The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the Final Rule updating driver training regulations and saving an estimated cost of $18 million annually.
Entry-Level Driver Training
The Final Rule updates the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Regulations put in place December of 2016. This rule implements a new Class A CDL theory instruction that reduces training time and lowers the cost that Class B CDL holders pay when graduating to Class A.
The Final Rule is effective now and the mandatory compliance date is set for February 7, 2020.
The FMCSA believes that this change maintains the same safety standard while saving an estimated $18 million annually. It is estimated that over 11,000 drivers-trainees will benefit and will save 27 hours typically spent in theory instruction classes.
This rule only applies to Class B CDL holders and does not affect the behind-the-wheel (BTW) training requirements. All drivers must still show proficiency in all of the BTW curriculum.
The Final Rule
“This effort is a common-sense way of reducing the regulatory burdens placed on CDL applicants and their employers. FMCSA continues to strategically reform burdensome regulations to improve the lives of ordinary Americans by saving them valuable time and money – while simultaneously maintaining the highest level of safety,” said FMCSA Administrator Raymond P. Martinez.
More information about the Final Rule can be found here.