On February 7, 2022, updated entry-level driver training requirements will take effect for new drivers who want their commercial driver’s license (CDL). Trainees will have to complete a more comprehensive training program before obtaining their CDLs based on the updated requirements. While beneficial in the long run, this new ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) will likely lead to delays in hiring and servicing.
Purpose of the New Program
A. Bailey Wood is CEO of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Wood has worked tirelessly to streamline driver training nation-wide. Although the new program is a lot more involved, new drivers will be better equipped to handle challenges, giving them the confidence they need to successfully push through the difficult first 12 months of their career.
Because all training facilities will consistently teach the same material from state to state, all drivers will be better qualified and find it easier to transition to a different company. Additionally, because there are no minimum hour requirements, students and instructors can set their own pace throughout the training, as long as all the material is covered.
What the New Guidelines Will Include
The new ELDT guidelines are unquestionably more stringent. In the past, CDL training and testing requirements were implemented at the state level, whereas ELDT standards are at the federal level, by the DOT. Additionally, instructors must meet certain qualifications and the driver training program will require the completion of a prescribed program of theory and real-time driving instruction through a registered FMCSA training provider.
In addition to affecting Class A and B entry-level drivers, the new requirements also apply to those seeking to upgrade their CDL or to earn endorsement(s) for passenger or hazardous material transport. While there are no minimum hour requirements for behind the wheel or classroom training, the new process will be much more involved. However, with the updated standardized training, it is expected that new drivers will be better equipped for success, safety, and happiness in their driving career, thus improving driver retention.
Overview of Theory Curriculum
Under the new standards, entry-level drivers earning a Class A or Class B commercial driving license will be required to complete 30 theory topics in the following categories:
- Basics of operation. This category includes control functions, maneuvering, backing, and pre/post vehicle inspections.
- Safety practices. This category includes speed management, safe distancing, night driving, and extreme conditions.
- Advanced safety practices. This category includes skid control, identifying and responding to hazardous situations.
- Knowledge of vehicle systems. This category includes roadside inspections and malfunction identification and diagnosis.
- Non-driving responsibilities. This category includes hours-of-service requirements, route planning, cargo documentation, self-care, and medical requirements.
Upon completion, drivers are tested on all material and required to score an 80% or higher.
Behind the Wheel Training
Driver-trainees will drive with an instructor, both on ranges and on public roads. The range driving covers 7 topics, including backing, parking, and inspections. The public road sessions encompass 12 topics, including visual assessment; proper use of dashboard and controls; and hazard recognition. Each task will be practiced multiple times. Whether the trainee passes behind-the-wheel training is entirely based on the instructor’s discretion.
To ensure driver safety, the DOT will review driving records periodically, evaluating the number of training hours behind the wheel. If the data indicates a correlation between number of hours and driver success, then it’s possible they will mandate a certain number of hours for behind-the-wheel training. As of now, there is no specific mandate as to how many hours a student must spend behind-the-wheel with an instructor.
One of the primary goals of the ELDT program is to increase road safety for everyone. The in-depth training protocols should produce better trained drivers, which means fleets will spend less time familiarizing new drivers with company-specific protocols.
How Trucking Companies Can Prepare
It is no secret that the industry has been struggling with a driver shortage, which continues to worsen. Due to the constant expansion of new e-commerce businesses and the retirement of existing drivers, the need for delivery services is on the rise. Trucking faces yet another challenge, but as always, it will be overcome.
The ELDT ruling was issued in 2016, but its implementation was delayed a few times to allow states to prepare. Now it’s just around the corner, which means trucking companies need to prepare accordingly to help circumvent delays in hiring new drivers. Here’s some advice to get ready.
#1 Focus on Company Culture
Without a doubt, companies that focus on the safety, success, and well-being of their employees are more successful at finding and keeping talented drivers. Here are a few business practices that can help:
- Offer competitive wages and benefits packages, as well as an enticing sign-on bonus.
- Implement specific screening and hiring processes that hold drivers to company standards. Hiring is one of the biggest expenses of business, and such processes will result in acquiring more qualified and dedicated drivers.
- Encourage employees to give feedback and voice concerns. This approach will strengthen their loyalty and motivate them to be their best. Plus, what better way to gain insight on ways to improve your company culture than to listen to those who are “boots on the ground” every day.
- Make safety a priority. This includes safety for employees and equipment.
#2 Inform Your Company About New Requirements
The new driving requirements will take some getting used to, but because the laws are at a federal level, it eliminates the need for carriers to ensure drivers are FMCSA qualified and ready to hit the road. A few ways companies can make the transition easier include:
- Communicating the changes with all employees. Should any current staff members be considering driver training, it’s important to make them aware of the mandates so they can begin preparing.
- Helping potential driver trainees find a registered trainer and enroll in the program.
- Compensating employees for driver training and offering assistance along the way. This type of gesture often builds long-term employee loyalty.
#3 Implement New Policies
Federal and state agencies are always updating the Compliance, Safety, Accountability enforcement program. Get ahead of the game and implement new company-wide policies that will prevent problems in the future. For example:
- Create and enforce policies and procedures and train staff accordingly.
- Evaluate employees on such policies, holding them accountable for mistakes. Also consider incentives that will motivate them to go above and beyond.
- Enforce rules that encourage safe driving habits, such as prohibiting cell phones or other distractions. Additionally, equip vehicles with GPS, dash cameras, and other technology that encourages responsibility.
For more information about the ELDT regulations and a registry of Training Providers, visit https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Stay Up-to-Date on The Latest
Updated driver requirements are just a small piece of the puzzle as industries continue to be transformed by new policies, challenges, and technological advancements. Staying on top of the latest news is the best way to stay ahead. Luckily, you can count on TCI Transportation to keep you in the know of all the latest changes affecting the trucking industry.
As a leader in the industry, TCI Transportation is proud to research, share, and implement the latest technology and procedures, which in turn helps our customers perform at their best. To learn more about our company, visit tcitransportation.com.
