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Entry-Level Driver Training Mandate

What to Know About the ELDT Mandate

The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate took effect on February 7, 2022. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created this rule to set a national standard for CDL training. The mandate applies to anyone who is:

  • 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.

One group is exempt from the mandate:

  • Professional Drivers who already possessed   a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement before the ELDT mandate start date

Why is the Entry-Level Driver Training Mandate Important?

Before ELDT, each state and driving school could set its own training rules. That meant the 3.5 million truck drivers have received various interpretations of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

The FMCSA has worked with industry experts since 1985 to build a national training standard. The goal is to make roads safer for truck drivers and everyone else.

How ELDT Affects CDL Training for Students

The ELDT mandate requires driving schools to split their curriculum into two sections: classroom/theory and behind-the-wheel.

CDL instructors must teach the theory section first. It must cover at least 30 topics set by the Department of Transportation. Students must score at least 80 percent on the written or electronic CDL test to finish this section. Students who do not train with an approved provider cannot take the CDL Skills Test. During the driving portion, schools must track each student’s total time behind the wheel and cover basic vehicle control skills. Students must complete this section in a real vehicle on a driving range or public road, not in a simulator. A student working toward a Class A CDL, for example, must train in a Class A commercial vehicle.

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, such as Advanced Career Institute, on critical industry issues and highway safety through quality training.

Lastly, the Training Provider Registry is the FMCSA’s web portal to help prospective students find and locate training providers. It also keeps records of CDL applicants who have finished the required training. Students can use the site to find answers to common ELDT questions.

Students who Want to Learn More Or enroll can Contact us or give us a call at 866-756-8841 to reserve a spot!

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