Which ELDT rules apply to this new driver?
The way the transition from the old to new entry-level driver training (ELDT)requirements was handled was simple, yet somewhat complex. If the driver was hired before February 7, 2022, the old ELDT rules apply to the driver. If the driver acquired a CLP to begin the CDL process on or after February 7, 2022, the new rules apply. Here are the details on this transition.
Old rules
If a CDL driver was hired prior to February 7, 2022, and did not have one year of verifiable experience operating a CMV requiring CDL, the requirements (found in the former Subpart E to Part 380) would include:
- The driver must have received trained in four specific areas, including driver qualifications, hours-of-service, driver wellness, and whistleblower protections (380.503 in effect until 2/7/2022).
- The training could have been completed by any entity (upon completion the entity provides the driver a certificate (meeting the requirements in 380.513, in effect until 2/7/2022).
- An ELDT certificate meeting the requirements must be in the driver’s qualification file (380.511 in effect until 2/7/2022).
Note: Even though these rules are no longer in effect, if the driver was covered by these rules at the time of hire, the certificate must be in the driver’s qualification (DQ) file.
New rules
A driver who received a commercial learner’s permit on or after February 7, 2022, would be subject to the new rules in Subpart F of Part 380. These rules require:
- The driver must complete training at an entity that is on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
- The entity (or entities if theory and behind the wheel were done at different entities) must upload completion information for the driver to the TPR once the training is successfully completed.
- The state (or the CLD examiner) must verify the completion information is on file before conducting the CDL skills testing (Class A, B, Passenger, or School Bus) or allowing the driver to take the hazardous materials endorsement written test (no completion information on file, no test).
- There are no carrier requirements.
The ‘doughnut hole’
There is a very small group of drivers not covered by either requirement due to the way the transition was structured. This would include drivers who were hired on or after February 7, 2022, that also had their CLP issued before that date. These drivers would not be covered by either set of rules.
Key to remember: The determination of which ELDT rules apply is based on the hire date of the driver and the date the driver acquired the CLP.