ELDT at Diesel Driving Academy
What You Need to Know About the Entry-Level Driver Training Mandate
New federal regulations have been implemented for truck driving schools across the nation with the Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT) Mandate. The ELDT Mandate is a set of federal standards for mandatory training of entry-level drivers, setting the minimum requirements training providers and schools must abide by. Since February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) requires schools training professional drivers to adhere to these regulations. These standards ensure safety and consistency in training for new drivers entering the trucking industry.
ELDT Regulations
With the ELDT Mandate now in effect, training requirements are uniform across the country, promoting safe and consistent training for new drivers. Previously, CDL training lacked federal criteria, with regulations varying from state to state.
The ELDT Mandate breaks up training into three categories of training: Classroom/ Theory, Behind-the-Wheel Range Training, and Behind-the-Wheel Road Training. Before moving on to the next phase of training, students must pass an assessment (80% or higher) to ensure they have learned all the material in the Classroom/Theory. For both portions of the behind-the-wheel training, students do not have a minimum amount of time needed to reach. The instructors will assess each student and determine if the necessary knowledge and requirements are met.
Who Does the ELDT Impact?
The new regulations establish minimum training requirements for Class A and B CDL training. Individuals training for the first time, those looking to upgrade from a Class B to a Class A, and training for endorsements all fall under the ELDT Mandate. Any student who enrolls in training after February 7, 2022, must follow these new guidelines. Students who enrolled before this date are exempt from the ELDT Mandate requirements.
How Does This Affect CDL Schools?
The ELDT also affects the schools providing training to new drivers, like Diesel Driving Academy. While some training schools may have had to change and improve their training, our CDL training programs already meet the ELDT Mandate guidelines. Schools are required to be approved through the Training Provider Registry serving under the FMCSA. The Training Provider Registry is an online web system that connects CDL students and applicants search for qualified and approved training providers to get CDL training. The Registry is also an organizational tool training providers can utilize to keep student records on hand and updated as they go through the training process. Once students complete CDL training, their information will be updated in the Registry to reflect their completed status. The Training Provider Registry is another way the FMCSA makes sure schools follow the regulations included in the ELDT Mandate.
Diesel Driving Academy is approved by the Training Provider Registry, and our Class A CDL training meets all ELDT standards. The Advanced Truck Driver Training Program and our Basic CDL Training Program begin by teaching students classroom theory and concepts before advancing to the range and road driving portions.
Why is the ELDT Being Implemented?
Before the ELDT, CDL training regulations varied across states, leading to inconsistencies in how entry-level drivers were trained. The FMCSA implemented the ELDT Mandate to regulate training across the country to not differ in various parts of the country. The FMCSA can create consistent, uniform training by mandating training at a deferral level. These regulations aim to improve safety on the roads by specifying what each CDL student must learn and demonstrate before beginning a career as a professional truck driver.
ELDT Mandate Resources
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – The FMCSA is a government agency that regulates commercial motor carrier safety in the United States. The ELDT Mandate is being implemented by the FMCSA and has many great resources about the ELDT on their website.
Commercial Vehicle Training Association – The CVTA is an organization of CDL training schools across the country. The organization promotes safety through quality CDL training at its schools.
Training Provider Registry – The Training Provider Registry is the web portal used by the FMCSA to organize and help prospective students get connected and research schools approved for CDL training. The Registry serves as a guide for schools to keep track of where each student is on their CDL training path.