Are you planning to get your CDL-B, CDL-A, or Hazmat Endorsement in 2022? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations are set to change on February 7th – Here’s what you need to know.
You must get trained by a “Certified” trainer
Previously, people who wanted to learn to drive semi-trucks were able to ask family and friends to teach them the basics before taking any skills or knowledge tests. However, it has become more common for drivers to learn how to operate commercial motor vehicles at CDL school to have a better chance of getting a job (many insurances don’t allow carriers to take on drivers with no CDL school training).
The 2022 changes mean that budding drivers will no longer be able to learn from their family or friends or from other existing drivers. If you want to earn your CDL, you will need to be taught by a certified trainer.
What counts as a “Certified” trainer?
The FMCSA has a Training Provider Registry (TPR) where you can find a national database of training providers. Make sure to check that whoever (individual or school) you plan to train with is registered on the database before proceeding. If they’re not, you may end up unable to get your CDL and risk losing lots of money!
Currently the TPR have a downloadable spreadsheet which you can manually search through, but they intend to have an interactive search filter on their website soon.
You might be able to get a trucking company to sponsor your CDL training at a trucking school. Some trucking companies will even provide their own on-site training, just remember to make sure the company is registered to train and has certified CDL trainers before signing any paperwork.
The actual training requirements and tests themselves have not changed, so it’s not any harder or easier to obtain your CDL than in previous years.
Planning to get your Hazmat?
If you got your CDL before Feb 7, 2022 but have not yet held a Hazmat (H) endorsement you will need to complete Entry Level Driver Training before you can take the written knowledge test for your Hazmat endorsement. Your ELDT must be completed with a registered training provider listed on the TPR.
Planning to “upgrade” from CDL-B to CDL-A?
If you got your CDL-B before Feb 7, 2022and plan to apply to upgrade your license to a CDL-A you will need to complete the Entry Level Training before taking the CDL-A Skills Test. Your ELDT must be completed with a registered training provider listed on the TPR.
More Skills = More Opportunities
If you’re looking to upgrade your CDL this year, or to start your journey as a CDL driver, Lanefinder can help you search the market for the right job for you. Drop your ZIP in the search bar and put in your experience, license, and endorsements to see which jobs are available today.