Companies training entry-level drivers, such as Roadmaster Drivers School, are subject to FMCSA’s ELDT rules, a driver-training regulation that came into effect last year. The ELDT rule sets new federal minimum standards for CDL training schools. It must be complied with by for-profit CDL schools, non-profit community colleges, local trade organizations, and over-the-road fleets. Training providers must apply to the registry, self-certifying that they meet applicable federal and state training requirements.
4 Things to Know About ELDT:
- The ELDT rule sets training requirements for those seeking to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL, or receive a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
- The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; drivers issued CDL/endorsement before Feb. 7, 2022, are exempt from ELDT requirements, as are applicants with CLP before Feb. 7, 2022.
- Exceptions exist for those taking skills tests in 49 CFR Part 383.
- FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry retains records of CDL applicants who have completed the new training & certification process outlined in ELDT regs; states verify certification before allowing drivers to take CDL skills/knowledge tests.
Prospective entry-level drivers subject to Entry-Level Driver Training regulations must select a training provider from the Training Provider Registry, which may include the fleet hiring them.
New drivers must complete training before taking a commercial driver’s license skills test or the H endorsement knowledge test. The FMCSA recommends those seeking to become commercial drivers download the ELDT minimum national curricula requirements to learn more about training topics required for each applicable license and endorsement.
FMCSA says drivers can take the CDL skills/knowledge test in a state different from their license state, but state training requirements may prohibit that. Contact the state DOT, DOE, local business licensing authorities, or DMV for more info. Funding options to cover the cost of entry-level driver training: contact state WFD offices, check tuition assistance/reimbursement programs, and research employer-based training programs.
Once ELDT training is completed, each driver should check their compliance record by reviewing the information the training provider or providers have submitted to the Training Provider Registry https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Check.
Highlights of the ELDT Standards:
- All students undergo a 3-part curriculum (classroom, range, road) with around 30 subjects and must demonstrate proficiency.
- Instructors must have two years of teaching or industry experience.
- Training providers must register, be approved, and be listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
- Training providers must disclose the student’s behind-the-wheel hours on their certificate.
- State driver’s license authorities must modify data systems to record CDL applicants’ behind-the-wheel hours.
Sources: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10192039/4-things-to-know-about-the-entry-level-drive-training-rule
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