FMCSA Delays Enforcement of Entry-Level Driver Rule

Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced it will delay, by two years, implementation of the new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements rule to February 7, 2022. It was originally scheduled to go into effect this year on February 7. Specifically, the ELDT rule established guidelines for minimum training requirements for individuals seeking to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). FMCSA has delayed the rule to complete the buildout of the online platforms necessary to execute the new program.

The ELDT rule was required by the 2012 transportation bill known as “MAP-21”, which stated that FMCSA must develop regulations “concerning ELDT for drivers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate or intrastate commerce.” In complying with the MAP-21 requirement, FMCSA implemented a process for a “negotiated rulemaking” whereby “25 key FMCSA stakeholders… [consisting of] motor carrier transportation, highway safety, driver training, state licensing, law enforcement, labor union and insurance organizations… convened for six two-day negotiating sessions to reach a consensus on minimum training standards for entry-level drivers.”

The rule, finalized in 2017, established for the first time a universal and comprehensive training standard requiring both behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction and specific topics to be covered during classroom instruction. The new requirements apply to “individuals applying for their initial CDL; an upgrade of their CDL or a hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsement for their license.” The training also has to be conducted by a certified entity listed on the new Training Provider Registry. The requirements for obtaining a Class B CDL to operate a ready mixed concrete truck are also included in the new rule. While there is not a minimum number of BTW and classroom instruction hours, there is a required comprehensive curriculum that needs to be covered followed by the driver’s demonstration of proficiency of the curriculum and BTW training elements.

Click here for more information about the ELDT Rule and here to review the delay notice. For more information, contact Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org.