Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Is Here | SambaSafety

Now that the new ELDT regulations have taken effect this past year, there’s now an established national standard in place for obtaining a CDL.

ELDT regulations have been in the works for a long time now. According to the ATA, the new ELDT mandate was first introduced by Congress back in 2012. However, “the rule making process and IT issues at the state and federal levels caused successive years of delay.” After 10 years, these rules officially took effect on February 7, 2022.

Download Our FREE Guide:
ELDT Essentials: Your Complete Guide to Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements 

Who’s Impacted by ELDT?

While these regulations will not impact most current CDL holders, they do apply to drivers looking to:

• Obtain a CDL for the first time
• Upgrade their existing CDL from Class B to Class A
• Obtain a new hazmat, passenger or school bus endorsement

These requirements apply to individuals who obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) after today. They are not retroactive, as individuals who were issued a CDL or a S, P or H endorsement prior to today are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement.

Here are some key things to note about the mandate:

• There are no required minimum training hours
• New drivers do not have to go to a truck driving school to receive this training
• Drivers can receive ELDT training in several places including educational institutions, motor carriers, rural cooperatives, school districts, joint labor management programs, CMV schools and companies offering in-house training

Check Out Our Online ELDT Course Catalog

How On Ramp Can Help Your Company

Did you know that SambaSafety offers ELDT courses with our FMCSA-approved On Ramp platform? With On Ramp, you can:

• Train and test drivers in all required curriculum areas that are essential to obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL
• Deliver better training for less money by assigning On Ramp training courses as a prerequisite to instructor-led training
• Provide 24/7 access to training on any device that connects to the internet
• Automatically administer and score written tests and record completion data
• Offer hazmat endorsement training

ELDT Resources

We have published several articles over the past year helping companies and schools navigate the new mandate, including:

• Everything Fleet Managers Need to Know about Entry-Level Driver Training
• Top 10 Reasons to Get Started on ELDT Today
• Why CDL Schools Should Choose Online ELDT Curriculum
• 7 Commonly Asked Questions About SambaSafety’s ELDT Curriculum
• The Importance of Entry-Level Driver Training
• Is Your Fleet Ready for ELDT?
• ELDT Reporting Requirements for CDL Schools and Training Providers
• Adding CDL Hazmat Endorsement Training to Your ELDT Program

Still have questions about ELDT? We’re here to help. Download this guide to ensure your ELDT program is comprehensive, compliant and effective.