#eldt

Truck Driver – Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Explained Starting a career as a CDL truck driver? You’ve probably heard of ELDT — but what is it, and why does it matter? As of February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandatory for new drivers seeking a Class A or Class B CDL, or certain endorsements. If you’re just…

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Complete your ELDT course to obtain a Class A CDL with ELDT Inc’s comprehensive preparation plan created by industry experts. The course features in-depth classes on Entry-Level Driver Training Theory Instructions explained in simple terms to enable easy understanding of the curriculum. Study at a pace that suits you, helps you learn in the best way possible, and complete all the 30 modules grouped in 5 areas of training thoroughly. Practice with a giant pool of questions in our database until you are confident that you can tackle the main exam.

Register, study and attempt tests for free. You will be required to pay a fee of $25 only when you download the FMCSA authorized ELDT certification regardless of what your score is. If you do not score the required 80% and do not wish to download the certificate, you can go back and attempt the test again. This certificate is a valid proof of completion of ELDT Theory Training and your next step should be completing your Behind-the-Wheels Training at a driving school listed in FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.

Preparation with ELDT Prep App.

ELDT Prep App is a mobile application (app) that helps you to prepare for Entry-Level Driver Training online through free ELDT practice test. The app can be accessed and used by both students and driving schools.

The ELDT Certification guidelines are applicable to all those who are:

Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.

Upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.

Obtaining a School Bus Endorsement (S),

All those candidates who are looking for Passenger Endorsement (P), Hazardous material Endorsement (H) for the first time.

Entry-Level Driver Training constitutes Theory Instructions (Knowledge Training) and Behind the Wheel Instructions. A record of Commercial Driving License (CDL) applicants who have fulfilled the ELDT training course is maintained by the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and only such candidates are qualified to get a CDL, subject to the conditions mentioned above. A minimum score of 80 percent must be achieved by the driver-trainee to qualify the theory assessment.

ELDT Course Features

UNLIMITED REVISION

Access the curriculum and video lectures for as long as the plan period continues.

UNLIMITED TEST ATTEMPTS

Attempt the practice tests as many times as you want until you get your desired result.

RESULT CERTIFICATE

Download an FMCSA authorized certificate after your test attempts for a fee of $25.

MOBILE FRIENDLY

Access the website on your smartphone without any display or performance issues.

COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING

Study all five areas of ELDT Theory Instructions in a thorough but lucid language.

LECTURES FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

There are specified minimum training standards from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for individuals upgrading their Class B commercial driver's license (CDL-B) to a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL-A). Aspiring individuals are required to complete the entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements. The course of switching from Class B to Class A CDL course was formulated in alliance with an accredited training provider listed on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR).

This specific CDL training course is created for commercial motor vehicle drivers who hold a Class B CDL and aspire to upgrade to a Class A CDL. The Class A CDL allows the driver to operate heavier vehicles with a combination of truck and trailer. Therefore, Class B CDL authorizes the driver in operating straight heavy trucks.

All around this online ELDT theory course, you will grab the necessary knowledge for meeting all the theory requirements as listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, special training Requirements. The sections include basic operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operating practices, vehicle systems, and reporting malfunction with non-driving activities.

After completion of this course, the record of completion is uploaded to the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) TPR. Therefore, you can apply for the CDL test after completing other requirements of federal training like behind-the-wheel training. The drivers who are successful in taking the CDL test are issued a state CDL and simultaneously eligible to be hired by the companies that operate Class A trucks in the commercial trucking industry.

Features of this course

- Basic Operation: It imparts the interaction between driver-trainees and the commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), introduction to the basic CMV instruments and controls, basic operating characteristics of a CMV, vehicle inspections, controlling the motion CMVs in tough road and traffic conditions, shifting and backing techniques, coupling, and uncoupling CMVs.

- Safe Operating Procedures: Imparts teachings to the driver-trainees on the practices which are required for the safer operation of the combination vehicle on a highway in various road, weather, and traffic conditions.

- Advanced Operating Practices: Teaches the drivers- trainees regarding the advanced skills which are necessary for recognizing the potential hazards and handling the CMV when encountered with a hazard.

- Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions: Teaches the driver-trainees regarding the vehicle and its systems and subsystems, vehicle inspections, operation, and maintenance, and impacts of factors regarding highway safety and operational efficiency.

- Non-Driving Activities: Teaches the driver-trainees regarding the activities which do not include operating the CMV, like cargo handling, environmental issues, driving hours of service, post-crash procedures, drugs and alcohol, and planning of trips.

Benefits of this course

Complies with the ELDT requirements for obtaining the Class A CDL for individuals who are successful in obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) after February 7, 2022.

Supports in the preparation of students for taking the state-administered CDL skills test.

Facilitates the driver in operating specialized CMVs upon the issue of the CDL.

After completion of the course, the results are submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

The enrolled students are invited to attend the exclusive annual virtual National Apprentice Week Events, which are featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions.

