Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Train-the-Trainer

Overview

Required since February 7, 2022, the ELDT regulations set the minimum federal requirements for training that entry-level drivers must complete before being permitted to take certain commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills or knowledge tests.

The Issue

There is currently a shortage of CDL drivers in this nation. The cost to an individual to attend a certified program can be very costly and time-consuming. This cost is more offensive to a company when allowing an employee time off to attend a program. There has recently been an allowance for an in-house training program to companies that wish to train their current employees and prepare them to test for the CDL level. To be eligible to take the Class A or Class B CDL skills test, the S or P test, or the H knowledge test, commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider. A state is not permitted to administer the CDL skills or knowledge test to drivers if they cannot electronically verify that these requirements are met.

A state may issue a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) to a driver who has not yet completed entry-level driver training, but the driver must have passed “ELDT Theory” (or knowledge) testing with a score of 80% or better and have their score recorded in a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR) on-line portal for the state to electronically verify the student’s required ELDT training completion before CDL testing is permitted.

Solution

ELDT Training is a Train-the-Trainer one-day class. It targets construction companies, electric coops, utility companies, or any other entity that uses and needs CDL drivers. A potential instructor will be an employee that currently has a CDL and has driven with their CDL for a minimum of 2 years. It is recommended that each entity/agency send two or more employees for the continuity of their program. These identified employees will receive the "Instructor" training that will provide them with the curriculum and resources to instruct their employees in the Theory (classroom portion) and Behind-the-Wheel training.

Training Content	Description
Logbook	How to fill out a logbook, correct documentation, daily time allowances
Training Provider Registry	How to register on the TPR website, supply records and documentation in the event of an FMCSA audit
Theory	Use of ELDT rule-compliant curriculum and instructions to meet eligibility requirements and to be listed on the TPR.
Behind-the-Wheel	Oklahoma CDL Driver’s Manual, 49 CFR 380 Subpart F, behind-the-wheel instruction presentation (recommended forms, range timesheet, road test score sheet, control skills diagrams w/measurements), PreTrip Video (Pre-Trip inspection, PreTrip checklist)

Objective

Provide FMCSA-compliant training by "entity/organization/agency" instructors to current employees desiring to obtain CDL licensure.

Benefits

Build a cadre of employees trained with CDL certifications
Increase the company’s ability to meet certification needs and limit supply chain issues
Add to the state’s number of productive, wage-earning taxpayers

Date and Time

2024 deadline has passed

Instructor

Diann Wilson

FHWA-recognized educator of federal programs
Previous law enforcement officer

Pricing

The following table details the estimated pricing for the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) One-Day Workshop, which can be offered onsite at the Oklahoma State University-OKC campus, or offsite at a designated location for the training.

Training Cost	Price
ELDT Train-the-Trainer 1-Day Workshop: 8 Hours (Onsite at OSU-OKC, Online, or Offsite within 30-mile radius of OSU-OKC)	$500^
Details
Minimum attendees:	10
Maximum attendees:	30
*Costs may vary according to price of supplies and materials
^Additional travel fee if in-person training occurs outside 30-mile radius of OSU-OKC

Disclaimer: The prices listed in the preceding table are an estimate for the services discussed. This summary is not a warranty of final price. Estimates are subject to change if project specifications are changed or costs for outsourced services change before a contract is executed.