What Behind the Wheel Training is Required by ELDT?

Introduction:

Every CDL aspirant who wants to enter the world of commercial driving should understand and fulfill the behind-the-wheel training requirements under Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT). Anyone applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, applying for a passenger, school bus, or hazmat endorsement for the first time, or upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL must complete ELDT; but only if their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) was issued on or after February 7, 2022. The ELDT's behind-the-wheel training is not based on the number of training hours. Instead, it requires trainees to complete their training and demonstrate proficiency. When the CDL aspirants are taking the Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training, they face many hurdles. The most common confusion they have includes not knowing the exact requirements of the training, state-specific rules of the training, and skills being taught in the training. Those who are not sure about these aspects face delays during the training, have to give repeated tests, and face unwanted frustrations. So to make things clearer for the CDL aspirants, this blog will cover all the details that you need to know about the BTW training requirements and details to let you kickstart the CDL journey with confidence.

What is ELDT, and Who Does It Apply To?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets minimum training standards called the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). The ELDT is required to get a commercial driver's license and is applicable to CDL holders and applicants. ELDT is established as the first-ever national baseline for truck driver training. The ELDT regulations, effective from 7th Feb 2022, ensure that the entry-level drivers have finished mentioned theory and behind-the-wheel training before they take CDL skills and knowledge tests.

Who is Applicable for ELDT Training?

The following category of people are applicable for the ELDT training:

1. First-Time Class A or B CDL Applicants

Every individual who wants to obtain a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license for the first time needs the ELDT training. Those who do not have a CDL and are entering the commercial driving industry also fall into this category.

2. Upgrading from Class B to A

Class B CDL holders who want to upgrade to Class A CDL must first complete the ELDT requirements before they take the skills test. The ELDT training makes sure that the drivers are trained comprehensively for the higher classification vehicles they will drive.

3. First-Time School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement Applicants:

Those who are applying for the school bus, hazardous materials, and passenger endorsements must complete the ELDT training. Particularly in the case of hazardous materials endorsements, the ELDT must be finished before taking the knowledge test.

What is the Effective Date for ELDT Behind-the-Wheel Training?

Individuals who have obtained Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) on or after February 7, 2022, are required to meet ELDT requirements. Drivers who already had a CLP or endorsements before February 7, 2022, are not affected by the ELDT regulations.

Who is Exempted from the Behind-The-Wheels Training of ELDT?

Those who have obtained their CLP before February 7, 2022, are not required to complete BTW Training, provided they secure their CDL before their CLP expires. But in case their CLP expires, and needs to be renewed, they are then subject to ELDT requirements ELDT requirements. In addition, individuals exempted from taking a skills test under 49 CFR Part 383are also exempted from ELDT requirements.

What Is the Behind-the-Wheel Training Requirements Under ELDT?

BTW training under ELDT is designed to demonstrate proficiency rather than completing a certain number of hours. The specific curriculum for BTW training's is mandated by federal regulations in 49 CFR Part 380, Subpart F, and Appendices A-E.

1. No Federally Mandated Minimum Training Hours

BTW training under ELDT does not mandates a minimum number of instructional hours for Class A CDL, Class B CDL, or endorsements curriculum. The training focuses on comprehensive skill development and proficiency demonstration rather than specific time requirements.

2. Emphasize Proficiency Rather Than Seat Time

The BTW training focuses on e performance-based skills, requiring the driver-trainee to showcase proficiency in all the required BTW skills to the instructor’s satisfaction. Training providers can issue the certification only when the driver-trainee showcases proficiency in all the BTW skills required, regardless of how long it takes to achieve competency. Driver-trainees must master all the discrete maneuvers and skills mentioned in the curriculum before completing training.

3. Training must cover FMCS's BTW Curriculum

The BTW training consists of two mandatory components that must address all specified curriculum elements in depth. These include Range training & Road training. BTW Range Training takes place on closed driving ranges. It covers specific maneuvers such as the straight-line backing, vehicle inspection, alley dock backing (45/90), parallel parking, offset backing, and coupling/uncoupling procedures. BTW Public Road Training takes place on public roads and includes vehicle control, lane changes, turns, shifting, visual search, communication, speed management, hazard perception, safe driver behavior, railroad crossing, hours-of-service awareness, skid/jackknife recovery techniques, and extreme condition driving.

