Entry-Level Driver Training

Everything you need to know about the ELDT Mandate

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) values the safety and responsibility of being a professional truck driver. On February 7, 2022, a new regulation entered the trucking industry to help with industry safety and training. This regulation called the ELDT Mandate, will help create uniform training for the next generation of truck drivers.

What is the ELDT? 

The Entry-level Driver Training Mandate, or ELDT Mandate, is a federal truck driver training curriculum that regulates the training needed to become a professional truck driver. The regulation aims to address the differing CDL training requirements in each state and help create consistent training across the country.

The ELDT Mandate curriculum sets training up in three parts: theory/classroom, behind-the-wheel (range), and road driving. For each part of training, there are no minimum hours needed if the instructor covers every topic and can properly assess that the student has learned the material.

Who Does the ELDT Effect? 

The ELDT Mandate will begin regulating anyone trying to get their CDL after February 7, 2022. This includes both Class A and Class B students, students wanting to upgrade from Class B to Class A, and those looking to get an endorsement. Students who obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022, are not subject to the new ELDT regulations as long as they get their CDL before their permit expires. Individuals who get their CLP on or after February 7, 2022, must follow the ELDT Mandate.

Why the ELDT is Going into Effect

The ELDT Mandate is being implemented so the FMCSA to regulate the training needed to become a professional truck driver on a national level. Currently, each state has its own rules and regulations of truck driver training that differ from one another. By implementing the ELDT, the FMCSA can regulate and make training uniform across all 50 states. The ELDT will make training consistent across the country and allow drivers for in-depth training before getting on the road.

How the ELDT Affects Students 

Once the mandate goes into effect, the training for each student is broken up into three segments. The first portion of training consists of classroom and theory training. Once the student passes the first assessment, they will move onto the next portion, behind-the-wheel on the range. After the range, students are onto the final portion of training, behind-the-wheel training on the road. After the student passes the final portion of training, they are ready to take their CDL exam to get their license

How the ELDT Affects Schools

Before the ELDT begins in February, CDL training schools like CDS Tractor Trailer Training need to be registered and approved by the FMCSA through the Training Provider Registry. Once the CDL school is approved, they are given an ID number to access the registry where they can upload their student information and records. According to the FMCSA, the registry “is a web system that will help CDL applicants connect with qualified training providers to get the training they need to safely operate commercial motor vehicles.” The registry will keep track of where each student is in the training process. Once they move on to the next portion of training, schools can update their information in the registry to match.

CDS Tractor Trailer Training is approved for the Training Provider Registry, and our CDL training is approved to meet the ELDT requirements without having to make any changes. Our 160-hour Class A program begins by teaching students concepts and theories in the classroom before moving to the range and road.

Resources

Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) – CVTA promotes highway safety through quality CDL training by working with both carriers and its members made up of CDL schools across the country. CDS Tractor Trailer Training is a proud member of CVTA.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – FMCSA regulates and oversees safety measures for commercial motor vehicles. FMCSA is the organization implementing the ELDT Mandate to create safer roads and training measures for the trucking industry.

Training Provider Registry (TPR) – The TPR is the FMCSA’s web portal where schools and carriers can access and update student information to show where each is at in the training process. It is also a tool prospective students can use to see a complete list of approved schools.

If you are ready to begin training and get a new career in trucking rolling, contact us today or call 540-582-8200!

The Time is Now.

Sidebar Form

By clicking above, I consent to receive telephone calls and text messages from CDS Tractor Trailer Training containing information at the number above about their programs. I understand that the calls and messages may be initiated with automated equipment and that I am not required to provide this consent to be eligible to enroll.
CDL Training Tuition Assistance
X