New regulations on CDL Drivers went into effect on February 7, 2022. The new rules require new CDL drivers to have gone through an Entry Level Driver Training course. The rules apply to anyone who is getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, anyone upgrading from a Class B to a Class A or adding certain endorsements for the first time.

More information form DOT/FMCSA here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt

The ELDT requirement dose NOT apply to drivers who are exempted from needing a CDL to begin with. Most states exempt farmers and farmer’s employees. For this definition, gins are not farmers. We are considered ag services. Certain operations are exempt such as hours of operation but not the requirement for a CDL.

Two states in the region (SC and GA) allow for the application of a Farm Related CDL Wavier. This is a ‘limited CDL’ and is Exempt from the ELDT requirements. Confused yet?

Unless you’re a farmer OR in a state that issues a FRSI CDL for Class B vehicles any new CDL driver must go through an ELDT. A list of in person and online providers of this training can found on this site: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov

Give us a call if you have questions. More information on exemptions can be found in this document below.