This article will explain what ELDT is, what is ELDT theory, what it is behind-the-wheel training is, and what it means for school districts. We will also look at the requirements for getting a Class A CDL with a Hazardous Materials endorsement. So let’s get started! ELDT is a program for the transportation industry that is helping to eliminate truck accidents. It’s designed to help truck drivers who work in hazardous materials and need special training to get their license.
A commercial driver can get his or her CDL with entry-level behind-the-wheel training (ELDT) if he or she has completed a course that is approved by FMCSA. The course includes lessons in safe and advanced operation procedures and a study of commercial vehicles’ systems and non-driving activities. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass the ELDT exam.
The ELDT rule includes both behind-the-wheel training and theory instruction. The ELDT rule states that the instructor should have at least two years of experience and the appropriate CDL class. The rule does not stipulate a minimum number of hours behind-the-wheel training, so it is left to the discretion of the instructor to determine the student’s readiness. The rule was designed to be performance-based, so the actual hours of behind-the-wheel training should not be more than four.
Who Needs ELDT?
The FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Regulations define the foundation for the qualifications for drivers at entry level. This is applicable to drivers who want to:
- Get a Class A, Class B, or CDL for the first time;
- Make the change from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
- Get the school bus (S) or passenger (P) as well as hazardous substances (H) certification for your first time.
The ELDT regulations aren’t retroactive. People who received an ELDT CDL or S P, H, or H endorsement before February 7, 2022, are not required to attend training for the specific CDL or endorsement.
If an applicant has obtained CLP prior to February 7, 2022, and renews the CLP before February 7th, 2022, and then obtains a CDL prior to expiring, the CLP or renewing CLP expires the applicant isn’t bound by the ELDT rules.
Any person who fulfills one of the exceptions to taking a test for skills in 49 CFR Part 383 is excluded from the requirements of the ELD requirement.
What is ELDT Online theory?
Marrone Logistics offers ELDT Theory training online for drivers. Online theory training is beneficial because it allows new drivers to study at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes. Online theory training also means that new trainees come to on-staff Trainers already prepared to handle the range and road. Therefore, they need less time with the Trainers. Here are the details about the ELDT theory course. You can also find out how to get started with it.
There are other parts of the training that need to be completed in order to obtain an ELDT license, applicants need to show proficiency in specific driving skills. Among other things, they need to learn how to perform a vehicle inspection, and how to back and street drive. To find out if you have the proper driving skills, check with an approved training provider. ProDriverU is an easy-to-use course that offers everything you need to pass the theory tests. You can complete the course in as few as 90 days.
Classroom Elements of the Training
The classroom training sessions will cover all the laws and regulations you have to be aware of when driving. It is typical to spend around 40 hours studying in the classroom. The sessions will also spend time focusing on subjects areas like:
- Wellness of the driver
- Qualifications of the driver
- Service restricted hours
- The rules of the road
- How to drive defensively
- Operating procedures and practices
- Maintenance of your vehicle
- The components of your vehicle
- How to carry out an inspection prior to your trip
- Reading maps, planning trips, and keeping notes and logs.
The ELDT Hands-On Training
As with most things in life you cannot learn everything you need to know in a classroom, you will need to physically interact with the vehicles, the equipment, and tools you will work with on a daily basis. Also, you’ll learn to operate and manage commercial trucks, while gaining the skills needed for city, highway as well as rural driving. The majority of students spend the remainder of their time in the practice field and out on the road, learning practical skills. For instance, you’ll likely be taught these things:
- Correctly maneuver and operate a commercial truck.
- Correct reversing procedures
- How to couple and uncouple trailers
- Connecting and disconnecting the airbrakes and airlines from the trailers
- Being able to identify and inspect all the necessary elements of trucks
- How to dock inside of an alley
- How to park correctly, this includes jack-knife parking
- Carry out a four-point check and test the brakes
- How to interact with traffic
- How to control your truck at high speeds
After you’ve completed your educational training the only thing you need to be able to pass is the CDL test. After that, you’re all set to travel the road as a truck driver -and be paid for the pleasure of it!
ELDT behind-the-wheel training
The behind-the-wheel aspect of the ELDT is practical and teaches many interesting things. Several of these elements include:
- Training on the range on seven topics (six for the Class B CDL) including vehicle inspections back, coupling/uncoupling, and backing to Classes A and Class B CDLs.
- There are public road instructions on 12 subjects, including visual search speed, space management, and safe driving behavior.
- Proficiently performed each move successfully repeated many times until proficiency is reached according to the instructor’s assessment of the execution of the required elements as well as the judgment of a professional.
What is the impact on school districts?
One of the most interesting aspects of the new FMCSA ELDT regulations is their impact on State-based training requirements. According to FMCSA, this change has a direct impact on school districts. School districts must meet the theory instruction and BTW training requirements to comply with the new regulations. Here are some of the changes. Also, the new regulations apply to school districts that operate in rural areas. For example, rural school districts that operate buses are required to have certified drivers.
Requirements for obtaining a Class A CDL with a Hazardous Materials endorsement
If you’re in the market for a Class A CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement, here are some steps to follow. To begin, you must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). You’ll also have to pass a written test and undergo fingerprinting. You must also complete a background check. You’ll have 30 days to complete all the steps, and if you don’t pass the exam the first time, you may have to repeat the process. Then you’ll need to pay for the required fees and you’ll be on your way to being a certified hazardous materials driver.
The TSA will assess the risk level for hazardous materials drivers. You must apply for a hazmat endorsement at least 30 days before your CDL expires. This is because TSA will conduct a security threat assessment, so you’ll have to take part in the TSA’s program. To obtain a Class A CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement, you’ll need to be certified by the TSA and undergo a security threat assessment.
