Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT establishes new minimum training standards for certain individuals applying for their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time; an upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time. These individuals are subject to the entry- level driver training (ELDT) requirements and must complete a prescribed program of instruction provided by an entity that is listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). FMCSA will submit training certification information to State driver licensing agencies (SDLAs), who may only administer CDL skills tests to applicants for the Class A and B CDL, and/or the P or S endorsements, or knowledge test for the H endorsement, after verifying the certification information is present in the driver’s record.
Noteworthy details include a performance-based rule that requires training providers to:
- register with the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) and certify that their program meets the standards for classroom and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training;
- certify students have completed BTW training to a proficiency standard;
- certify their program teaches the required classroom subjects (outlined in the Final Rule), and that students have completed a written assessment covering all subjects with a passing score of 80% or higher; and
- certify students have demonstrated proficiency in operating a vehicle before siting for the CDL exam.
The Final Rule acknowledges the significance of training provider affiliations such as Daly’s Truck Driving School in the implementation of this change as well as ongoing compliance.
This final rule is effective February 6, 2017. The compliance date for this rule is February 7, 2020.
