The Enforcement of FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. Let’s quickly recap who’s impacted by ELDT.

ELDT regulations apply to drivers who are:

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

Now that these new rules and regulations are live, how is FMCSA enforcing the ELDT requirement? We provide answers to a few frequently asked questions below.

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

What are the FMCSA’s Rules for ensuring ELDT requirements are met?

According to FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) must verify that an entry-level driver has completed the required training before allowing the driver-trainee to move forward with testing. The point at which the SDLA must verify completion of entry-level driver training depends on the type of license or endorsement the applicant is seeking.

Those applying for a CDL, passenger endorsement or school bus endorsement cannot complete the skills test prior to training verification. Those applying for a hazardous materials endorsement cannot complete the knowledge test until training is verified by a test examiner.

Can drivers schedule a CDL skills test before they complete ELDT?

Yes. A CDL skills test can be scheduled before the entry-level driver has completed the required training. It’s important to note, however, that a state may choose to require driver-trainees to complete entry-level driving training before scheduling a skills test. Regardless, as we mentioned above, the state may not administer the skills test or knowledge test until the driver-trainee completes the training for the CDL or endorsement for which they are applying.

What data is available to SDLAs to confirm that drivers have completed ELDT?

FMCSA provides the relevant driver-specific ELDT certification information to the SDLAs. This information includes the training provider’s unique ID number (assigned upon initial listing on the Training Provider Registry), the date the applicant completed applicable training and the type of training the applicant received.

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How can you ensure new drivers fulfill ELDT requirements?

SambaSafety offers ELDT courses through our FMCSA-approved On Ramp platform. With On Ramp, you can:

• Train and test drivers in 30+ curriculum topics that are essential to obtaining a CDL
• Assign 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

Want to learn more about what an effective ELDT program should include? Download this guide to find out!