Entry-Level Driver Training Rule

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published FAQs and other compliance materials for training providers, motor carriers, and drivers on the new Entry-Level Driver Training rule. The new rule goes into effect on February 7, 2022.

The Entry-Level Driver Training regulations establish new federal minimum training standards for entry-level drivers; this includes individuals applying for:

• A Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time
• An upgrade of an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
• A school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time

Beginning February 7, 2022, drivers must have completed the required entry-level driver training from a provider registered with FMCSA before taking CDL skills or knowledge test to obtain one of the licenses or endorsements listed above. Only drivers who obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) on or after the February 7, 2022 compliance date are subject to ELDT regulations for obtaining a CDL. Drivers who currently hold a CLP may obtain a CDL without completing entry-level training, as long as they obtain their CDL before their CLP, or renewed CLP expires. Current CDL holders who apply for a new S, P, or H endorsement on or after February 7, 2022, are subject to ELDT requirements for those endorsements. The ELDT requirements for obtaining the S, P, or H endorsements also apply to drivers who obtain their CLP or CDL after February 7, 2022. Drivers seeking to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement must select a training provider from the public list on the Training Provider Registry website.