profit 
margin, and the marginal hourly operational costs of the CMV. As 
discussed earlier in the Regulatory Analyses section, the Agency 
estimates that the rule results in a cost savings to all motor carriers 
of $1.04 million on an annualized basis at a 7% discount rate. On a per 
driver basis for those drivers affected by the rule, the cost savings

[[Page 8039]]

realized by the motor carriers is approximately $92 (27 hours x 0.05 
profit margin x $68 marginal operating costs).
    The RFA does not define a threshold for determining whether a 
specific regulation results in a significant impact. However, the SBA, 
in guidance to government agencies, provides some objective measures of 
significance that the agencies can consider using.\27\ One measure that 
could be used to illustrate a significant impact is labor costs, 
specifically, if the cost of the regulation exceeds 5% of the labor 
costs of the entities in the sector. The American Transportation 
Research Institute (ATRI) performed an annual survey of motor carriers 
and published its findings in the ``Analysis of the Operational Costs 
of Trucking: 2017 Update.'' ATRI found that driver wages and benefits 
represent approximately 33% of average marginal costs to a carrier.\28\ 
ATRI further estimated that average marginal hourly driver costs, 
including wages and benefits, were $27.09 in 2016. FMCSA hours of 
service regulations allow drivers 60 hours of on-duty time in a 7-day 
period. This equates to approximately $84,500 in driver labor costs per 
year ($27.09 x 60 hours per week x 52 weeks). The impact of this rule 
is approximately 0.11% of labor costs ($92 impact / $84,500 labor 
costs)--well below the 5% threshold identified in the SBA guide. 
Therefore, this rule does not have a significant impact on the entities 
affected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy. ``A 
Guide for Government Agencies. How to Comply with the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act.'' 2017. Available at: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/How-to-Comply-with-the-RFA-WEB.pdf (accessed 
on September 7, 2018).
    \28\ American Transportation Research Institute. ``An Analysis 
of the Operational Costs of Trucking: 2017 Update. Available at: 
http://atri-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ATRI-Operational-Costs-of-Trucking-2017-10-2017.pdf (Accessed on: September 7, 2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, I hereby certify that the action does not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

D. Assistance for Small Entities

    In accordance with section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, FMCSA wants to assist small entities 
in understanding this rule so that they can better evaluate its effects 
and participate in the rulemaking initiative. If the rule affects your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction, and you 
have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, 
please consult the FMCSA point of contact, Mr. Richard Clemente, listed 
in the For Further Information Contact section of this rule.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce or otherwise determine compliance with Federal 
regulations to the Small Business Administration's Small Business and 
Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small 
Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these 
actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small 
business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of FMCSA, call 
1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). The DOT has a policy regarding the 
rights of small entities to regulatory enforcement fairness and an 
explicit policy against retaliation for exercising these rights.\29\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ``The Rights of 
Small Entities To Enforcement Fairness and Policy Against 
Retaliation.'' Available at: https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/SBREFAnotice2.pdf (accessed December 1, 2017).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act requires agencies to prepare 
a comprehensive written statement for any proposed or final rule that 
may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, 
in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $161 million (which is 
the value equivalent of $100,000,000 in 1995, adjusted for inflation to 
2017 levels) or more in any one year. Because this rule does not result 
in such an expenditure, a written statement is not required. However, 
the Agency does discuss the costs and benefits of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) (PRA) 
requires Agencies to provide estimates of the information-collection 
(IC) burden of its regulations. This rule does not alter the Agency's 
estimates of the paperwork burden outlined in the final ELDT rule at 81 
FR 88788 (Dec. 8, 2016). Since publication of the ELDT final rule, the 
OMB, on April 19, 2017, approved the Agency's estimate of 66,250 hours 
for the IC collection titled ``Training Certification for Entry-Level 
Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers'' (2126-0028). The approval expires on 
April 30, 2020.

G. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)

    A rule has implications for Federalism under Section 1(a) of E.O. 
13132 if it has ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government.'' In assessing the federalism implications of the ELDT 
final rule, FMCSA stated that, because the CDL program is voluntary, it 
does not have preemptive effect on the States. The Agency therefore 
concluded that the ELDT final rule would not have substantial direct 
costs on or for States, nor would it limit the policymaking discretion 
of States.\30\ This final rule does not change that conclusion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ See 81 FR 88732, 88788 (Dec. 8, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

H. E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate 
ambiguity, and reduce burden.

I. E.O. 13045 (Protection of Children)

    Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), requires 
agencies issuing ``economically significant'' rules, if the regulation 
also concerns an environmental health or safety risk that an agency has 
reason to believe may disproportionately affect children, to include an 
evaluation of the regulation's environmental health and safety effects 
on children. The Agency determined this rule is not economically 
significant. Therefore, no analysis of the impacts on children is 
required. In any event, the Agency does not anticipate that this 
regulatory action could in any respect present an environmental or 
safety risk that could disproportionately affect children.

J. E.O. 12630 (Taking of Private Property)

    FMCSA reviewed this rule in accordance with E.O. 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights, and has determined it does not effect a taking of 
private property or otherwise have taking implications.

K. Privacy

    Section 522 of title I of division H of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2005, enacted December 8, 2004 (Pub. L. 108-447, 
118 Stat. 2809, 3268, 5 U.S.C. 552a note), requires the Agency to 
conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment

[[Page 8040]]

(PIA) of a regulation that will affect the privacy of individuals. The 
assessment considers impacts of the rule on the privacy of information 
in an identifiable form and related matters. The FMCSA Privacy Officer 
has evaluated the risks and effects the rulemaking might have on 
collecting, storing, and sharing personally identifiable information 
(PII), as well as protections and alternative information handling 
processes to mitigate potential privacy risks. FMCSA determined that, 
while this rule does require the collection of individual PII, it does 
not result in a change in collection, process, or the data elements 
previously identified in the ELDT final rule.
    The privacy analysis of the ELDT final rule, which conforms to the 
DOT standard Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), is published on the DOT 
website (www.transportation.gov/privacy). It addresses business 
processes identified in the ELDT final rule and new or existing 
information collection systems to be implemented in support of those 
processes. The FMCSA Privacy Office determined that this final rule 
does not alter the privacy impact detailed in the PIA for the ELDT 
final rule.
    The Agency submitted a Privacy Threshold Assessment (PTA) analyzing 
the new rulemaking and the specific process for collection of personal 
information to the Department of Transportation's Privacy Office. As 
required by the Privacy Act, FMCSA and the Department will be 
publishing, with request for comment, a system of records notice (SORN) 
addressing the collection of information affected by this rule and the 
ELDT final rule. This SORN will be published in the Federal Register 
not less than 30 days before the Agency is authorized to collect or use 
PII retrieved by unique identifier.

L. E.O. 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

    The regulations implementing E.O. 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on Federal programs and activities do not apply to this 
program.

M. E.O. 13211 (Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use)

    FMCSA has analyzed this rule under E.O. 13211, Actions Concerning 
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or 
Use. The Agency has determined that it is not a ``significant energy 
action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy. Therefore, it does not require a 
Statement of Energy Effects under E.O. 13211.

N. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)

    This rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 13175, 
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because 
it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian 
tribes, on the relationship between the Federal government and Indian 
tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

O. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (Technical 
Standards)

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 
U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards 
in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, 
through OMB, with an explanation of why using these standards would be 
inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary 
consensus standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, 
design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related 
management systems practices) are standards developed or adopted by 
voluntary consensus standards bodies. This rule does not use technical 
standards. Therefore, FMCSA did not consider the use of voluntary 
consensus standards.

P. Environment (NEPA)

    FMCSA analyzed this final rule for the purpose of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
determined this action is categorically excluded from further analysis 
and documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental 
impact statement under FMCSA Order 5610.1 (69 FR 9680, March 1, 2004), 
Appendix 2, paragraph (6)(z). The Categorical Exclusion (CE) in 
paragraph (6)(z) covers (1) the minimum qualifications for persons who 
drive commercial motor vehicles as, for, or on behalf of motor 
carriers; and (2) the minimum duties of motor carriers with respect to 
the qualifications of their drivers. The requirements in this rule are 
covered by this CE and the action does not have the potential to 
significantly affect the quality of the environment. The CE 
determination is available for inspection or copying in the 
regulations.gov website listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 380

    Administrative practice and procedure, Highway safety, Motor 
carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, FMCSA amends 49 CFR chapter 3, 
part 380, to read as follows:

PART 380--SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 380 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 31133, 31136, 31305, 31307, 31308, and 
31502; sec. 4007(a) and (b) of Pub. L. 102-240 (105 Stat. 2151-
2152); sec. 32304 of Pub. L.112-141; and 49 CFR 1.87.


