The FMCSA previously announced an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule compliance date of February 7, 2020 but has since extended that to February 7, 2022 allowing more time for the development of the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
According to the FMCSA website:
FMCSA is amending its December 8, 2016, final rule, "Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators" (ELDT final rule), by extending the compliance date for the rule from February 7, 2020, to February 7, 2022. This action will provide FMCSA additional time to complete development of the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The TPR will allow training providers to self-certify that they meet the training requirements and will provide the electronic interface that will receive and store entry-level driver training (ELDT) certification information from training providers and transmit that information to the State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). The extension also provides SDLAs with time to modify their information technology (IT) systems and procedures, as necessary, to accommodate their receipt of driver-specific ELDT data from the TPR. FMCSA is delaying the entire ELDT final rule, as opposed to a partial delay as proposed, due to delays in implementation of the TPR that were not foreseen when the proposed rule was published.
What is the ELDT Rule?
The ELDT rule aims to maintain higher driving standards by enforcing more extensive ELDT requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers through mandatory training. The rule applies to entry-level operators of CMVs who are required to carry a Class A or Class B CDL, or hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for their license for the first time. This applies to both interstate and intrastate commerce. If an individual already holds a valid CDL, P, S, or H endorsement prior to the compliance date of the final rule will not need to adhere to the new ELDT requirements. There are no exemptions for the new rule, and those who are already excepted from taking a skills test to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL, or a P, or S endorsement are not subject to ELDT, since the requirements align with the current CDL regulations.
What This Means for Employers
The compliance date has now been moved to 2022, giving employers more time to make modifications to meet the ELDT rule. Employers must begin recording the training provider’s certification information into the Commercial Driver’s Licensing Information System (CDLIS) and onto the driver’s CDL record. For a driver to obtain a CDL, training providers must meet minimum training curriculum and eligibility requirements to be listed on the FMCSA’s TPR. Unforeseen delays with the TPR is what caused the extension for the compliance date, which gives employers more time to meet these standards and requirements resulting in safer roads.
How DISA Can Help
DISA Global Solutions offers consolidated DOT services to assist you with your transportation compliance needs. No matter which DOT agency you report to, DISA has the solutions and tools you need to meet compliance standards. DISA can offer assistance with general DOT compliance for FAA, FRA, FTA, FMCSA, PHMSA, and USCG. In addition, our DOT mandated services include
- Drug and Alcohol Testing
- Background Checks
- DOT Previous Employer Checks
- Physical Exams/Occupational Health Screening
- Electronic Driver Qualification Management
- Fleet Management and Reporting
Helpful Links:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- FMCSA ELDT Rule Extension Announcement
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) FAQs
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