The FMCSA’s new entry-level driver training (ELDT) rule took effect on February 7, 2022. Under the new rule, entry-level drivers (drivers who are applying for an initial CDL, upgrading a current CDL, or obtaining a hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsement) must successfully complete a prescribed program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction prior to taking the CDL test. This training must also be provided by a school or entity listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
An extension of our Safe & Smart Driver Training program, J. J. Keller’s online ELDT courses will help you exceed the FMCSA’s mandated theory instruction requirements. These interactive, expert-backed programs are designed to be used in tandem with our student and trainer manuals as part of a thorough program.
Our ELDT courses cover all of the FMCSA’s mandated areas of instruction, including:
ELDT Course Disclaimer: These courses can be used to help satisfy the theory instruction portion of the new entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements that went into effect on February 7, 2022. To satisfy the theory instruction requirements, the courses must be assigned and administered by a school or other entity listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Training Provider Registry (TPR) and must be accompanied by theory testing. To satisfy the complete ELDT training requirements, the school or entity conducting the training must provide the driver-trainee "behind-the-wheel" instruction in addition to theory instruction.
These comprehensive manuals have been designed to help students and trainers comply with the FMCSA’s new theory instruction requirements.
Hazmat Endorsement Manuals
FOR THE STUDENT | FOR THE TRAINER
Passenger/School Bus Endorsement Manuals
FOR THE STUDENT | FOR THE TRAINER
Trainer Certification Program certifies your trainers to train entry-level drivers according to the new rule using J. J. Keller curriculum. An expert J. J. Keller instructor will educate your trainers on how to effectively deliver both the theory and behind-the-wheel entry-level driver training. Plus, we'll provide full support to ensure your company is registered on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
ELDT Training Program Assessment reviews your entry-level driver training program to verify that it meets or exceeds the FMCSA’s ELDT final rule. This includes an assessment of your facilities, vehicles, trainers, certifications, documentation and recordkeeping, training curriculum and more. We’ll also assist you with getting registered on the TPR.
ELDT Curriculum that provides you with our best-in-class ELDT program, including driver and trainer textbooks, instructions for range and road exercises, and proof of certification.
Learn More at JJKellerSafeandSmart.com/ELDT
Originally scheduled to go into effect February 7,2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) delayed implementation until February 7, 2022.
As of February 7, 2022, compliance with all aspects of the ELDT rule is required.
The requirements apply to anyone:
The rule does not apply to individuals who held a valid and current CDL and the appropriate endorsement(s) before February 7, 2022.
The old and new ELDT rules are two different requirements and should be addressed separately.
First, the current/old ELDT rule applies to drivers with less than one year of experience operating a commercial motor vehicle requiring a CDL in interstate commerce. It is the motor carrier’s responsibility to ensure that compliance is happening, and that proper documentation is on file for each driver. As of February 7, 2022, this rule was“sunseted.” Carriers no longer need to comply. Anyone who was subject to this rule prior to February 7, 2022, should have a copy of the training certificate in his or her DQ file.
As for the “new” ELDT rule, the motor carrier has no training or documentation responsibilities. The training (and certification of successful completion of training) must happen prior to an individual taking his or her CDL skills test.
The required training includes both theory and behind-the-wheel instruction.
The instruction must be provided by an entity listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
There isn’t a minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on the theory instruction, but the instructor must cover all topics set forth in the curriculum.
The topics in the curriculum cover five areas of instruction:
Driver-trainees must demonstrate their understanding of the material by achieving an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment.
Behind-the-wheel training includes both range and public road instruction. This instruction must be conducted in the class of commercial motor vehicle that the trainee will be taking his or her CDL road test in when the time comes to complete the skills test.
Skills that must be covered during range instruction include vehicle inspection, various backing skills, and coupling and uncoupling.
Skills that must be covered during public road instruction include left and right turns, lane changes, curves at highway speeds, and entry and exit on interstate or controlled access highways.
There isn’t a minimum number of hours that must be spent on behind-the-wheel training, but the instructor must cover all topics included in the curriculum.
The instructor must determine and document that each driver-trainee has demonstrated proficiency in all elements of the behind-the-wheel curriculum. The instructor must also document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
Both the theory and behind-the-wheel training must be provided by an entity listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). Most entities listed in the TPR will be truck driver training schools and motor carriers that have schools to train their own drivers.
The TPR is available via FMCSA’s website: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/
Currently, schools, motor carriers, and other entities that intend to provide entry-level driver training are able to complete an application to be listed on the TPR. All applications must be filed electronically via FMCSA’s website. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Later this year, the TPR will expand to include a database of schools, motor carriers, and training entities that have been approved to provide entry-level driver training.
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