Sec.  380.707  [Amended]

0
2. In Sec.  380.707, amend paragraph (a) by adding the words ``or Class 
A theory instruction upgrade curriculum applicants'' to the end of the 
final sentence.
0
3. Amend Appendix A to part 380 by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text;
0
b. Revising the undesignated heading ``Theory Instruction'' to read 
``Theory Instruction Standard Curriculum;'' and
0
c. Adding a section entitled ``Theory Instruction Upgrade Curriculum'' 
to the end of the appendix.
    The revision and addition to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 380--Class A--CDL training curriculum.

    Class A CDL applicants must complete the Class A CDL curriculum 
outlined in this Appendix. The curriculum for Class A applicants 
pertains to combination vehicles (Group A) as defined in 49 CFR 
383.91(a)(1). Class A CDL applicants who possess a valid Class B CDL 
may complete the Theory Instruction Upgrade Curriculum in lieu of the 
Theory Instruction Standard Curriculum. There is no required minimum 
number of instruction hours for theory training, but the training 
instructor must cover all topics set forth in the curriculum. There is 
no required minimum number of instruction hours for BTW (range and 
public road) training, but the training instructor must cover all 
topics set forth in the BTW curriculum. BTW training must be conducted 
in a CMV for which a Class A CDL is required. The instructor must 
determine and document that each driver-trainee has demonstrated 
proficiency in all elements of the BTW curriculum, unless otherwise 
noted. Consistent with the definitions of BTW range training and BTW 
public road training in Sec.  380.605, a simulation device cannot be 
used to conduct such training or to demonstrate proficiency. Training 
instructors must document the total number of clock

[[Page 8041]]

hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the BTW curriculum. The 
Class A curriculum must, at a minimum, include the following:
* * * * *

Theory Instruction Upgrade Curriculum

Section BA1.1 Basic Operation

    This section must cover the interaction between driver-trainees and 
the CMV. Driver-trainees will receive instruction in the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and will be introduced to the basic 
CMV instruments and controls. Training providers will teach driver-
trainees the basic operating characteristics of a CMV. This section 
must also teach driver-trainees how to properly perform vehicle 
inspections, control the motion of CMVs under various road and traffic 
conditions, employ shifting and backing techniques, and properly couple 
and uncouple combination vehicles. Driver-trainees must familiarize 
themselves with the basic operating characteristics of a CMV.

Unit BA1.1.1 Orientation

    This unit must introduce driver-trainees to the combination vehicle 
driver training curriculum and the components of a combination vehicle. 
The training providers must teach the safety fundamentals, essential 
regulatory requirements (e.g., overview of FMCSRs and Hazardous 
Materials Regulations), and driver-trainees' responsibilities not 
directly related to CMV driving, such as proper cargo securement. This 
unit must also cover the ramifications, including driver 
disqualification provisions and fines, for non-compliance with parts 
380, 382, 383, and 390 through 399 of the FMCSRs. This unit must also 
include an overview of the applicability of State and local laws 
relating to the safe operation of the CMV, stopping at weigh stations/
scales, hazard awareness of vehicle size and weight limitations, low 
clearance areas (e.g., CMV height restrictions), and bridge formulas.

Unit BA1.1.2 Control Systems/Dashboard

    This unit must introduce driver-trainees to vehicle instruments, 
controls, and safety components. The training providers must teach 
driver-trainees to read gauges and instruments correctly and the proper 
use of vehicle safety components, including safety belts and mirrors. 
The training providers must teach driver-trainees to identify, locate, 
and explain the function of each of the primary and secondary controls 
including those required for steering, accelerating, shifting, braking 
systems (e.g., ABS, hydraulic, air), as applicable, and parking.

Unit BA1.1.3 Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections

    This unit must teach the driver-trainees to conduct pre-trip and 
post-trip inspections as specified in Sec. Sec.  392.7 and 396.11, 
including appropriate inspection locations. Instruction must also be 
provided on en route vehicle inspections.

