Over the last few weeks, IFCA has taken several calls on the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule.  Effective February 7, 2022, this requirement applies to first-time class A or B CDL applicants and those upgrading to a Class A or B CDL or those seeking an endorsement for hazardous materials (H), passengers (P), or school buses (S).

Under these new requirements, an entry-level driver must, prior to taking the CDL test, successfully complete a prescribed program on theory and behind-the-wheel instruction provided by a school or other entity listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry

No longer will be the days of obtaining a learner’s permit, driving with a CDL holder for as little as a few hours and then taking the CDL road test. This new process will become more detailed and will take more time than the previous CDL process. 

This training must be provided by an entity listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry website. Those providers can include state and local governments, owner-operators, and individuals.  As it stands now, ag retail operations would be able to provide their own ELDT if they have been approved by the FMCSA to do so.

The important thing to remember is that the training requirement applies only to certain drivers – those applying for and/or upgrading a CDL or seeking a certain endorsement.  Those renewing an existing CDL and not changing the class of license or adding an endorsement will not be required to undergo training.

FMCSA has released an FAQ website to help people answer questions they have.   You can find the website here.  

IFCA has been in contact with FMCSA and the Illinois Secretary of State on how this will affect the ag input industry.  As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to KJ Johnson or Jason Solberg at the IFCA office.