Entry Level Driver Training Program (ELDT)
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a crucial initiative established by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA). This regulation went into effect on February 7, 2022.
It sets minimum training standards for new commercial truck drivers pursuing a Class A or B CDL for the first time. This regulation aims to enhance safety on the road by ensuring that all new drivers receive comprehensive instruction before they start their driving careers. This created a national training standard for obtaining your CDL. This regulation may be found in the 49 CFR 380 of the FMCSR.
Who is required to follow ELDT requirements?
The FMCSA requires anyone obtaining for the first time the following:
Class A CDL
Class B CDL
School Bus Endorsement (S)
Passenger Endorsement (P)
Hazardous Material Endorsement (H)
What are the E.L.D. requirements
This regulation requires drivers to be proficient in the following two categories 1) Theory Training and 2) Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training.
Theory Training
Theory Class includes the following topics and must pass with an 80% on their assessment exam.
Basic Operations
Orientation
Control Systems & Dashboards
Pre- & Post Trip Inspections
Basic Control
Shifting/Operating Transmissions
Backing & Docking
Coupling & Uncoupling
Safe Operating Procedures
Visual Search
Communication
Distracted Driving
Speed Management
Space Management
Night Operations
Extreme Driving Conditions
Advanced Operating Procedures
Hazard Perception
Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknife & Other Emergencies
Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing
Vehicle Systems
Identification & Diagnosis of Malfunctions
Roadside Inspections
Maintenance
Non-Driving Activities
Handling & Documenting Cargo
Environmental Compliance
Hours of Service
Fatigue & Wellness Awareness
Post-Crash Procedures
External Communication
Whistleblower/Coercion
Trip Planning
Drugs & Alcohol
Medical Requirements
Behind the Wheel Training
BTW training must take place in a vehicle that accurately represents the commercial driver’s license (CDL) class or endorsement being pursued. During this process, the training instructor evaluates each driver trainee’s performance to ensure they have successfully completed the BTW segments of the training. This assessment is crucial for confirming that trainees are ready for the responsibilities of driving commercially. Drivers must be proficient in the following:
Public Road
Vehicle Controls
Shifting & Transmissions
Communication
Visual Search
Speed & Space Management
Safe Driver Behavior
Hours of Service
Hazard Perception
Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing
Night Operations
Extreme Driving Conditions
Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies
Range
Vehicle Inspection Pre-Trip/Enroute/Post-Trip
Straight Line Backing
Alley Dock Backing (45/90 Degree)
Parallel Parking Blind Side
Parallel Parking Sight Side
Coupling & Uncoupling
Indiana BMV Skills Evaluation Test
Forward STOP
Straight Line Backing
Forward Offset Tracking
Reverse Offset Backing
