The trucking industry offers plenty of opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Currently, trucking is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of drivers, and hiring the right people to fill vacancies is imperative to keeping the economy rolling.
Providing training may seem simple enough on the surface, but there are several rules to follow if you want to stay within regulations. Below are some considerations for new-hire training rules that all training managers need to think about:
1. Who will provide training?
Only entities listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry can provide training (with exceptions noted below).
2. Can training be held online?
Some portions of entry-level driver training can be held online exclusively according to training rules. This includes the theory portion of training, but the 80% pass rate rule still applies.
3. How does the ELDT rule affect training?
Drivers were seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time, drivers upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL, and drivers who want to add endorsements for the school bus, hazmat, or passenger must take entry-level training after February 7th.
4. What needs to be included in the training?
Entry-level requirements include theory training, and behind-the-wheel (BTW) live training.
5. How Do Training Rules Apply to Motor Carriers?
Motor carriers must source training from an approved provider or register as a provider.
6. Is registration as a training provider necessary when using pre-packaged materials?
As long as the training developer is registered through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and can certify student drivers, there is no need to register as a provider.
7. What are the qualifications for instructors?
Someone authorized to provide driver training must possess a CDL and have two years of experience as a commercial driver for the CDL class for which they provide training.
8. Should theory training come before BTW?
Theory training and BTW training can be completed separately in any order. Additionally, training can come from two separate providers.
9. Do drivers with a learner's permit prior to February 7th need to take entry-level training?
Drivers who hold a CLP that was issued prior to February 7th do not need to take entry-level training.
10. Is entry-level training required for commercial driver's license renewals after February 7th?
A driver who is simply renewing a commercial driver’s license without upgrading or changing status does not need to undergo entry-level training.