Additional Details

Once, you enrolled in an ELDT course, you will be allowed to access the following free and optional CDL permit Prep Courses:

CDL Permit Prep: Air Brakes

CDL Permit Prep: Combination Vehicles

CDL Permit Prep: Hazardous Materials

CDL Permit Preps: Doubles and Triples

CDL Permit Prep: Tankers

CDL Permit Prep: General Knowledge

The prep courses for the requisite CDL written exams are taken through the local DMV which are based on the CDL classes chosen and the requirements of the state. Every state has different requirements for the CDL class A, B, or hazardous materials, therefore obtaining the manual for the specific area is required. These can be obtained online or a booklet can be picked from the local DMV.

Syllabus of the course

Basic Operation

Orientation

Control Systems/ Dashboard

Pre and Post trip inspections

Basic Control

Shifting/ Operating transmissions

Safe Operating Procedures

Visual Search

Communication

Distracted Driving

Speed Management

Space Management

Night Operation

Extreme Driving Conditions

Advanced Operating Practices

Hazard Perception

Skid Control/ Recovery, Jackknifing and other Emergencies

Railroad- Highway Grade Crossings

Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions

Identification and diagnosis of Malfunctions

Roadside Inspections

Maintenance

Non- Driving Activities

Hours of Service Requirements

There is an increasing demand for CDL HazMat drivers in the trucking industry. Truck drivers who can transport hazardous material have specialized driver credentials which result in better opportunities and reasonable incomes. The course is created in alliance with an accredited training provider listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)'s Training Provider Registry (TPR).

The CDL HazMat test course is planned and designed for commercial motor vehicle drivers who aspire for a hazardous materials(H) endorsement on their Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The truck driver with a HazMat endorsement can haul different kinds of specialized freight which will further result in better career opportunities in the trucking industry. If you are seeking an H endorsement, you must first successfully complete this curriculum for undertaking the state-administered knowledge test for the H endorsement.

It is mandatory to complete the state HazMat Endorsement Knowledge Exam, which is usually managed at the state motor vehicle office. After completion of the HazMat training course, the record of completion is uploaded to the database of the U.S Department of Transportation's (DOT) Training Provider Registry (TPR). The students who successfully undertake the knowledge test are issued an H endorsement.

What you will learn in CDL HazMat ELDT endorsement Training?

The understanding of the regulation of transporting hazardous materials

The important duties of drivers for transporting HazMat and responding to the emergency in case of release.

Loading, Packaging, and Permitting which are required for HazMat transportation

The obligations of drivers which are related to safe HazMat transportation.

The obligations of the driver are related to safer HazMat vehicle operation which includes vehicle inspections, fuelling, and passengers.

Benefits of HazMat CDL Endorsement

The training satisfies the ELDT requirements for getting the HazMat(H) CDL endorsement

The students are prepared to undertake the state-administered HazMat knowledge test

The training enables the driver for hauling specialized HazMat freight when the endorsement is issued.

Syllabus for the CDL HazMat ELDT endorsement training:

Introductory HazMat Requirements

Operational HazMat Requirements

Reporting of HazMat crashes and releases

Tunnels and Railroad (RR)- Highway Grade Crossing Requirements

Loading and Unloading HazMat

HazMat on Passenger Vehicles

Bulk Packages

Operation of Emergency Equipment

Emergency Response Procedures

Fuelling and Engine

Regular Tire Check

Planning of Routes

Hazardous Materials Safety Permits (HMSP)

Requirements for Online CDL HazMat Endorsement Training

Hardware Requirements: The course can be taken on either a PC, MAC, or a Chromebook

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10

Mac: macOS 10.6

Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, and the latest versions of Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.

Microsoft Word Online

Adobe Acrobat Reader

The past couple of decades have witnessed a lot of shortages of available truck drivers. The shortage greatly affects individuals or specific companies, as 70% of freight in the American economy is transported on US highways. Therefore, without truck drivers, the economy will not function properly. So, what are the potential factors why there are so few truck drivers?

This blog will discuss and indicate the reasons why there is a truck driver shortage. Therefore, the reasons are:

Demographics

One of the significant reasons for truck driver shortages is the main demographics, as most truck drivers are 45 years of age or older. By the end of this decade, more and more drivers will pass the retirement age, which signifies fewer truck drivers.

Another important reason why older demographics make up a large percentage of truck drivers is that the government wants these drivers to be at least 21 years of age before they are eligible for their Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Therefore, students after graduating high school are drawn towards several other employment opportunities before their age that would be eligible for receiving the CDL.

Lesser Pay

The truck drivers who have lesser wages are not compensated adequately for their work. Therefore, the pay has also been decreasing over the passing of time. Since the 1970s, the wages of truck drivers have lessened by as much as 50%. The credit score which was introduced in 1989 has revolutionized the economy and crumbled its customers. The credit imparts these customers a larger period for buying something, instead of purchasing something on credit. Credit has become an irrelevant necessity which adds more obstacles to loans or disinterest.

Therefore, lower pay, poor credit, and larger loans have made it increasingly difficult for truck drivers to opt for this profession. The trucking companies are supposed to increase the pay for matching the current inflation for attracting more professional truck drivers.

