Instructional Technologies Inc. (ITI) has released its new training program for drivers wanting their CDL: On Ramp Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). The program adopts new rules demanded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and will be available for state, public, and private CDL schools starting in February 2020.
The new rules are listed below.
Setting minimum standards for CDL schools. According to the new rules, the minimum standards will now be set at the federal level.
Overseen by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Schools must report hours spent behind the wheel to the DOT even though there’s no federal minimum.
Schools required to register and self-certify. Schools can now self-certify instructors and individual instructors do not have to register with the DOT; however, some states may still require registration.
Requirements for teacher qualifications. Instructors are now required to have at least two years behind the wheel, a clean MVR, and a medical certification for classroom, on the road and private range instruction.
Big increase in curriculum mandates. There will now be 31 theory course topics required by the DOT and these course topics will be tested along with vehicle inspection skills at the state DMV.
VP of Training Development at ITI, Laura McMillan, said, “Responsibility for the written test has essentially been put on CDL schools instead of DMV’s, which places a great burden on them not only for providing training and content, but also for recordkeeping. On Ramp eases that burden.”
