Senator Daines, Representative Rosendale Fight For Montana Truckers’ Rights

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale urged the Biden administration to extend the deadline for the Entry Level Driver Training program for all new commercial driver license applicants to give the State of Montana time to implement the necessary change, protect Montana trucking jobs and prevent more issues with the supply chain.

“We write in response to the impending Feb. 7, 2022, deadline for the Entry Level Driver Training program, which requires all new commercial driver license applicants and those applying for certain CDL upgrades to have completed instruction on theory and performance behind the wheel before being able to move on to skills testing with the state. In order to implement these ELDT requirements, the Montana State Legislature and the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division are required to take actions to guarantee the necessary legislation, information technology systems and procedures, and trained personnel are in place to ensure compliance,” they wrote.

“The State of Montana has taken efforts to ensure compliance with federal ELDT requirements and has asked for an extension or waiver from the upcoming deadline to allow time for the State to enact the required legislation. We strongly support the State’s request for a waiver or extension and ask that you grant it as soon as possible so as to prevent further strain on the supply chain and to protect critical trucking jobs throughout the state.”