Unit BA1.1.4 Basic Control

    This unit must introduce basic vehicular control and handling as it 
applies to combination vehicles. This unit must include instruction 
addressing basic combination vehicle controls in areas such as 
executing sharp left and right turns, centering the vehicle, 
maneuvering in restricted areas, and entering and exiting the 
interstate or controlled access highway.

Unit BA1.1.5 Shifting/Operating Transmissions

    This unit must introduce shifting patterns and procedures to 
driver-trainees to prepare them to safely and competently perform basic 
shifting maneuvers. This unit must include training driver-trainees to 
execute up and down shifting techniques on multi-speed dual range 
transmissions, if appropriate. The training providers must teach the 
importance of increased vehicle control and improved fuel economy 
achieved by utilizing proper shifting techniques.

Unit BA1.1.6 Backing and Docking

    This unit must teach driver-trainees to back and dock the 
combination vehicle safely. This unit must cover ``Get Out and Look'' 
(GOAL), evaluation of backing/loading facilities, knowledge of backing 
set ups, as well as instruction in how to back with the use of 
spotters.

Unit BA1.1.7 Coupling and Uncoupling

    This unit must provide instruction for driver-trainees to develop 
the skills necessary to conduct the procedures for safe coupling and 
uncoupling of combination vehicle units, as applicable.

Section BA1.2 Safe Operating Procedures

    This section must teach the practices required for safe operation 
of the combination vehicle on the highway under various road, weather, 
and traffic conditions. The training providers must teach driver-
trainees the Federal rules governing the proper use of seat belt 
assemblies (Sec.  392.16).

Unit BA1.2.1 Visual Search

    This unit must teach driver-trainees to visually search the road 
for potential hazards and critical objects, including instruction on 
recognizing distracted pedestrians or distracted drivers.

Unit BA1.2.2 Communication

    This unit must instruct driver-trainees on how to communicate their 
intentions to other road users. Driver-trainees must be instructed in 
techniques for different types of communication on the road, including 
proper use of headlights, turn signals, four-way flashers, and horns. 
This unit must cover instruction in proper utilization of eye contact 
techniques with other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Unit BA1.2.3 Distracted Driving

    This unit must instruct driver-trainees in FMCSRs related to 
distracted driving and other key driver distraction driving issues, 
including improper cell phone use, texting, and use of in-cab 
technology (e.g., Sec. Sec.  392.80 and 392.82). This instruction will 
include training in the following aspects: visual attention (keeping 
eyes on the road); manual control (keeping hands on the wheel); and 
cognitive awareness (keeping mind on the task and safe operation of the 
CMV).

Unit BA1.2.4 Speed Management

    This unit must teach driver-trainees how to manage speed 
effectively in response to various road, weather, and traffic 
conditions. The instruction must include methods for calibrating safe 
following distances taking into account CMV braking distances under an 
array of conditions including traffic, weather, and CMV weight and 
length.

Unit BA1.2.5 Space Management

    This unit must teach driver-trainees about the importance of 
managing the space surrounding the vehicle under various traffic and 
road conditions.

Unit BA1.2.6 Night Operation

    This unit must instruct driver-trainees in the factors affecting 
the safe operation of CMVs at night and in darkness. Additionally, 
driver-trainees must be instructed in changes in vision, 
communications, speed space management, and proper use of lights, as 
needed, to deal with the special problems night driving presents.

[[Page 8042]]

Unit BA1.2.7 Extreme Driving Conditions

    This unit must teach driver-trainees about the specific problems 
presented by extreme driving conditions. The training provider will 
emphasize the factors affecting the operation of CMVs in cold, hot, and 
inclement weather and on steep grades and sharp curves. The training 
provider must teach proper tire chaining procedures.

Section BA1.3 Advanced Operating Practices

    This section must introduce higher-level skills that can be 
acquired only after the more fundamental skills and knowledge taught in 
the prior two sections have been mastered. The training providers must 
teach driver-trainees about the advanced skills necessary to recognize 
potential hazards and must teach the driver-trainees the procedures 
needed to handle a CMV when faced with a hazard.