4. Conducting the Training in Real Commercial Motor Vehicle (No Simulators)

All BTW training must be conducted within actual commercial motor vehicles, corresponding to the respective CDL class. The BTW training cannot be conducted on simulators. All skill development must take place in real-world conditions. Both the range and public road training components must comply with this requirement, ensuring an authentic learning environment.

5. Accurate Documentation by the Instructor

The driver-trainee's proficiency in BTW skills must be evaluated and documented by the training instructor in accordance with the applicable curriculum. The trainee's proficiency must be confirmed for all elements of the BTW curriculum, and the total number of clock hours of each driver must also be documented documenting these competency standards ensures that all required skills are verified, before certification is issued.

Behind-the-Wheel Instructors Requirements by FMCSA

All the behind-the-wheel instructors should have at least 2 years of experience in commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driving. The driving experience of the instructor should be in the same or higher class and/or within the same endorsement level. This requirement ensures that the instructor has real-world and hands-on experience in the vehicle they drive. By learning from the experienced professionals, the new drivers can get the practical knowledge and skills that surpass the theory and help them operate safely and with confidence.

What’s included in the ELDT Behind-the-Wheel Training

Step-by-Step Range Training Requirements

Step 1: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

The first step requires trainees to learn the procedure of conducting an in-depth inspection of the vehicle's major components, such as tires, brakes, lights, and coupling/uncoupling mechanisms. This helps in ensuring vehicle safety before operations begin.

Step 2: Basic Vehicle Control Maneuvers

BTW training emphasizes mastering fundamental maneuvers, including offset backing, parallel parking, straight-line backing, and alley dock backing, all of these are important for safe vehicle handling in confined spaces.

Step 3: Gear Control and Shifting

Trainees are taught both manual and automatic transmissions, so they learn to shift gears smoothly and correctly in different driving scenarios.

Step 4: Coupling/Uncoupling Procedures (for Class A)

This step teaches drivers to safely connect and disconnect trailers, which is a major requirement for Class A CDL operators.

Step 5: Safety Practices on the Range

Spatial awareness is built through mirror usage and blind spot monitoring .

Step-by-Step Public Road Training Requirements

Step 1: Highway and City Driving

Trainees learn to manage traffic conditions in both urban and highway settings, building adaptability.

Step 2: Lane Changes and Merging

This step prepares the trainees to enter and exit the traffic safely, use signals, change lanes smoothly, and assess gaps.

Step 3: Intersections and Railroad Crossings

Here, drivers learn to adhere to traffic laws strictly at intersections and railroad crossings.

Step 4: Curves, Turns, and Grades

This step teaches trainees to handle the dynamics of vehicles on sharp turns, slopes, and bridges. Trainees also learn to manage other roadway features that need careful control.

Step 5: Emergency Maneuvers

Trainees learn how to respond to hazards, perform emergency braking, recover from skids, and handle unexpected driving challenges on the roads.

Through this structured approach, drivers develop the required skill set and safety practices, necessary to operate within diverse environments.

What are the State Level Variations in Behind the Wheel Training?

The Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training requirements within the ELDT vary at state level. This is because individual states may impose additional and stricter requirements for CDL applicants beyond FMCSA's minimum national standards. State-specific variations often include rules such as mandated minimum training hours for BTW instruction, mostly around 40 hours. This contrast with the federal ELDT rule, which doesn't require minimum training hours.

Also, some states require additional certifications, including CPR and first aid, for School Bus (s) or Passenger (P) endorsements. If a driver completes ELDT-approved training in a particular state and passes the skill test there, then only that state’s specific requirements apply. This shows that each state can impose its own supplemental conditions in addition to the federal baseline.

CDL aspirants should be aware of the specific BTW training rules for the state where they want to acquire the license or endorsement. The state-specific requirements can also affect total training time and additional certifications, beyond the federal ELDT requirements.

Conclusion:

ELDT behind-the-wheel training requirements are essential for CDL aspirants. By understanding and complying with them, drivers can become eligible to take CDL skills test. The ELDT framework is structured to ensure that the trainees acquire proficiency and in-depth real-vehicle training and become competent drivers. We offer the following comprehensive courses:

• CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – Class A
• CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - Class B
• CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – Class B to Class A Upgrade
• CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - HAZMAT (H) Endorsement
• CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – Passenger (P) Endorsement
• CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – School Bus (S) Endorsement

References:

DMV, Commercial Driver’s Licenses, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/

FMCSA, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt