The current state of the CDL testing process has added up to the perfect storm for the transportation business and for consumers.  Our members are coming to us for information and guidance. We are currently working with the State and legislators to resolve the issue.

The dilemma of the driver shortage has reached critical mass. To make up for the number of drivers passing on and retiring, we need 100,000 new drivers each year for the next 10 years. That is a need for 1,000,000 new CDL drivers in the next 10 years.   To make matters worse and complicate the issue further, there is an anticipated industry growth of 20% over the next three years.  This is a tall order.

Further, Motor Vehicle Commission facilities for CDL road tests in New Jersey are being shut down and there are now additional requirements of drivers to obtain their CDL.  The result: it is extremely difficult to schedule CDL road tests which equates to delays up to almost 6 months, in some cases, and it is also extremely difficult to hire drivers who can't wait this period before they are able to drive.

In addition, Motor Vehicle changed the test in order to meet the new federal requirements.  Drivers must be trained and be able to perform other functions.  Here's an example of the additional requirement: drivers will now need to be able to pop the hood and be able to identify parts of the engine.  Many drivers are part-time, and some previously retired folks, who have physical limitations which makes climbing up on a hood of a bus nearly impossible, and of course, very dangerous.

Now the driver's test, which normally took an hour, now takes up to 2 hours and the applicants may have to travel out of their respective areas to locate a testing agency with availability.  However, what is more troubling is that the failure rate is 89%.

Bottom line is getting a driver hired, trained and licensed to drive has become a long, arduous, expensive and frustrating experience.  This issue is a priority for the Association.