The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has denied Connell High School's request for an exemption to let 17-year-old students obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) as part of their CDL training program. The FMCSA determined that granting this exemption would not ensure the same level of safety as current regulations, citing studies that show younger and less experienced drivers have higher accident risks. Although Maine allows younger drivers to obtain CLPs due to a specific legal provision, Washington State, where Connell High School is located, does not have a similar law. Therefore, the current minimum age of 18 for obtaining a CLP remains in place.
Simple Explanation
The government said "no" to a high school's request to let kids as young as 17 try driving big trucks in a practice program because they want to keep everyone safe on the road. They think it's safer to wait until the kids are 18, which is what most rules say now.