FMCSA extends waiver for expiring CDLs, medical cards

September 21, 2020

Mark Schremmer

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its waivers for expiring commercial driver’s licenses, commercial learner’s permits, and medical cards.

FMCSA announced on Sept. 18 that will extend the waiver for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits until Dec. 31, while the medical card extension will depend on when it was set to expire. For drivers whose medical certification was valid on Feb. 29 and expired on or after March 1 but before June 1, the requirement is waived until Oct. 31. For drivers whose medical certification expired on or after June 1, the requirement is waived until Dec. 31.

FMCSA’s original waiver was announced on March 24 and set to last three months. In June, the agency extended the waiver until Sept. 30. The third installment is set to take effect on Oct. 1.

The enforcement notice gives relief to truck drivers with expiring commercial driver’s licenses, commercial learner’s permits, or medical cards during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FMCSA said that many state driver licensing agencies have been closed or have reduced hours because of the pandemic. The agency noted that many states have reopened but have resumed only limited operations.

“As a result, many CDL and CLP holders may be unable to renew … or provide medical certificates to their state driver licensing agency,” the FMCSA notice stated. “In addition, due to limited operations or backlogs, drivers may be unable to obtain appointments for physical examinations with medical examiners to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.”

FMCSA said it does not expect the waiver to lead to any safety concerns because of its limited scope and short duration.

“The waiver does not alter any of the knowledge and skills testing requirements for obtaining either a CDL, a CLP, or a necessary endorsement,” FMCSA said. “It does not allow states to extend the license of a CDL or CLP holder whose credential expired prior to March 1, 2020. It does not apply to a CDL or CLP holder if the driver’s privileges have been suspended or withdrawn for traffic offenses.” LL