| Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements for CDL Applicants
The new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations require that all entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) receive training from a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
Beginning February 7, 2022, to be eligible to take required skills or knowledge tests, commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider. The FMCSA’s ELDT Applicability Fact Sheet is linked here.
ATA’s Vice President of Safety Policy, Dan Horvath has put together a document, linked here, including information regarding training requirements and some frequently asked questions.
ELDT EXCEPTIONS
From FMCSA – “ELDT EXCEPTIONS. The ELDT regulations do not apply to individuals that are not required to have a CDL as outlined in 49 CFR part 383, or for whom the state has waived the CDL skills test.”
From Final ELDT Rule, December 2016, under “1. Applicability of the ELDT Requirements”
“Under the NPRM, the following categories of drivers, who are currently excepted or may, at the State’s discretion, be excepted from CDL requirements, would also be excepted from the ELDT requirements: (1) Drivers excepted from the CDL requirements under § 383.3(c), (d), and (h), which includes individuals who operate CMVs for military purposes, farmers, firefighters, emergency response vehicle drivers and drivers removing snow and ice, and drivers of “covered farm vehicles”; (2) drivers applying for a restricted CDL under § 383.3 (e) through (g); and (3) veterans with military experience who meet the requirements and conditions of § 383.77.”
“FMCSA Response: The ELDT requirements established in today’s rule are aligned with the existing CDL requirements in part 383. The final rule does not create any new exceptions. Therefore, any individual who is currently excepted from taking a skills test in order to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL or a P or S endorsement would not be subject to the final rule.”
PART 383 – COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND PENALTIES
(d) Exception for farmers, firefighters, emergency response vehicle drivers, and drivers removing snow and ice. A State may, at its discretion, exempt individuals identified in paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3) of this section from the requirements of this part. The use of this waiver is limited to the driver’s home State unless there is a reciprocity agreement with adjoining States.
(1) Operators of a farm vehicle which is:
(i) Controlled and operated by a farmer, including operation by employees or family members;
(ii) Used to transport either agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies, or both to or from a farm;
(iii) Not used in the operations of a for-hire motor carrier, except for an exempt motor carrier as defined in § 390.5 of this subchapter; and
(iv) Used within 241 kilometers (150 miles) of the farmer’s farm.
(f) Restricted CDL for certain drivers in farm-related service industries.
(1) A State may, at its discretion, waive the required knowledge and skills tests of subpart H of this part and issue restricted CDLs to employees of these designated farm- related service industries:
(i)Agri-chemical businesses;
(ii) Custom harvesters;
(iii) Farm retail outlets and suppliers;
(iv) Livestock feeders.
(2) A restricted CDL issued pursuant to this paragraph shall meet all the requirements of this part, except subpart H of this part. A restricted CDL issued pursuant to this paragraph shall be accorded the same reciprocity as a CDL meeting all of the requirements of this part. The restrictions imposed upon the issuance of this restricted CDL shall not limit a person’s use of the CDL in a non-CMV during either validated or non- validated periods, nor shall the CDL affect a State’s power to administer its driver licensing program for operators of vehicles other than CMVs.
(3) A State issuing a CDL under the terms of this paragraph must restrict issuance as follows:
(i) Applicants must have a good driving record as defined in this paragraph. Drivers who have not held any motor vehicle operator’s license for at least one year shall not be eligible for this CDL. Drivers who have between one and two years of driving experience must demonstrate a good driving record for their entire driving history. Drivers with more than two years of driving experience must have a good driving record for the two most recent years. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term good driving record means that an applicant: (A)Has not had more than one license;
(B) Has not had any license suspended, revoked, or canceled;
(C) Has not had any conviction for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in § 383.51(b);
(D) Has not had any conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations; and
(E) Has not had any conviction for a violation of State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) arising in connection with any traffic accident, and has no record of an accident in which he/she was at fault.
(ii) Restricted CDLs shall have the same renewal cycle as unrestricted CDLs, but shall be limited to the seasonal period or periods as defined by the State of licensure, provided that the total number of calendar days in any 12-month period for which the restricted CDL is valid does not exceed 180. If a State elects to provide for more than one seasonal period, the restricted CDL is valid for commercial motor vehicle operation only during the currently approved season, and must be revalidated for each successive season. Only one seasonal period of validity may appear on the license document at a time. The good driving record must be confirmed prior to any renewal or revalidation.
(iii) Restricted CDL holders are limited to operating Group B and C vehicles, as described in subpart F of this part.
(iv) Restricted CDLs shall not be issued with any endorsements on the license document. Only the limited tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsement privileges that the restricted CDL automatically confers and are described in paragraph (f)(3)(v) of this section are permitted.
(v) Restricted CDL holders may not drive vehicles carrying any placardable quantities of hazardous materials, except for diesel fuel in quantities of 3,785 liters (1,000 gallons) or less; liquid fertilizers (i.e., plant nutrients) in vehicles or implements of husbandry in total quantities of 11,355 liters (3,000 gallons) or less; and solid fertilizers (i.e., solid plant nutrients) that are not transported with any organic substance.
(vi) Restricted CDL holders may not hold an unrestricted CDL at the same time.
(vii) Restricted CDL holders may not operate a commercial motor vehicle beyond 241 kilometers (150 miles) from the place of business or the farm currently being served.
(h) Exception for drivers of “covered farm vehicles.” The rules in this part do not apply to a driver of a “covered farm vehicle,” as defined in § 390.5 of this chapter.
Entry Level Driver Training Exceptions.pdf (trucking.org) |
