FMCSA talks about the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program

Next Gen Trucking Talk with Lindsey Trent

During this podcast, key points included expressions of gratitude to sponsors and introductions of FMCSA guests Nikki McDavid and Becky Rehburg. Nikki provided an overview of the FMCSA's Commercial Driver's License Division, particularly highlighting the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAPP), its origins, objectives, and the application process for motor carriers. The program, mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to allow 18-20 year-olds to operate in interstate commerce and will run until November 2025. The importance of safety standards, carrier participation, and data collection on apprentice drivers was emphasized, along with resources available on the FMCSA website. Recent changes to the SDAP include removing requirements for inward-facing cameras and Department of Labor registration, impacting carrier participation positively. Outreach efforts to recruit apprentices via social media and collaboration with state agencies and NextGen Trucking were discussed. Actions items for Becky include reaching out to high school counselors, creating an interactive map of participating carriers, and re-engaging previously pending carriers, while Nikki will update the FMCSA website to reflect recent program changes.
Biography: Nicole McDavid
Nicole “Nikki” McDavid is the Chief of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Division at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. She is responsible for improving highway safety by ensuring that drivers of large trucks and buses are qualified to operate those vehicles and by removing unsafe and unqualified drivers from the highways. Her office does this by developing, administering, and implementing policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines for the National CDL Program. Her office is responsible for implementation of the Entry Level Driver Training requirements, including the Training Provider Registry.

Nikki holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and was awarded her Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Management from the University of Maryland.

Biography: Rebecca Rehberg
Rebecca “Becky” Rehberg is a Transportation Specialist at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Her journey began in the medical field, but her passion for FMCSA's mission of saving lives and preventing crashes involving large trucks and buses led her to FMCSA in 2010. Starting as a contract Administrative Assistant in the agency’s Florida Division, Becky quickly demonstrated her commitment and versatility. Through subsequent contract positions as a Safety Auditor and General Clerk/Program Analyst, she broadened her expertise and solidified her dedication to the agency. In February 2014, Becky transitioned to a full-time Safety Investigator role. Becky's commitment to continuous learning led her to a new challenge within the CDL Division in October 2023. She is currently leveraging her extensive experience to contribute to this vital area, further enhancing her knowledge and impact within FMCSA.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
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