Entry-level Driver Training at Napier
Breaking Down the ELDT Mandate
The Entry-Level Driver Training Mandate went into effect on February 7, 2022. This new mandate will change how schools train individuals to get their CDL for the first time. These regulations will create consistent CDL training in every state with the goal of creating safer roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will oversee the mandate and its implementation across the country.
What is the Entry-Level Driver Training Mandate?
The Entry-Level Driver Training Mandate (ELDT Mandate) is a guideline set by the FMCSA to regulate CDL training in the United States. The Mandate “sets a federal standard for mandatory training of entry-level drivers.” These new regulations split CDL training into two parts that students must complete before scheduling a CDL exam: classroom/theory and behind-the-wheel training. Students must pass a classroom assessment with a score of 80% or better to move on to the behind-the-wheel portion. Instructors will assess students while they are training in the range and road before scheduling and taking their CDL exams. Schools must be approved by the Training Provider Registry (TPR) to be eligible to train students after the February enactment.
Who Does the ELDT Mandate Effect?
The ELDT will affect everyone who obtains their CDL after February 7, 2022. If you obtain your Commercial Learners Permit before this date, you do not fall under the ELDT Mandate. The mandate applies to people receiving a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading from a Class B to a Class A, and anyone wanting to get an endorsement for the first time. Napier does not need to change its CDL training to fit the ELDT Mandate and is approved for training under the new mandate.
Why is the ELDT Mandate Important?
The goal of the ELDT Mandate is to create consistent training for every new driver entering the industry. Currently, all states have different training requirements, so drivers may have very different training and instruction when going to school. After February 7, 2022, all individuals who obtain their CDL will now have the same training. The FMCSA hopes that consistent training across states will help create safer roads for everyone.
How Does the ELDT Affect CDL Training for Students?
As previously mentioned, the ELDT Mandate will split CDL training into two parts: classroom/theory and behind-the-wheel training. Classroom training consists of 30 topics chosen by the Department of Transportation in which the student has to pass an assessment with a score of 80% or higher. They will then move onto the behind-the-wheel portion that begins on the range. To pass the behind-the-wheel portion, students are assessed by their CDL instructors. Napier’s Class A CDL training meets all ELDT Mandate requirements and is approved through the Training Provider Registry.
Resources for ELDT
Information and facts about the ELDT Mandate can be found all over the FMCSA website. Another good source of information is the Training Provider Registry. The TPR is where you can see all schools approved for CDL training and find resources on training, curriculum, and more. Another great resource is the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA). CVTA is a group consisting of CDL schools all over the country that support the ELDT Mandate and its implementation.