Orlando, Fla.—The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program is a new federal program intended to limit the amount of 18 to 20 year old drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, allowing them now to drive between states.

This pilot program is one of many initiatives designed to support drivers and improve retention at the same time as expanding access to quality jobs.

These initiatives include: 

• Expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs -- more than 100 employers and industry partners have stepped forward to work to expand Registered Apprenticeships in the last 30 days. 
• Creating the Women of Trucking Advisory Board mandated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 
• Creating a new task force, mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to investigate predatory truck leasing arrangements with DOL and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 
• Beginning two studies to explore the issues of truck driver pay and unpaid detention time. 
• Launching the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot –an under-21 pilot program for truck drivers mandated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 
• Over $32 million in funding to states to improve CDL licensing process. 
• The purpose of the new federal program is to help address the truck driver shortage and ongoing supply chain crisis. The FMCSA notified the public that it will be screening motor carriers to determine their eligibility to participate in the SDAP if they meet strict safety standards, and will also conduct outreach to motor carriers with excellent safety records inviting their participation in the program.  

FMCSA considers the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP) a top agency and Departmental priority and is working diligently to comply with federal law to establish it before motor carrier and/or driver applications can be accepted.

18- to 20-year-olds are currently already permitted to drive semi-trucks in Florida and 48 other states; they just can’t drive across state lines or haul interstate commerce. There are concerns the the SDAP Program will make highways less safe – but it actually raises the bar for training standards and safety technology far above current standards for under-21 CDL holders.

The SDAP Program represents a great opportunity for young women and men seeking a high-paying profession without going into debt for a four-year degree. For us in Florida, it will open doors for young drivers to transport cargo from Florida ports, which is considered interstate commerce – even if the port is located in the same state (or city) as the final location. 

FACT: Florida needs about 15 percent of the nation’s professional drivers due to geography, ports, and consumption.

To obtain a quote for truck insurance, call us at  (407) 203-7085 to speak with a truck insurance specialist. You may also fill out an online questionnaire and one of our staff members will contact you to complete your quote process.

At Orlando Truck Insurance we have the staff, the local experience and the customer service platform to walk you through your insurance coverage options and keep your business well protected. Again, call one of our truck and commercial vehicles insurance specialists today at (407) 203-7085 to get you started in the right track, we’ll be happy to assist!

Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent

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