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The entry-level driver training rule establishes minimum training standards for drivers applying for their initial Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL); upgrading their current CDL from Class B to Class A; or obtaining a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time.
To obtain a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement an entry-level driver must successfully complete a prescribed program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction provided by a school or other entity listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR) prior to taking a skills test.
A prescribed program of theory instruction provided by a school or other entity listed on the TPR must be completed prior to an individual taking a hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test.
The entry-level driver training rule establishes minimum training standards for drivers:
An entry-level driver must, prior to taking the CDL skills test, successfully complete a prescribed program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction provided by a school or other entity listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR).
These requirements apply to all entry-level drivers who drive in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce and are subject to commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements.
Commercial driver’s license (CDL): A license issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR 383, to an individual who authorizes the individual to operate a class of commercial motor vehicles.
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle is a:
Entry-level driver: An individual who must complete the CDL skills test requirements under 383.71 prior to receiving a CDL for the first time; upgrading to a Class A or Class B CDL, or obtaining a passenger or school bus endorsement for the first time. An individual must complete the CDL knowledge test requirements to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement.
Range: An area that:
Theory instruction: Knowledge instruction on the operation of a CMV and related matters provided by a theory instructor through lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, computer-based instruction, driving simulation devices, online training, or similar means.
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory training, but the instructor must cover all topics set forth in the curriculum.
The curriculum addresses five areas of instruction. Instruction must cover all topics under the five areas of instruction:
*Instruction on this topic is not required for drivers upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
A written assessment must be used to determine the driver-trainee’s proficiency for each unit of instruction. The driver-trainee must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment.
Training must be conducted in the class of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in which the driver-trainee will be taking the Class A or Class B skills/road test. A simulation device may not be used to conduct the training or demonstrate proficiency.
The instructor must determine and document that each driver-trainee has demonstrated proficiency in all elements of the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
Training instructors must document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
Behind-the-wheel range training is provided by a behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a range. Behind-the-wheel range training does not include time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when that driver is not in control of the vehicle.
Behind-the-wheel range training must teach driving exercises related to basic vehicle control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers necessary to operate the vehicle safely. The training provider must teach "Get Out and Look" (GOAL) to the driver-trainee as it applies to various range training topics.
The required range training topics are:
Behind-the-wheel public road training is provided by a behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a public road. Behind-the-wheel public road training does not include the time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when that driver is not in control of the vehicle.
The instructor must engage in active two-way communication with the driver-trainee during all active behind-the-wheel public road training sessions.
The required public road training topics are:
*These topics must be discussed during public road training, but not necessarily performed. Driver-trainees are not required to demonstrate proficiency in these skills.
A specific curriculum that includes theory and behind-the-wheel instruction must be completed in order to obtain a passenger or school bus endorsement. A specific curriculum that includes theory instruction must be completed in order to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement.
The rule does not include a minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on theory instruction. The driver-trainee must complete a theory assessment and receive a score of at least 80 percent.
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for behind-the-wheel training for the passenger or school bus endorsement, but training providers must determine whether driver-trainees have demonstrated proficiency in all elements of the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
A specific curriculum that includes theory instruction must be completed in order to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement. The instructor must cover all of these topics:
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory training, but the driver-trainee must complete a theory assessment and receive a score of at least 80 percent.
In order to provide entry-level driver training, a training provider must be listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA)Training Provider Registry (TPR). To be eligible for listing on the TPR, the training provider must:
Facilities and equipment must comply with all applicable federal, state, and/or local statutes and regulations.
Training providers will need to complete an electronic application on FMCSA’s website in order to be listed on the TPR. FMCSA will not accept any other form of application.
A theory instructor must meet one of these qualifications:
A behind-the-wheel instructor is an individual who provides behind-the-wheel training involving the actual operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by an entry-level driver on a range or a public road and meets one of these qualifications:
There are exceptions to these requirements for theory and behind-the-wheel range instructors who previously possessed a commercial driver’s license (CDL) but no longer possess a CDL. There are also prohibitions for theory and behind-the-wheel range instructors who have had their CDL canceled, suspended, or revoked per the disqualification provisions in 383.51.
