b' Marketer InformationRules & RegulationsNEW FMCSA Entry Level Training Program One More Hurdle for Applicants Seeking a CDL License or UpgradeW DRIVERS COVERED BY ELDTWashington, D.C. - Compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA)The ELDT applies only to new CDL applicants new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Programand those seeking a class or endorsement upgradehas many marketers scratching their heads abouton or after February 7, 2022. The ELDT rule how it impacts their current drivers and new hires.applies to both intrastate and interstate drivers. Beginning February 7, 2022, all first-time applicantsThe ELDT establishes new minimum training Mark S. Morgan, Esqand current CDL holders seeking to upgrade to astandards for applicants seeking to:EMA Regulatory CounselClass A license or obtain a HAZMAT endorsement mmorgan@emamerica.org are required to successfully complete both theoryObtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction at a for the first time;training provider/training entity listed on the Federal Obtain a Class A or B CDL for theMotor Carrier Training Provider Registry (TPR). Once a driver completes the ELDT training program, first time;the trainer electronically transfers completion Upgrade an existing Class C CDL to acertificates to both the FMCSA and applicable state licensing agency. Drivers are not permitted to takeClass B CDL, or Class A CDL;state CDL skills testing until the ELDT training is Obtain an H endorsement for the first time. completed. The process is lengthy and expensive.DRIVERS NOT COVERED BY ELDTThe good news is the new ELDT program has no Drivers with a valid CDL or H endorsementimpact on CDL holders with their hazmatendorsement who are currently hauling petroleumissued before February 7, 2022;products. These drivers will never be required to Applicants who once held a CDL or Henter the ELDT program. Even drivers with expired CDLs and HAZMAT endorsements are not requiredendorsement which has since lapsed; and to enter the ELDT program to reactivate theirCDL holders with endorsements due for driving credentials.3-year recurrent training.What this all means for energy marketers thinkingELDT MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDSabout hiring drivers without full credentials is aThe required ELDT training includes both theory significant waiting period from the date of hire untiland behind-the-wheel instruction for entry level all licensing training and testing is complete. TheCDL applicants and CDL holders seeking to up-waiting period is likely to last 6 months or moregrade to a class B CDL or class A CDL license. before the new hire can get behind the wheel andThere are no minimum hours required for either the start working. It also means energy marketers willtheory or behind-the-wheel instruction. Trainers de-see fewer applicants for advertised driver positionsvelop their own training programs based on specific due to the unwillingness of potential applicants toinstruction topics required by the FMCSA.go through additional training and testing, or who Theory Instruction is in class or onlinedont have the time or money to do so.Thankfully, CDL drivers seeking to obtain aknowledge instruction by an approved FMCSA HAZMAT endorsement are not required to taketraining provider. Applicants must score a mini-behind-the-wheel instruction, but only completemum of 80 percent to pass the theory curricula.theory curricula under ELDT. Still, ELDT willBehind-the-Wheel Instruction is drivingcertainly exacerbate the current driver shortage many marketers are now facing. The following skills instruction on both a private driving range information explains how the ELDT program works. and public road or highway. Applicants pass behind-the-wheel instruction when theydemonstrate proficient driving skills asdetermined by their instructor.continued on page 40WPMA News / Spring 202237'