The Louisiana Motor Association is working to allow younger drivers behind the wheel of commercial vehicles.

Commerical Driving Adjunct Instructor at SLCC Louis Broussard says the decision comes from a shortage of drivers.

“There is a national truck driver shortage in the tens of thousands and in order to increase the available pool of drivers, they have to tap into the age group.  Originally they wanted to make it between 18-21 years of age, now they are looking at 19-21 years of age,” said Broussard.

He says in the state of Louisiana 18- year-old’s are allowed to operate commercial vehicles with restrictions. “An eighteen year old can drive in his state only.”

Joseph Credeur is enrolled in the commercial driver’s license course at SLCC.

He says looking back he wouldn’t have been mature enough to drive a long distance in a big rig.

“To drive out of the state, I think it would be a little bit more difficult because of experience, so I think it should be 21,” said Credeur.

He says its all about experience.

“In different states you’ll get into different weather conditions. I’ve been all the way to North Dakota. Weather conditions play a big part in driving a normal vehicle, much less driving a 30 thousand pound vehicle,” said Credeur.

If approved you can expect to see younger drivers by the end of the year.