After an individual completes training administered by a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), that provider must, by midnight of the second business day after the driver-trainee completes the training, electronically transmit this training certification information through the TPR website:
All training providers on the Training Provider Registry (TPR) must retain:
If local, state, or federal requirements prescribe longer retention periods for any category of records described, the records should be maintained under those guidelines.
Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) for potential Class 1/A licensed drivers in Canada is established by each jurisdiction, not by federal mandate.
Not all jurisdictions have implemented MELT. In the jurisdictions in which MELT has been implemented, the requirements vary as far as hours of training and on-road instruction.
These requirements apply to all entry-level drivers who drive in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce and are subject to commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements.
Commercial driver’s license (CDL): A license issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR 383, to an individual who authorizes the individual to operate a class of commercial motor vehicles.
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle is a:
Entry-level driver: An individual who must complete the CDL skills test requirements under 383.71 prior to receiving a CDL for the first time; upgrading to a Class A or Class B CDL, or obtaining a passenger or school bus endorsement for the first time. An individual must complete the CDL knowledge test requirements to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement.
Range: An area that:
Theory instruction: Knowledge instruction on the operation of a CMV and related matters provided by a theory instructor through lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, computer-based instruction, driving simulation devices, online training, or similar means.
Commercial driver’s license (CDL): A license issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR 383, to an individual who authorizes the individual to operate a class of commercial motor vehicles.
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle is a:
Entry-level driver: An individual who must complete the CDL skills test requirements under 383.71 prior to receiving a CDL for the first time; upgrading to a Class A or Class B CDL, or obtaining a passenger or school bus endorsement for the first time. An individual must complete the CDL knowledge test requirements to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement.
Range: An area that:
Theory instruction: Knowledge instruction on the operation of a CMV and related matters provided by a theory instructor through lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, computer-based instruction, driving simulation devices, online training, or similar means.
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory training, but the instructor must cover all topics set forth in the curriculum.
The curriculum addresses five areas of instruction. Instruction must cover all topics under the five areas of instruction:
*Instruction on this topic is not required for drivers upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
A written assessment must be used to determine the driver-trainee’s proficiency for each unit of instruction. The driver-trainee must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment.
Training must be conducted in the class of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in which the driver-trainee will be taking the Class A or Class B skills/road test. A simulation device may not be used to conduct the training or demonstrate proficiency.
The instructor must determine and document that each driver-trainee has demonstrated proficiency in all elements of the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
Training instructors must document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
Behind-the-wheel range training is provided by a behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a range. Behind-the-wheel range training does not include time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when that driver is not in control of the vehicle.
Behind-the-wheel range training must teach driving exercises related to basic vehicle control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers necessary to operate the vehicle safely. The training provider must teach "Get Out and Look" (GOAL) to the driver-trainee as it applies to various range training topics.
The required range training topics are:
Behind-the-wheel public road training is provided by a behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a public road. Behind-the-wheel public road training does not include the time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when that driver is not in control of the vehicle.
The instructor must engage in active two-way communication with the driver-trainee during all active behind-the-wheel public road training sessions.
The required public road training topics are:
*These topics must be discussed during public road training, but not necessarily performed. Driver-trainees are not required to demonstrate proficiency in these skills.
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory training, but the instructor must cover all topics set forth in the curriculum.
The curriculum addresses five areas of instruction. Instruction must cover all topics under the five areas of instruction:
*Instruction on this topic is not required for drivers upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
A written assessment must be used to determine the driver-trainee’s proficiency for each unit of instruction. The driver-trainee must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment.
Training must be conducted in the class of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in which the driver-trainee will be taking the Class A or Class B skills/road test. A simulation device may not be used to conduct the training or demonstrate proficiency.
The instructor must determine and document that each driver-trainee has demonstrated proficiency in all elements of the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
Training instructors must document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
Behind-the-wheel range training is provided by a behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a range. Behind-the-wheel range training does not include time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when that driver is not in control of the vehicle.
Behind-the-wheel range training must teach driving exercises related to basic vehicle control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers necessary to operate the vehicle safely. The training provider must teach "Get Out and Look" (GOAL) to the driver-trainee as it applies to various range training topics.
The required range training topics are:
Behind-the-wheel public road training is provided by a behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a public road. Behind-the-wheel public road training does not include the time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when that driver is not in control of the vehicle.
The instructor must engage in active two-way communication with the driver-trainee during all active behind-the-wheel public road training sessions.
