Important Changes to CDL Training Effective 2022

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations will take effect on February 7, 2022 and will serve to enhance the safety of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations by establishing new minimum training requirements for commercial driver’s license (CDL) and passenger (P), school bus (S), and hazardous materials (H) endorsement holders and applicants. 

Key Requirements

These changes require CDL holders, and P, H and S endorsement holders to successfully complete a mandatory theory (knowledge) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training program. Training must be provided by an entity listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). The State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) will be required to verify the entry-level driver has completed the required training before allowing the driver to proceed to the next step.

In addition, all driving schools providing training are required to register their program with the FMCSA and self-certify that their program meets or exceeds all ELDT requirements and all federal, state, and local laws.

Who The Changes Apply To

The ELDT regulations apply to all entry-level CMV operators in interstate and intrastate commerce who are applying for a Class A or Class B CDL, upgrading their CDL, and applying for a P, S, or H endorsement for the first time.

These requirements are not retroactive and will not affect the license status of those currently holding a valid CDL or a P, S, or H endorsement. The compliance date is set for February 7, 2022.

Training Provider Registry

The training provider registry was opened to training providers beginning summer 2021 and was made publicly available in the fall of 2021. 

Beginning February 7, 2022, training providers will be able to submit training certification information and states will begin verifying driver training certification information.

To meet ELDT requirements, drivers are required to choose a training provider from those listed on the TPR. Students who are trained by a provider not listed on the TPR will not be eligible to test for a CDL.

The ELDT regulations don’t specify the order of training for CDL applicants. Training providers can choose which form of training to provide first and in what order. In addition, the new regulations don’t require applicants to complete theory training before obtaining a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).