Which federal agency regulates the standards for obtaining a CDL?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency responsible for regulating the standards for obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The FMCSA, which operates under the Department of Transportation, establishes guidelines and regulations to ensure safety on the roadways, specifically for commercial vehicles. This includes setting the requirements for testing, licensing, and the operation of commercial motor vehicles.

The agency aims to improve safety among commercial truck and bus drivers, and it enforces regulations concerning driver qualifications, including medical certifications, knowledge tests, and driving skills tests. This ensures that drivers meet the necessary standards to operate large and potentially dangerous vehicles safely.

In contrast, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration focuses on overall road safety and traffic regulations, it does not specifically regulate CDLs. The Department of Transportation oversees several agencies, including the FMCSA, but it does not directly set the CDL standards itself. The Environmental Protection Agency's primary concern is environmental protection rather than transportation regulations, which further distinguishes its role from that of the FMCSA.