The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced changes regarding Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL), effective Dec. 21. These changes will affect both license and permit holders.
For school bus drivers, it means a slight extension in the time period they have to complete their annual physical and vision exams, from every 12 months to every 13. PennDOT will also no longer issue training permits, which are precursors to the learner’s permit, to school bus drivers.
These come as a result of Act 49 being signed into law on Oct. 22, and have been implemented in response to changes to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.
“Act 49 significantly changes our processes for issuing commercial driver’s licenses in Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “These changes are designed to have a positive impact on the operation of commercial vehicles in the Commonwealth, making our highways safer not only for commercial vehicle operators, but for all drivers.”
Other changes include modifications in the codes used to describe CDL designations, endorsements and restrictions; renewals, changes and/or upgrades to a CDL will have to be made in person, among others.
