Winter ELDT Is Coming
The world of CDL schools turns upside down in less than two months. A loose environment of state-driven CDL regulations is about to be federalized and standardized in a way that only the DOT and FMCSA can.
That’s right. ELDT is coming. Starting February 7, 2022, entry level drivers must complete federally-mandated training from an approved provider before they can take a commercial driver’s license (CDL) test 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
- Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time
Is Your Fleet Prepared for the New ELDT Requirements?
Answer the three questions below…
1) Have you planned an extra week of training time for all new drivers?
Currently, entry level driver training requirements for CDLs vary widely. In some states, trainees only need a few week’s training before they can go for their CDL test. Once ELDT goes into effect, the industry predicts drivers will need at least an additional week to complete the new curriculum.
2) Are your instructors still qualified to teach new drivers?
Starting February 7, 2022, all entry level driver training instructors must:
- Hold a CDL of the same (or higher) class as the commercial vehicle for which they’re providing training
- Have at least two years experience driving a commercial vehicle of that class or have at least 2 years’ experience as a behind the wheel (BTW) instructor for commercial vehicles
3) Have you partnered with an FMCSA-approved ELDT provider or applied to become an approved training provider?
Beginning February 7, 2022, CDL applicants must complete their entry-level driver training with a provider listed in the Training Provider Registry (TPR). When a new driver is ready to take their tests, the DOT will electronically verify whether the driver successfully completed ELDT training from an approved training program.
As the deadline approaches, approved training providers may have limited capacity to accept new students. Wait too long and there may not be space available for your trainees.
If you answered “no” to any of the questions above. Don’t panic. You have options.
- Apply to become an ELDT training provider
- Use FMCSA-approved online entry level driver training
ELDT Training Requirements
Let’s start with the first option. What’s actually involved in becoming an approved ELDT training provider? The short answer: it’s complicated.
Providers must apply for the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry and develop their own curriculum. The FMCSA will not provide training materials, so training providers must ensure their training includes the 30+ required ELDT topics and proof of behind-the-wheel (BTW) proficiency.
The theory portion of the course can be delivered via in-person lectures or demonstrations and/or online learning. Training providers must also administer written or online tests, document scores and retest any trainees who fail to score 80% or higher.
Once FMCSA approves a training provider, the company must register each training location. For the complete list of ELDT training provider requirements, refer to CFR part 380 subpart F and subpart G.
The FMCSA has a lot of helpful information on its website including:
- Who is considered an entry level driver?
- Minimum instructor qualifications for theory and behind the wheel ELDT instructors
- A detailed overview of the required curriculum (PDF)
FMCSA-Approved Online Entry Level Driver Training
With less than two months until E-Day (ELDT-day?) you may be out of time to register your company as a provider and revamp your curriculum. Or maybe your preferred provider is all booked up. No worries.
On Ramp online ELDT training:
- Covers all 30+ required topics
- Handles all testing and record-keeping requirements
- Is FMSCA compliant right out of the box
Our easy-to-use learning management system (LMS) also helps you manage important data like hours logged behind-the-wheel, contact information and anything other data point you want to track.
Think Outside the Book
- Trainees can complete their ELDT training on a laptop or mobile device anytime, anywhere they have an internet connection
- Online training helps you comply with COVID social distancing requirements
- SambaSafety is a respected name among fleets and our client list includes ProDrivers, FedEx, Frito Lay, Pilot Flying J and many others
Preparing for ELDT is easier than you may realize. Seeing is believing! Download this guide for a deeper dive into essential need-to-knows.
If you enjoyed this article, we recommend the following:
Why It’s Risky to Wait Until 2022 to Start FMCSA ELDT Training
Everything Fleet Managers Need to Know About Entry-Level Driver Training
Why CDL Schools Should Choose Online ELDT Curriculum