New CDL requirements are coming in February, and aspiring truck drivers will have to go the extra mile to begin their careers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced people seeking a new CDL or upgrading an existing one will be required to secure training from accredited providers listed on the national registry of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) beginning Feb. 7, 2022. According to the FMCSA, the additional layer or training must be completed for anyone scheduling a CDL skills or knowledge test on or after Feb. 7. The entry-level standard applies to people seeking the following.
- First time Class A
- First time Class B
- Seeking an upgrade from a Class B to Class A
- Seeking an upgrade from Class C to Class B
- Seeking a Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement
- Seeking a Public Passenger (P) Endorsement
- Seeking a School Bus (S) Endorsement
The ELDT policies also extend to people applying for a commercial learner’s permit. The regulations do not apply to truckers holding a valid CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement issued before Feb.7. Other exceptions include anyone who qualifies for a waiver under 49 CFR Section 383, typically active duty military and veterans, among others.
The new regulations reportedly require entry-level drivers and those seeking upgrades to undergo additional training in five knowledge-based categories. Upstart truckers are expected to learn theoretical curricula and pass a standardized test by earning a grade no lower than 80 percent. Testing may be available in person or online. This threshold has been established to ensure truck drivers demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topics.
So far, the ELDT does not necessarily require a minimum number of in-class or online coursework hours for topics such as Behind the Wheel training. These and other proficiencies will continue to be based on the CDL instructor’s assessment of hands-on skills. It’s also important to know that the ELDT regulations do not replace existing ones. Instead, they involve additional training for aspiring truck drivers and those seeking enhancements.
Truck driver training schools and organizations wishing to each their own employees are required to register and self-certify with the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. Under penalty of perjury, those who register must indicate that they are in compliance with the entry-level training requirements and are prepared to teach the FMCSA -designed curriculum. Some states are already experiencing CDL learner’s permit test and road skills backlogs.
The FMCSA encourages qualified providers to sign up through its website. Upstart truckers wishing to avoid spending additional time and money on training have an opportunity to promptly apply for a learner’s permit and schedule a road test before Feb. 7.
There is already a shortage of drivers, so lets impose more deterrents. Sounds about right.
It is amazing how the “indoctrinated” few can decide what education the masses need to do the job they have been doing well for so long. Their real intent is to show that they are the “holy” ones and you must conform to their wishes in order to see the light. Lets go Brandon – and his minions.
Like Europe?
These courses are a waste of time.
USA not is Europe, is better… im don’t want to re-read those bad old news.
The FMCSA is the most dangerous group in the trucking industry closely followed by the idiots in congress.
We need more old school super pro drivers to teach driver training. They retired now call em back and pay them handsomely to teach and then and only then will you have less wrecks on the road and of course the truck stops. All the years I have had a CDL and been driving I never seen an old school driver do 40 through a fuel island or take a half hour break in one or better yet wash their truck with a windshield squeegee. Damn ! Man stuffs gone down hill . No wonder they retiring.
Does the training teach proper technique for urinating into a bottle while driving?
I already have a CDL class A permit, so I’m wondering if I’ll be required to take these extra tests/classes if I don’t do my driving skills test before February 7 ?