When Is the ELDT Standard Effective and Who Must Register? As the new regulations came into effect, many drivers have been wondering if the change is retroactive. The good news is that the new regulations do not apply to individuals with valid CDLs or S endorsements. Nonetheless, the new regulations do affect providers who provide ELDT services. Learn more about ELDT providers’ registration requirements and how they are able to get the licenses you need to keep driving.
ELDT regulations are not retroactive
The ELDT regulations do not affect CDL holders that have been issued before February 7th, 2022. Only CDL holders who want to earn an endorsement for hazardous materials or upgrade their existing CDL need to take the training. While Ohio has requested an exemption, other states have not. Ohio must register training providers in its state system. In addition, drivers who are exempted by their state from CDL training do not need to take ELDT training.
The ELDT regulations are effective immediately and will not affect CDL holders issued prior to February 7, 2022. These regulations will impact the curriculum, instructor qualifications, vehicles, and record retention. The ELDT regulations are not retroactive, meaning that CDL holders issued before Feb. 7, 2022, do not need to take the training. However, individuals who obtained their CDL prior to that date are not subject to the ELDT regulations.
ELDT requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an S endorsement
While federal regulations governing ELDT do not supersede state requirements, entry-level driver training can meet or exceed state standards. This is true for CDL holders with S and P endorsements and those seeking to obtain a school bus or hazardous materials endorsement. Individuals who hold these endorsements may be exempt from ELDT requirements, depending on where they receive their training.
Individuals must complete the Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement to obtain an H or S endorsement. These two endorsements require knowledge tests and entrance-level driver training. These tests are free and typically take one to one and a half hours. To take the tests, applicants must possess a valid Class D license and show proof of legal status and citizenship. Applicants wishing to transport hazardous materials (H) must take the ELDT.
To meet ELDT requirements, entry-level drivers must complete their required training from a registered training provider. The state driver licensing agency will check the Training Provider Registry to determine whether a CDL applicant has completed training prior to taking the tests. They must also complete the necessary training to earn a school bus (S) endorsement and obtain a passenger or hazardous materials (P) endorsement.
ELDT providers must register with the TPR
In order to provide entry-level driver training in the state of California, ELDT providers must be listed on the Training Provider Registry or TPR. The TPR is a database that FMCSA has created to list approved training providers and allow them to submit proof that their students have successfully completed the ELDT program. In order to obtain a listing on TPR, training providers must comply with state requirements, and submit an entry-level driver training provider certification.
The TPR is an online database maintained by the FMCSA. It will maintain a record of all CDL applicants who successfully complete the ELDT process. The TPR will be used by FMCSA to track CDL applicants. Those CDL holders who have obtained a CDL prior to February 7, 2022, are exempt from these requirements. Exceptions to this rule include commercial learner permit holders who obtain their licenses before the expiration date and individuals who meet 49 CFR Part 383 exclusions.
Training providers must register with the TPR to ensure their courses comply with federal and state regulations. TPR-records information that states can use when determining eligibility for CDL training. The TPR also holds a record of the CDL applicant’s training. TPR is a central database for commercial motor vehicle training providers. The TPR connects entry-level drivers with training providers. ELDT providers must register with the TPR before they can accept applicants for CDL training.
