WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a waiver from some regulations applicable to commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to June 30 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the waiver, several states are experiencing a higher number of employee absences or have closed offices that handle licensing in response to guidance from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to use social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As a result, many CDL and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders are unable to renew their licenses and permits and provide medical certificates to state agencies.

Additionally, many medical providers nationwide have canceled appointments to dedicate resources to the COVID-19 response. As a result, drivers are currently unable to get appointments with medical examiners, preventing them from being able to comply with regulations.

"Given the national emergency, there is a public need for immediate transportation of essential supplies, equipment, and persons, which requires an adequate and sustained supply of CDL holders, CLP holders, and drivers operating CMVs (non-CDL drivers)," the waiver states. "This waiver provides needed relief from specified [regulations] for CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers."

The waiver applies to CDLs due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020. It temporarily suspends the requirement CLP holders wait 14 days to take the CDL skills test. The waiver also removes — until June 30 — the requirement that that CDL and CLP holders, as well as non-CDL drivers, have a medical examination and certification, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification that was issued for a period of 90 days or longer and that expired on or after March 1, 2020.

For more information on the waiver, go here.