Unit BA1.3.1 Hazard Perception

    The unit must teach driver-trainees to recognize potential hazards 
in the driving environment in order to reduce the severity of the 
hazard and neutralize possible emergency situations. The training 
providers must teach driver-trainees to identify road conditions and 
other road users that are a potential threat to the safety of the 
combination vehicle and suggest appropriate adjustments. The 
instruction must emphasize hazard recognition, visual search, adequate 
surveillance, and response to possible emergency-producing situations 
encountered by CMV drivers in various traffic situations. The training 
providers must teach driver-trainees to recognize potential dangers and 
the safety procedures that must be utilized while driving in 
construction/work zones.

Unit BA1.3.2 Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies

    This unit must teach the causes of skidding and jackknifing and 
techniques for avoiding and recovering from them. The training 
providers must teach the importance of maintaining directional control 
and bringing the CMV to a stop in the shortest possible distance while 
operating over a slippery surface. This unit must provide instruction 
in appropriate responses when faced with CMV emergencies. This 
instruction must include evasive steering, emergency braking, and off-
road recovery, as well as the proper response to brake failures, tire 
blowouts, hydroplaning, and rollovers. The instruction must include a 
review of unsafe acts and the role the acts play in producing or 
worsening hazardous situations.

Unit BA1.3.3 Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

    This unit must teach driver-trainees to recognize potential dangers 
and the appropriate safety procedures to utilize at railroad (RR)-
highway grade crossings. This instruction must include an overview of 
various Federal/State RR grade crossing regulations, RR grade crossing 
environments, obstructed view conditions, clearance around the tracks, 
and rail signs and signals. The training providers must instruct 
driver-trainees that railroads have personnel available (``Emergency 
Notification Systems'') to receive notification of any information 
relating to an unsafe condition at the RR-highway grade crossing or a 
disabled vehicle or other obstruction blocking a railroad track at the 
RR-highway grade crossing.

Section BA1.4 Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions

    This section must provide entry-level driver-trainees with 
sufficient knowledge of the combination vehicle and its systems and 
subsystems to ensure that they understand and respect their role in 
vehicle inspection, operation, and maintenance and the impact of those 
factors upon highway safety and operational efficiency.

Unit BA1.4.1 Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions

    This unit must teach driver-trainees to identify major combination 
vehicle systems. The goal is to explain their function and how to check 
all key vehicle systems, (e.g., engine, engine exhaust auxiliary 
systems, brakes, drive train, coupling systems, and suspension) to 
ensure their safe operation. Driver-trainees must be provided with a 
detailed description of each system, its importance to safe and 
efficient operation, and what is needed to keep the system in good 
operating condition.

Unit BA1.4.2 Roadside Inspections

    This unit must instruct driver-trainees on what to expect during a 
standard roadside inspection conducted by authorized personnel. The 
training providers must teach driver-trainees on what vehicle and 
driver violations are classified as out-of-service (OOS), including the 
ramifications and penalties for operating a CMV when subject to an OOS 
order as defined in section 390.5.

Unit BA1.4.3 Maintenance

    This unit must introduce driver-trainees to the basic servicing and 
checking procedures for various engine and vehicle components and to 
help develop their ability to perform preventive maintenance and simple 
emergency repairs.

Section BA1.5 Non-Driving Activities

    This section must teach driver-trainees the activities that do not 
involve actually operating the CMV.

Unit BA1.5.1 Hours of Service Requirements

    This unit must teach driver-trainees to understand that there are 
different hours-of-service (HOS) requirements applicable to different 
industries. The training providers must teach driver-trainees all 
applicable HOS regulatory requirements. The training providers must 
teach driver-trainees to complete a Driver's Daily Log (electronic and 
paper), timesheet, and logbook recap, as appropriate. The training 
providers must teach driver-trainees the consequences (safety, legal, 
and personal) of violating the HOS regulations, including the fines and 
penalties imposed for these types of violations.

Unit BA1.5.2 Fatigue and Wellness Awareness

    This unit must teach driver-trainees about the issues and 
consequences of chronic and acute driver fatigue and the importance of 
staying alert. The training providers must teach driver-trainees 
wellness and basic health maintenance information that affect a 
driver's ability to safely operate a CMV.

    Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.87 on February 14, 
2019.
Raymond P. Martinez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2019-04044 Filed 3-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P