Working Conditions

The truck driver shortage is also taking place because of the unfavorable working conditions that the truck drivers are supposed to encounter. The truck drivers haul freight from across the country sometimes the freight can pose risks and dangers during transportation.

The drivers who are transporting hazardous materials are supposed to enroll in a course and obtain a specific license, but it does not take away the possibility of accidents. With the safety precautions and rules already set in place, accidents can still happen so many do not want to wish their life and livelihood with the chance of danger.

Truck driving unlike any other type of driving comes with its own risk factors. Therefore, driving in rain, snow, hail, and other dangerous weather storms is very risky. Due to this, few drivers are willing to take risk of working in harsh climatic conditions because it is completely unpredictable and uncertain.

Increasing Demands

The truck drivers are supposed to sit for hours and require constant concentration on the road and the adjoining surroundings, by sitting in one position for larger periods of time.

Truck driving is a tiresome job both physically and mentally. Therefore, concentrating for a long time and sitting in a similar position for hours can result in strain on the mind and back. Truck driving requires a CDL for becoming a truck driver. The training is fairly short and it only takes three weeks for completion. Though there are additional licenses and courses the truck drivers are supposed to take if they wish to expand the type of freight transportation unlike certification of hazardous materials.

The truck is a challenging field, delivering its own rewards, therefore, trucking companies can combat such demands by decreasing time on the road by providing health insurance, so that the truck drivers are assured that they will be taken care of no matter what.

Culture

Unlike the driving conditions and the increasing demands of truck drivers, the culture itself is a bit astounding for new professionals. Despite longer periods of time, the truck drivers are away from their families. Male professionals are in most of the truck driving demographic, these days women truck drivers are an important part of the community too. There are some changes that can diversify the culture of truck driving to decrease the amount of time on the road, as mentioned earlier so that truck drivers can enjoy plenty of time with their families. Companies should put more emphasis on recruiting women truck drivers. The trucking industry makes up 47% of the US workforce and women drivers only make up to 6% of the demographic in truck driving.

Are you looking to better the trucking community? Are you looking forward to fixing the reasons for truck driver shortages? Are you someone who wants to become a truck driver and help lessen the shortage of truck drivers? Contact us today and get started on your Commercial Driver's license Journey.

This article describes the top ten points that should be covered if you aspire to be a successful truck driver with the best driver skills.

Training and Education

To become a great and successful truck driver, the first step is to receive proper education and training. There is no need for a high school diploma or a degree from a university for becoming a professional truck driver. For starting a career in the trucking industry, the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is necessary for setting the right path, therefore without this qualification, there will not be any job opportunities in the industry.

Patience

Patience is one of the most necessary skills for truck drivers while operating a commercial vehicle because you will encounter many problems such as being stuck in traffic or being delayed. The road will not always be ideal for the trip, therefore as a driver, you might face some problems from the customer side too.

There are some scenarios when the truck stops or needs some repair, while you are in a rush to reach your destination quickly. These situations happen randomly in the life of a truck driver and an experienced truck driver should be able to deal with them efficiently.

Whatever the situation might be, it is always important to be very patient. It is recommendable to never rush into a situation and create an undesirable circumstance.

Stress Management Skills

It is like remaining patient in undesirable circumstances. As a driver, you can stress out after a busy schedule or longer times of delivery. Therefore, effective stress management is a very important quality and it is one of the most required and relevant driving skills.

Sometimes, it might be stressful and difficult to manage the timing while being on the road, but successfully managing the stress will be beneficial for you in the longer run.

Alertness and Awareness

It is very vital to always stay alert on the road, for the safety of yourself and the safety of others.The weather conditions, traffic, and quality of a road as well as some of the other factors need you to be always alert and aware.

Time - Management Skills

It is very important to maintain the adequacy of time management as a truck driver. Time management skills are necessary for becoming a successful truck driver.

Therefore, receiving more orders is the result of putting more effort and service for the customer in a timely order.

Reliability

Employers and customers always respect you when you get the work finished in a timely manner.

Therefore, once they start to trust you, you can rely on them to be their favorite, which can serve a lot of benefits.

Customer Service

When you are working as a truck driver, you tend to meet a lot of new people, which gives you a lot of experience in customer service.

Therefore, to be able to provide high-quality services to customers, there is an excellent point for acquiring professionalism.

Communication Skills

Customer service and communication skills are considered the best driver skills, which are like each other, and relate to each other, therefore, being able to communicate in a friendly way, that's food for your boss, fellow truck drivers, and family members.

Self-Dependence

All the time will be spent alone as long as you are driving on the road, the sense of independence is one of the most motivating factors for the truck driver.

There are many kinds of upright challenges, therefore you must be able to solve the problems on your own.

Mechanical Knowledge

Complete your ELDT course to obtain a Class A CDL with ELDT Inc's comprehensive preparation plan created by industry experts. The course features in-depth classes on Entry-Level Driver Training Theory Instructions explained in simple terms to enable easy understanding of the curriculum. Study at a pace that suits you, help you learn in the best way possible, and complete all the 30 modules grouped in 5 areas of training thoroughly. Practice with a giant pool of questions in our database until you are confident that you can tackle the main exam.