CDL Training Changes & The ELDT Mandate

The big buzz in the trucking industry lately has been centered around the new ELDT requirements that were put in place on Monday, February 7th, 2022. Under this new ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) mandate, all entry-level drivers must complete a theory and behind-the-wheel instruction program provided by a school or other entity listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.

Prior to this change, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements were managed on a state level which created a lot of inconsistencies in entry-level driver training. There was no universal minimum “standard” to which all drivers must comply. This meant there were safety concerns at times and making changes was difficult to regulate across the industry. It’s for this reason that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) stepped in to set the ELDT standards on a federal level so that these rules will apply to all new drivers nationwide. With the ELDT requirements, many businesses can no longer train their own drivers. Instead, drivers and companies will need to get CDL training through a school/entity listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).

How to Meet ELDT Requirements

While the new ELDT regulations bring significant changes in the industry, truck driving schools such as C1 Truck Driver Training have developed curricula and procedures to meet the requirements for new Class A and Class B CDL drivers. With classroom, range, and street training being taught by professionals with decades of experience, you’ll be able to satisfy the Federal requirements for training that entry-level drivers must complete before being permitted to take certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills or knowledge tests.

For more information on CDL training at C1, visit the company’s admissions page: https://www.c1training.com/admissions

Need Your Hazardous Materials Endorsement?

If you’re just learning about these ELDT requirements, you may be wondering how it impacts obtaining an endorsement for your CDL. For example, in the case of a Hazardous Materials endorsement, drivers will now be required to pass a knowledge-based theory test before taking the written exam at a licensing agency such as a BMV or DMV. In addition to providing Class A and Class B ELDT training, C1 has developed an online course that meets all of the new ELDT requirements to help drivers make this process easier to navigate.

If you are looking to set up an individual user or company account for the ELDT Hazardous Materials training, you may find more information on C1 Training’s company website here: www.c1training.com/eldt-hazmat-theory-training

Hazardous Materials ELDT Course Overview

This online course is provided by C1 Truck Driver Training, a school listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. It fulfills the required theory instruction needed to take the knowledge test as part of the Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. This Hazardous Materials course is intended to help CDL drivers learn the information needed to obtain a HazMat endorsement.

The Hazardous Materials online course consists of 12 units designed to cover safety and compliance information. At the end of each unit, users will be given study questions to help retain the information that’s being learned. Upon completing all units, a final proficiency exam will be provided, requiring a 80% or higher score to submit results to the Training Provider Registry successfully. Once these results are successfully transmitted, the user will be permitted to take the required knowledge test for obtaining a Hazardous Materials Endorsement.

ELDT Mandates & The Future of Trucking

Whether you’re a new driver looking to obtain a CDL for the first time or an experienced driver simply adding an endorsement such as Hazardous Materials or Passenger to your license, the ELDT mandates signifying a significant change to the trucking industry. Gone are the days when your Grandpa, Aunt, or Uncle could teach you how to drive a semi out on the country roads. The industry regulations are moving toward uniformity to implement a higher safety standard that will (hopefully) result in safer roadways for all.