The required public road training topics are:
*These topics must be discussed during public road training, but not necessarily performed. Driver-trainees are not required to demonstrate proficiency in these skills.
Behind-the-wheel range training is provided by a behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a range. Behind-the-wheel range training does not include time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when that driver is not in control of the vehicle.
Behind-the-wheel range training must teach driving exercises related to basic vehicle control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers necessary to operate the vehicle safely. The training provider must teach "Get Out and Look" (GOAL) to the driver-trainee as it applies to various range training topics.
The required range training topics are:
Behind-the-wheel public road training is provided by a behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a public road. Behind-the-wheel public road training does not include the time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when that driver is not in control of the vehicle.
The instructor must engage in active two-way communication with the driver-trainee during all active behind-the-wheel public road training sessions.
The required public road training topics are:
*These topics must be discussed during public road training, but not necessarily performed. Driver-trainees are not required to demonstrate proficiency in these skills.
A specific curriculum that includes theory and behind-the-wheel instruction must be completed in order to obtain a passenger or school bus endorsement. A specific curriculum that includes theory instruction must be completed in order to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement.
The rule does not include a minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on theory instruction. The driver-trainee must complete a theory assessment and receive a score of at least 80 percent.
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for behind-the-wheel training for the passenger or school bus endorsement, but training providers must determine whether driver-trainees have demonstrated proficiency in all elements of the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
A specific curriculum that includes theory instruction must be completed in order to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement. The instructor must cover all of these topics:
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory training, but the driver-trainee must complete a theory assessment and receive a score of at least 80 percent.
The rule does not include a minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on theory instruction. The driver-trainee must complete a theory assessment and receive a score of at least 80 percent.
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for behind-the-wheel training for the passenger or school bus endorsement, but training providers must determine whether driver-trainees have demonstrated proficiency in all elements of the behind-the-wheel curriculum.
A specific curriculum that includes theory instruction must be completed in order to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement. The instructor must cover all of these topics:
There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory training, but the driver-trainee must complete a theory assessment and receive a score of at least 80 percent.
In order to provide entry-level driver training, a training provider must be listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA)Training Provider Registry (TPR). To be eligible for listing on the TPR, the training provider must:
Facilities and equipment must comply with all applicable federal, state, and/or local statutes and regulations.
Training providers will need to complete an electronic application on FMCSA’s website in order to be listed on the TPR. FMCSA will not accept any other form of application.
A theory instructor must meet one of these qualifications:
A behind-the-wheel instructor is an individual who provides behind-the-wheel training involving the actual operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by an entry-level driver on a range or a public road and meets one of these qualifications:
There are exceptions to these requirements for theory and behind-the-wheel range instructors who previously possessed a commercial driver’s license (CDL) but no longer possess a CDL. There are also prohibitions for theory and behind-the-wheel range instructors who have had their CDL canceled, suspended, or revoked per the disqualification provisions in 383.51.
After an individual completes training administered by a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), that provider must, by midnight of the second business day after the driver-trainee completes the training, electronically transmit this training certification information through the TPR website:
All training providers on the Training Provider Registry (TPR) must retain:
If local, state, or federal requirements prescribe longer retention periods for any category of records described, the records should be maintained under those guidelines.
A theory instructor must meet one of these qualifications:
A behind-the-wheel instructor is an individual who provides behind-the-wheel training involving the actual operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by an entry-level driver on a range or a public road and meets one of these qualifications:
There are exceptions to these requirements for theory and behind-the-wheel range instructors who previously possessed a commercial driver’s license (CDL) but no longer possess a CDL. There are also prohibitions for theory and behind-the-wheel range instructors who have had their CDL canceled, suspended, or revoked per the disqualification provisions in 383.51.
After an individual completes training administered by a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), that provider must, by midnight of the second business day after the driver-trainee completes the training, electronically transmit this training certification information through the TPR website:
All training providers on the Training Provider Registry (TPR) must retain:
If local, state, or federal requirements prescribe longer retention periods for any category of records described, the records should be maintained under those guidelines.
Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) for potential Class 1/A licensed drivers in Canada is established by each jurisdiction, not by federal mandate.
Not all jurisdictions have implemented MELT. In the jurisdictions in which MELT has been implemented, the requirements vary as far as hours of training and on-road instruction.