Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
What Is ELDT?
The ELDT is a set of minimum standards for commercial driver education that all training providers must follow. With this mandate is in place, training providers will have to certify to the FMCSA that their training programs meet minimum standards in order to continue training commercial drivers.
ELDT training is comprised of classroom (theory) education and skills training. Students will learn approximately 30 subjects within the classroom portion of the training and must score a minimum of 80 percent on a theory assessment to meet minimum program requirements. To qualify for the CDL exam, students will receive specified behind-the-wheel training, as well as have a trainer’s endorsement stating that they are proficient in the CDL skills curriculum.
The FMCSA has set the ELDT standards on a federal level, so these rules will apply to all new drivers, nationwide. Now that the ELDT mandate is effective, many businesses can no longer train their own drivers and instead will need to contract a driving school that is registered with the FMCSA.
What You Need to Know
As of February 7, 2022, compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule is required for any individual who wants to:
- Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time;
- Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
- Obtain a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazmat (H) endorsement for the first time.
Under the FMCSA requirements, an entry-level driver must successfully complete a prescribed program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction before taking the CDL skills test. This training must be provided by a school or other entity listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). To be listed on the TPR, training providers need to meet specific requirements addressing:
- Curriculum,
- Facilities,
- Vehicles and equipment, and
- Instructors
The ELDT requirements do not apply to individuals with a valid CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement issued before February 7, 2022.
Who Does ELDT Impact?
The ELDT regulations are not retroactive. If you’ve already obtained your CDL or endorsements prior to February 7, 2022, these training changes don’t affect you.
Additionally, if you’ve obtained a CLP before February 7, 2022, which results in a CDL prior to the expiration of the CLP, you’re also not subject to the ELDT mandate.
The ELDT requirements are for entry-level drivers, to ensure that all new drivers maintain a consistent skill and safety standard. These new training rules will apply to any first-time license or endorsement. These include:
- Your first Class A or Class B CDL
- Your upgrade from an existing Class B to a Class A CDL
- Your first endorsement, in categories including passenger (P), hazardous materials (H), or school bus (S)
Why Choose Premier Technical Institute?
If you plan to work as a commercial truck driver in the US, it’s important that you’re aware of the ELDT requirements so you can choose a commercial driving school that is properly equipped and certified to provide the training you need. The FMCSA has published a list of qualified training providers through a database called the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Premier Technical Institute is listed on the Training Provider Registry and are meet ELDT requirements.
In one month, you can train to start a career as a professional entry-level truck driver through Roadmaster Drivers School. Call now to speak with one of our admissions counselors to ask about financing, including financial aid options, and class start dates. We can get you enrolled and ready for your new career quickly. Our program is an accelerated program that will have you ready to embark on the road ahead in only 4 weeks.
Start your CDL training with Premier Technical Institute today.
Get Your Class A Commercial Driver’s License
A CDL Class A license is a type of commercial driver’s license that allows you to drive as a professional truck driver. Learn more about a Class A CDL license and how it allows you to work for a well-paying carrier and travel across state lines.
What Is a Class A CDL License?
Professional drivers must have a CDL, and many vehicles require a Class A driver’s license to legally operate. What is a Class A CDL truck license? This license is granted by your state to certify that you have the skills and knowledge you need to operate a Class A commercial motor vehicle.
Both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation require a CDL Class A for safety reasons. Preparing to take a Class A license exam is a competitive career move if you want to work as a truck driver.
A competitive truck driving school can help prepare your application for a position at a leading carrier. Whether you wish to drive solo or as a team truck driver, the first step is to earn your Class A CDL license.
As a Driver, You Can Expect These Benefits
Truck drivers with a Class A license are in high demand, so you don’t have to worry about jobs running short in your new industry.
First-year commercial truck drivers working for high-paying carriers can earn an average of up to $1160* per week in their first year. A Class A CDL is required to travel across state lines for high-paying OTR routes.
Earning a Class A driver’s license gives you the opportunity to travel the country on trucking routes. See more of America’s stunning landscape as you work and take time off.
Becoming a Class A certified truck driver helps you qualify for competitive positions at trucking companies.
Look for a truck driving career with competitive insurance benefits and savings plans. A 401(k) plan and other savings options help you prepare for your retirement.
Many trucking companies allow you to bring your pet with you in your truck. See the nation from coast to coast with your favorite co-pilot.
How Do You Get a Class A CDL License?
A CDL certification requires you to pass a Class A CDL exam. You can prepare for this test and receive hands-on training in professional truck driving by attending a CDL training program.
At Premier Technical Institute, students receive competitive training from experienced instructors. Here are some key features of the Premier Technical Institute Class A CDL training program:
- Pre-trip inspection training
- Hands-on driving time
- Coupling and uncoupling training
- Trip-planning and map-reading training
- Preventative maintenance and compliance training
Apply today to Premier Technical Institute to learn more about Class A CDL. Take the first step in your truck driving career by enrolling in a program that only takes about a month.
What Are the Requirements for a Class A CDL License?
Review the current requirements to find out if you’re ready to enroll in a CDL training program. Before you enroll in a training program and take a Class A driver’s license exam, you’ll need to meet the age requirements and medical requirements.
The minimum age to become eligible for interstate driving employment is 21 years old. There aren’t any regulations on maximum age, so you can continue to drive as long as you pass the medical requirements.
Medical CDL license requirements are met by scheduling a medical examination. Here are some key medical qualifications that may be required to receive your CDL:
- No impairment or loss of arm, leg, hand, foot, or other features that may impair your ability to operate a commercial vehicle.
- No established history or clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, or related diagnoses.
- Ability to pass hearing and vision tests.
These are just a few areas you must pass to become medically qualified to earn a CDL. A Department of Transportation physical will go over all the specific medical issues that may prevent you from safely driving a truck. If you are unable to pass some of these requirements there may be waivers that can be obtained through the FMCSA medical programs division.
What Does It Allow You to Do?
A Class A license is required to operate many large or heavy vehicles across state lines. This allows drivers to take on OTR, or over-the-road routes with well-paying carriers. There are additional endorsements you may need to earn in order to drive some commercial vehicles, like tanker trucks, passenger vehicles, or trucks carrying hazardous materials.
Here are some basic types of commercial vehicles you may be able to drive with a Class A commercial driver’s license:
- Tractor-trailers
- Flatbeds
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Tanker vehicles
You can also legally drive any vehicle that requires a Class B license. As long as you have the right endorsements, you may be certified to drive these vehicles with a Class A license:
- Dump truck
- Box truck
- Bus