FMCSA Says No to Learner’s Permits for 17-Year-Olds — Here's Why It Matters

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

Another day, another debate in trucking.
This time, a high school in Washington tried convincing the feds to let 17-year-olds get learner’s permits for CDL training.
But the FMCSA wasn’t having it. ❌

They shut it down — hard — sticking with the current age requirements for truck drivers.
Let’s break down what happened and why it matters for the future of trucking.

Key Points

What was proposed? – A Washington high school wanted permission to start CDL training programs that would let 17-year-olds get behind the wheel early (under supervision).

Who said no? – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) — the folks who set the rules for commercial drivers.

Why the rejection? – Safety concerns, lack of supporting data, and the reality that interstate trucking requires a minimum age of 21.

Multiple Perspectives

High Schools and Training Programs:
They’re disappointed.
They argue that starting young could fix the driver shortage and give teens solid career paths before they get buried in college debt.

FMCSA and Regulators:
Safety first.
Their stance is that younger drivers lack the experience — and maybe the judgment — to handle 80,000 pounds of steel flying down the highway at 65 MPH.

Experienced Drivers:
Most seasoned truckers are noddin’ their heads.
"Seventeen? Heck, I didn’t even know how to balance my checkbook at 17."
It’s one thing to steer a pickup... it’s another to run a 53-footer down I-95 in a thunderstorm.

Parents

and the Public:
Mixed feelings.

Some think it’s smart to offer more options besides college.

Others aren’t too keen on teenagers handling big rigs on public roads.

Industry Response

Trucking Associations:
Groups like the ATA have backed limited pilot programs for 18-20-year-olds, but even they didn’t push hard for 17-year-olds yet.

Insurance Companies:
Pretty much cheering from the sidelines.
You think insurance is high now? Try insuring a fleet with 17-year-old drivers behind the wheel.

Training Schools:
They're recalibrating.
Focus will stay on 18+ training programs, apprenticeships, and easing young adults into trucking careers the safer way.

Bottom Line

For now, the FMCSA is keeping the age limits right where they are:

18 to drive intrastate (within one state)

21 to cross state lines or drive interstate freight

That’s not gonna change just because a few schools want it to.
Safety comes first, and rightfully so — trucking ain't a video game.

It takes experience, patience, and grit to run freight day in and day out, rain or shine.

If you’re a young gun thinkin’ about trucking?
Focus on learning the right way — and when you’re of age, hit the road ready to do it the right way.

🚛 Call to Action

👉 Want real-world tips on getting into trucking the smart way? Visit LifeAsATrucker.com — info straight from drivers who’ve been there.
👉 Already thinkin’ about your long-term exit plan? Check out RetireFromTrucking.com — your future self will thank you.