Entry-Level Driver Training & United Truck Driving School

HOW ELDT MANDATE AFFECTS STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS

On February 7, 2022, the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate went into effect. These policies will regulate the baseline for entry-level driver training program requirements. If a driver falls into any of the following categories, these rules will apply to them:

• Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
• Getting a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

The exceptions to this new mandate are as followed:

• Professional Drivers who already possess a CDL or an S, P or H endorsement before the ELDT mandate start date
• Those who obtain a CDL before their Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) expires

How Does ELDT Affect CDL Driver Training Students?

The Entry-Level Driver Training mandate now requires driving schools, such as United Truck Driving School, to split their curriculum into two sections: classroom/theory and behind-the-wheel.

The theory section is first, and CDL Instructors must teach at least 30 areas specified by the Department of Transportation. After a student receives at least an 80 percent score on the written or electronic CDL test, they complete this portion and move on to the behind-the-wheel segment. If he or she does not receive training from an authorized training provider, they will not be allowed to sit for the CDL Skills Exam.

Throughout the behind-the-wheel portion, CDL schools must document every student’s total amount of time driving behind the wheel and teach basic vehicle control skills. Driver training students must also complete this section on a driving range or public road in an actual vehicle, not a simulator. For instance, if someone is obtaining a Class A CDL, they must do their behind-the-wheel instruction in a Class A commercial vehicle.

How Does Entry-Level Driver Training Affect Driver Training Schools?

As a result of the ELDT ruling, driver training schools must ensure their training is approved through the Training Provider Registry (TPR). These steps include:

• Submitting an electronic application to the TPR
• Self-certification that they meet all ELDT requirements
• Affirming, under penalty of perjury, that they will only teach the prescribed ELDT curriculum
• Documentation proving ELDT compliance in the event of an audit

Once these criteria are met, the TPR will provide schools with a unique ID number that will appear on every driver trainer’s record in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System. This ID number will also allow prospective students to see if their desired school is FMCSA-certified.

ELDT Mandate Resources

Resources are available to learn more about the ELDT mandate.

The Commercial Vehicle Training Association is the largest association of commercial truck driving schools. Their primary goal is to work with carriers and associate members on critical industry issues and highway safety through quality training.

Lastly, the Training Provider Registry will be the best place to find answers to all your questions concerning ELDT. It will also keep records of CDL applicants that have completed the required entry-level driver training course.

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