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May 21, 2004 4:45 PM, EDT

New drivers of heavy trucks, motorcoaches and school buses must be schooled in alcohol and drug rules, driver well-being, and whistleblower rules when a new rule takes effect July 20, said a notice published Friday in the Federal Register.

Drivers with less than two years of experience driving vehicles with a commercial driver’s license would need to take the classes under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules.

Drivers with more than a year’s experience behind the wheel when the rule takes effect will be grandfathered in, the rule said.

The rule is part of FMSCA’s overall effort to improve driver safety, the agency said.

FMCSA said in the notice it plans to coordinate with motor vehicle agencies in the states to work out any necessary changes in the CDL test and to see if agencies can run the tests more efficiently.