Jul 1, 2004 12:00 PM

Effective July 20, 2004, those who employ commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers operating in interstate commerce must be certain that entry-level drivers get training in these four areas:

• Driver qualification requirements, including federal rules on medical certification, medical examination procedures, general qualifications, responsibilities, and disqualifications based on various offenses, orders, and loss of driving privileges.

• Hours of service, including limitations on driving hours, the requirement to be off-duty for certain periods of time, record of duty status preparation and exceptions, and fatigue countermeasures as a means to avoid accidents.

• Driver wellness, covering basic health maintenance including diet and exercise, also the importance of avoiding excessive use of alcohol.

• Whistleblower protection, including the right of an employee to question the safety practices of an employer without the employee's risk of losing a job or being subject to reprisals simply for stating a safety concern.

This rule affects all drivers who began operating a CMV after July 20, 2003. Those who started driving between July 20, 2003, and Oct 18, 2004, must receive the training no later than Oct 18, 2004. Drivers must obtain a certificate or diploma certifying they received mandated training. Their employers must have a copy of the certificate in the driver's personnel or qualification file.

The final rule was published May 21, 2004, in the Federal Register.