Section 381.400 - What is a pilot program?(a) A pilot program is a study in which temporary regulatory relief from one or more FMCSR is given to a person or class of persons subject to the regulations, or a person or class of persons who intend to engage in an activity that would be subject to the regulations.(b) During a pilot program, the participants would be given an exemption from one or more sections or parts of the regulations for a period of up to three years.(c) A pilot program is intended for use in collecting specific data for evaluating alternatives to the regulations or innovative approaches to safety while ensuring that the safety performance goals of the regulations are satisfied.(d) The number of participants in the pilot program must be large enough to ensure statistically valid findings.(e) Pilot programs must include an oversight plan to ensure that participants comply with the terms and conditions of participation, and procedures to protect the health and safety of study participants and the general public.(f) Exemptions for pilot programs may be granted only from one or more of the requirements contained in the following parts and sections of the FMCSRs:(1) Part 380-Special Training Requirements;(2) Part 382-Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing;(3) Part 383-Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements and Penalties;(4) Part 384-State Compliance with Commercial Driver's License Program;(5) Part 391-Qualifications of Drivers;(6) Part 392-Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles;(7) Part 393-Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation;(8) Part 395-Hours of Service of Drivers;(9) Part 396-Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (except for § 396.25 ); and(10) Part 399-Step, Handhold and Deck Requirements.63 FR 67608, Dec. 8, 1998, as amended at 86 FR 35639 , July 7, 2021