What You Need To Know About The Junior Driver Training (ELDT) Program

This post is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.

Driver shortages remain a major challenge for fleets across the country. That’s because the industry lacks an estimated 80,000 drivers, a number estimated to rise to 160,000 by 2030.^[1]

Compounding the problem is the aging demographic of the commercial trucking industry. The average age of commercial truck drivers in the United States is currently 48 years old.^[2]

An important recruitment strategy for fleets is to bring in younger drivers, and in many states, 18-year-olds can now qualify for a CDL even though they can only operate a commercial vehicle within their state. Once drivers reach the age of 21, they are allowed to drive within the state.^[3]

To keep new and young drivers safe, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that all new drivers complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), a national core safety standard, prior to their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test. Many fleet carriers are now certified ELDT training sites so they can quickly join and train new drivers.

ELDT program requirements

The ELDT training requirements for entry-level drivers relate to the Standard Safety Requirements for operating commercial vehicles.^[4] This applies to:

Entry-level drivers who want to earn a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
Drivers who wish to upgrade their existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
Drivers who want a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time^[5]

The rules came into effect for those who apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) on or after February 7, 2022.

The requirements for the ELDP include both theoretical training and training behind the wheel. Curriculum includes:

Lectures, demonstrations and computer-based online learning
Orientation training, basic operation, safe operating practices, advanced operations, and non-driving activities such as logging or moving goods on site
A score of at least 80% in the assessment

For behind-the-wheel training, this includes:

Training in CMV takes place on a public scale or road
Simulation is not allowed
Drivers are trained in basic vehicle control skills and basic maneuvers.

The instructor determines the driver’s proficiency level. 4

ELDT training log

ELDT requires fleets offering training to join their training registry, allowing drivers to find and contact you directly. To qualify as an in-class instructor, instructors must have at least two years of driving a CDL and have trailer towing experience. To provide behind-the-wheel training, driver instructors must have two years of experience as behind-the-wheel instructors^[6].

Young new employees must complete all of their training before going to their state licensing department to take a CDL skills test. The FMCSA requires the instructor to enter all relevant information into their system within 24 hours of completion of the training to enable the student to take the exam.

Coaches must also keep their CDL in good standing and deliver good quality coaching. If the FMCSA determines that a trainer is not doing their job, it can remove that individual from the training record.

For more information about setting up your ELDT program or preparing drivers through the program, contact the transportation team at IAT.