What is the minimum age required to drive a commercial motor vehicle in Interstate Commerce? and what does Federal regulations say about proficiency in English.

c) Minimum age and experience requirements. No person shall drive, nor shall any motor carrier require or permit any person to drive, any motor vehicle unless such person possesses the following minimum qualifications:
(1) Age. Minimum age shall be 21 years.
(2) Driving skill. Experience in driving some type of motor vehicle (including private automobiles) for not less than one year, including experience throughout the four seasons.
(3) Knowledge of regulations. Familiarity with the rules and regulations prescribed in this part pertaining to the driving of motor vehicles.
(4) Knowledge of English. Every driver shall be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and directions given in English and to respond to official inquiries.
(5) Driver’s permit. Possession of a valid permit qualifying the driver to operate the type of vehicle driven by him/her in the jurisdiction by which the permit is issued.

Citation: [33 FR 19765, Dec. 25, 1968, as amended at 40 FR 44557, Sept. 29, 1975]

In New York State for Intrastate commerce, to operate a CDL class B vehicle (heavy single unit truck or bus GVWR 26,000 lbs or more) and class C (single unit tuck or bus GVWR 26,000 lbs or less) the minimum age requirement is 18.   Such driver can not operate in Interstate commerce, transport hazardous materials or operate a school bus.  You must be at least 21 y.o. to do so and to operate a class A  vehicle (combination tractor trailer or truck trailer with GCWR of more than 26,000 lbs with GVWR or GCWR of vehicles being towed more than 10,000 lbs).

Definitions:

• GCWR:  Gross Combination Weight Rating
• GVWR:  Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Reference:  http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/398.3