Legislation accelerating license testing for new commercial truck drivers has been signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.
Sponsored by Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Anthony M. Bucco, the new law (S2346/A3946) establishes a pilot program using private vendors to administer commercial driver’s license tests, alleviating frustration with the current months-long process, according to a press release.
“This will benefit our economy and help New Jersey residents find work in good-paying jobs,” said Dancer (R-Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Burlington). “Without drivers for the trucks, the whole market system breaks down. Truck drivers are in demand. There is no reason it should take three or four months to schedule a driving test.”
New Jersey would become the 40th state permitting private testing. Under the pilot program, three private vendors will be selected, in the southern, central and northern parts of the state, according to the press release.
“The system in place is broken and the resulting long delays are preventing people from earning paychecks and making it difficult for companies to hire the drivers they desperately need,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “The governor’s signature is welcome news for New Jersey.”