To obtain a Commercial Driver's License, either Class A or B, all driver-trainees are required to complete a specific curriculum as outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is part of the Department of Transportation (DOT). So in short, yes, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for ALL new driver-trainees. It should be noted that Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations do not apply retroactively. Therefore, individuals who obtained their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) before February 7, 2022, are not obligated to undergo training for their specific CDL or endorsement.
WHAT DOES ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING CURRICULUM INCLUDE?
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations establish fundamental training criteria for new commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants. These standards encompass both classroom theoretical instruction and practical driving experience. While ELDT regulations do not specify a minimum number of training hours, individual states may have additional requirements.
Classroom theory instruction can be conducted online or in-person and must encompass thirty-two topics, including safe driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and non-driving activities such as hours of service and external communications. A knowledge exam must be administered by the theory provider and driver-trainees must score an 80% or higher to sit for the commercial driver's license road exam.
The driving segment mandates that driver-trainees review defensive driving techniques and backing maneuvers such as alley dock and straight-line backing. While some states may have ceased testing for the alley dock maneuver, it remains a skill required by federal regulation.
After completing ELDT training requirements, your training provider(s) will upload digital certificates to a centralized database operated by the Department of Transportation. The day of your CDL road exam, the DMV will reference the database to ensure you have completed all the necessary training requirements under the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations.
CAN ANYONE OFFER ELDT COMPLIANT CDL TRAINING?
No. In addition to meeting curriculum requirements, training providers must fulfill two other conditions to offer Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT).
First, trucking schools need to be authorized to operate within their state. In California, a truck driving school that is approved or exempt would appear on the list from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), which is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. That list can be accessed by visiting the BPPE website.
Secondly, they need to be a registered Training Provider with the Department of Transportation. The list can be accessed at TPR. It's important to note that numerous trucking schools, while not state-authorized, are still registered with the Department of Transportation. Such entities are gradually being eliminated from the list, yet compliance and enforcement efforts are ongoing. Should you willfully enroll in a school that fails to meet ELDT standards, the DOT possesses the power to revoke your commercial license.