Final Rule · FR 2018-27779

Commercial Learner's Permit Validity

Published Dec 21, 2018 at 83 FR 65564. A plain-English summary, key dates and a link to the official text.

Data as of: Oct 16, 2026 5:00 PM PDT

02 / In plain English · CDL & training

What this rule does.

Let states issue a commercial learner’s permit that is valid for up to one year from first issuance without retesting. Shorter permits can be renewed as long as the total stays within one year. States are not required to change how they issue CLPs.

  • CLP can be valid up to one year from the original issue date.
  • No need to retake knowledge tests within that year.
  • Optional for states.
Official summary from the Federal Register
FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to allow States the option of issuing a commercial learner's permit (CLP) with an expiration date of up to one year from the date of initial issuance. The CLP must be valid for no more than one year from the initial date of issuance without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. CLPs issued for a period of less than one year may be renewed provided the CLP is not valid for more than one year from the date of initial issuance. This rule does not require a State to revise its current CLP issuance practices, unless it chooses to do so. This rule is a deregulatory action as defined by Executive Order (E.O.) 13771, "Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs."

Our summary restates the rule’s official abstract. It is not legal advice; the rule text (83 FR 65564) and any later amendments control.

03 / Key dates

Dates to know.

Published
Dec 21, 2018
Effective
Feb 19, 2019

04 / The record

Document details.

Federal Register document number
2018-27779
Document type
Final Rule
Docket IDs
Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0346
Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
2126-AB98

05 / Official source

Read the original.

Read the full text and details of this final rule at the Federal Register.

View on FederalRegister.gov (opens in a new tab)

This page provides structured facts from the official Federal Register document. It does not constitute legal advice. Always verify with official sources and consult qualified professionals.

06 / Calendar

Keep the dates in view.

Important dates from this document are included in the regulatory calendar and iCalendar feed.

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