Federal training requirement takes effect Feb. 7
LAKEWOOD, Thursday Feb. 3, 2022 -- In an effort to make roads safer for all, Coloradans wishing to get their commercial driver’s license (CDL) will have to take a comprehensive training course before they can apply to receive one.
Starting Feb. 7, aspiring commercial drivers will need to complete the new federally mandated Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a certified trainer before they can obtain a CDL.
Entry Level Driver Training certification will help ensure commercial drivers are properly trained, making the roads safer for all motorists. This new regulation is in line with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s primary mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The ELDT intends to increase safety on our nation’s highways by setting minimum standards and enforcing uniform requirements for new commercial drivers, which will result in more qualified drivers on our roads. Prior to this change in legislation, CDL standards varied state by state.
The new training is required for first-time commercial drivers; anyone wanting to upgrade their CDL or anyone wanting to add the following endorsements:
- hazardous material (H),
- passenger (P), or
- school bus (S) endorsement.
During the training, which includes classroom instruction, drivers must pass the assessment with an overall score of 80 percent or higher and demonstrate proficiency in behind-the-wheel training.
Only instructors and schools listed on the National Training Provider Registry are allowed to certify that drivers have passed the necessary requirements for a CDL or an endorsement.
To find an approved instructor or school, visit the National Training Provider Registry website at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Colorado residents who qualify for the State’s Vets-2-Trucks program are exempt from the training. More information on the Vets-2-Trucks program is available at dmv.colorado.gov/active-duty-military-and-veterans.
Currently, the DMV offers 45 online services, including license and ID card renewals, vehicle registration renewals, paying a traffic ticket, motor vehicle records, first-time vehicle registration and many more.
Coloradans can now DMV anywhere. Yes, anywhere. Online, in-office or at one of 52 conveniently located MV Express Kiosks, Coloradans have more options than ever before.
Discover all the ways to DMV at DMV.Colorado.gov/Anywhere.