Today is a sad day for all Americans who travel our highways. While our country should be celebrating the implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training regulation, we find ourselves disappointed by delays. So, how did we get here and where do we go now?
History of the ELDT Mandate:
Since 1991, Congress and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have sought to put forth a regulation that requires anyone seeking a Commercial Driver’s License to obtain formal training before taking the CDL skills test. In 2012, Congress mandated the DOT to begin producing a regulation. In 2015, CVTA and 25 other industry leaders were chosen as participants in this negotiated rulemaking called the Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC). After hours of hard work, the new rule was issued on December 8, 2016. The finalized rule was supposed to take effect on February 7, 2020, however, on February 4, 2020, the FMCSA announced a full delay to the rule for two additional years. February 7, 2022, is now set as the official start day for the ELDT, almost a full decade after Congress directed the agency to act.
What is the Entry-Level Driver Training Mandate?
ELDT is a regulation that seeks to require anyone seeking a new Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or any Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsements, to first obtain formal training. The ELDT Regulation requires that all schools, employers, or unions must meet a minimum curriculum (classroom, range and road subjects) for Class A & B CDLs, and the above-mentioned endorsements. All training providers must also certify that their student-trainees are proficient prior to sitting for the CDL skills exam and must also certify that they comply with state laws and regulations. CVTA strongly supports this final rule because it requires formal training from an approved training provider, sets forth a comprehensive classroom and behind the wheel curriculum, requires individuals to demonstrate proficiency before sitting for the CDL exam, and most importantly, enhances highway safety.
CVTA’s Promise to the Trucking Industry:
CVTA will continue to push for ELDT implementation prior to the 2-year delay. We look forward to working with the FMCSA and all interested parties to speed up implementation and lead outreach to states and industry stakeholders. The safety for all motorists, we will continue to push the for implementation of ELDT prior to the 2-year delay. Learn more about the future requirements for truck driver training schools with the Entry-Level Driver Training. Any questions or guidance over this future mandate, please contact CVTA.