On February 7, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) entry-level driver-training (ELDT) final rule went into effect, setting a new federal standard for mandatory training of entry-level drivers and establishing minimum requirements for entry-level driver training providers.

The rule establishes a Training Provider Registry (TPR), a web system that will contain the official list of all entities that register with FMCSA and self-certify that they meet the requirements for being an entry-level driver training provider. The TPR will retain a record of drivers who have successfully completed entry-level driver training for states to access.

Many tree care companies already offer basic training for employees and being an approved entry-level driver trainer could help attract new talent. If your company offers any type of on-the-job training or is looking to provide training to attract new drivers into your company, this online seminar will walk you through the following areas:

• Overview of the new revisions to the ELDT
• Requirements to offer in-house training
• How these new training requirements impact current training

While neither requirement mandates a minimum number of hours that the driver trainee must complete, individuals must receive a score of at least 80% on their theory assessment and proficiently demonstrate all required behind-the-wheel skills before the training provider can issue the training certificate required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

The revised EDLT regulations apply to those seeking a CDL for the first time or looking to upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL and imposes both theory and behind-the-wheel training requirements.

The effective date of the ELDT rule was delayed two years due to complications developing the TPR, but FMCSA is now encouraging providers to register so your data will be available to the states (s) in which they are registered.

To watch this TCIA member webinar, click the link below: