['Commercial drivers license CDL', 'Driver qualifications', 'Entry-Level driver training']
['Entry-level driver training', 'Commercial drivers license CDL', 'Driver qualification and hiring']
01/29/2024
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Requirements on and after February 7, 2022
The entry-level driver training rule establishes minimum training standards for drivers applying for their initial CDL, upgrading their current CDL, or obtaining a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time.
Before to taking the skills test, 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 FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Theory instruction
The rule requires instruction in 30 specific topics under five areas of instruction:
- Basic Operation
- Safe Operating Procedures
- Advanced Operating Practices
- Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
- Non-Driving Activities
An assessment must be used to determine the driver-trainee’s proficiency for each unit of instruction. Driver-trainees must achieve an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment. There is no minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on theory instruction.
Behind-the-wheel instruction
Behind-the-wheel training includes both range and public road instruction covering just under two dozen topics. The required topics include (but are not limited to) vehicle controls, speed and space management, backing, and parking.
The training must be completed in a vehicle of the same group or type that the driver-trainee intends to use for the CDL skills test.
The proficient completion of the behind-the-wheel training is based on the instructor’s assessment of each driver-trainee’s performance of the required elements of behind-the-wheel training.
Training instructors must document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the behind-the-wheel curriculum. There is no minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on behind-the-wheel instruction.
Endorsements (Passenger, School Bus, Hazardous Materials)
An individual seeking to obtain a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time must complete the training related to that endorsement from a provider listed on the TPR.
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.
Training provider registry (TPR)
In order to be listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), the training provider must:
- Follow a curriculum that meets the criteria listed in Part 380, Appendices A through E;
- Use classroom and range facilities that comply with all federal, state, and/or local statutes and regulations;
- Use vehicles in behind-the-wheel training that comply with all federal, state, and/or local statutes and regulations, and are in the same group or type that driver-trainees intend to operate for their CDL skills test;
- Use theory instructors who meet the definition in 380.605;
- Use behind-the-wheel instructors who meet the definition in 380.605; and
- Be licensed, certified, registered, or authorized to provide training in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of any state where in-person training is conducted.
Facilities and equipment must comply with all applicable federal, state, and/or local statutes and regulations.
Instructor requirements
Theory and behind-the-wheel instructors must hold an appropriate class of CDL (including appropriate endorsement(s)) and have either:
- A minimum of two years of experience driving a commercial motor vehicle requiring the CDL (including appropriate endorsement(s)); or
- A minimum of two years of experience as a behind-the-wheel commercial motor vehicle instructor.
Certification and recordkeeping
After an individual completes training administered by a provider listed on the TPR, that provider must, by midnight of the second business day after the driver-trainee completes the training, electronically transmit training certification information through the TPR website.
All training providers on the TPR must retain the following records:
- Self-certifications by all accepted applicants for behind-the-wheel training, attesting that they will comply with the regulations in Parts 40, 382, 383, and 391, as well as state and/or local laws, related to alcohol and controlled substances testing, age, medical certification, licensing, and driver records;
- A copy of the driver-trainee’s commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or CDL, as applicable;
- Instructor qualification documentation indicating driving and/or training experience, as applicable, for each instructor, and copies of CDLs and applicable endorsements held by behind-the-wheel instructors or theory instructors, as applicable;
- The lesson plans for theory and behind-the-wheel (range and public road) training curricula, as applicable; and
- Records of individual entry-level driver training assessments
Note that if local, state, or federal requirements prescribe longer retention periods for any category of records described, the records should be kept under those guidelines.
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['Commercial drivers license CDL', 'Driver qualifications', 'Entry-Level driver training']
['Entry-level driver training', 'Commercial drivers license CDL', 'Driver qualification and hiring']
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Copyright 2024 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.