Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program
In 2022, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched its Congressionally mandated Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program, which allows 18–20-year-olds with an intrastate commercial driver’s license (CDL) to drive interstate by meeting specific safety standards and upon successful completion of the program.
The SDAP Program is a great opportunity for motor carriers to shape the future of their workforce by recruiting, hiring, and developing apprentice drivers (students and recent graduates) in this age range who are interested in exploring career opportunities in the trucking industry.
It is not too late to apply to the SDAP Program and become an approved SDAP Motor Carrier as the program will not conclude until November 2025. Once your company is approved you will receive an official approval letter from FMCSA with instructions about your next steps and helpful resources. Your company will then be added to our job opportunities page for interested apprentice drivers to apply directly to your company.
If you’re still on the fence about this opportunity, here’s a recent testimonial we received from one of our approved SDAP motor carriers about their success with the SDAP Program:
“The SDAP Program has been going good for us. Reporting and communications have been quick and smooth. We’ve had two drivers come to us through the SDAP Program and one is set to graduate and has been a really good success story and a long-term employee. The other driver is teaming up with his father and they both are enjoying the experience,” said an Illinois-based approved SDAP Motor Carrier.
Learn more about program requirements, information on how to apply, and helpful resources by visiting our SDAP Motor Carrier webpage.