0103 - Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class A
Course Description
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Operating heavier vehicles with a combination of truck and trailer, such as a tractor-trailer, can be an in-demand and high-paying profession, especially with the right training and license. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established minimum training standards for individuals applying for their Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) for the first time. These individuals are subject to the entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements and must complete a prescribed program of instruction.
This Class A CDL training course is designed to meet all theory (knowledge) requirements listed in The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements. It includes sections covering basic operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operating practices, vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions, and non-driving activities—all essential to obtaining your Class A driver's license. This CDL course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR).
After successfully completing the course, you will be better equipped to obtain your Class A CDL by fulfilling the FMCSA training standards. Our system will automatically upload your ELDT records to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) TPR once you pass the final exam. Once you fulfill other federal training requirements, such as behind-the-wheel training, you can take your state's CDL test. Once you successfully pass the CDL test, you will be issued a state CDL and may be eligible to work for companies that operate Class A trucks in commerce.
Note: This course is excluded from ed2go standard refund and transfer policies. Once access to the course is provided, no refunds or transfers will be allowed.
What you will learn
- Basic Operation: Teaches the interaction between driver-trainees and the 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 of CMVs under various road and traffic conditions, employing shifting and backing techniques, and coupling-uncoupling CMVs
- Safe Operating Procedures: Teaches driver-trainees the practices required for the safe operation of the combination vehicle on the highway under various road, weather, and traffic conditions
- Advanced Operating Practices: Teaches driver-trainees about the advanced skills necessary to recognize potential hazards and handle a CMV when faced with a hazard
- Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions: Teaches driver-trainees the vehicle and its systems and subsystems, vehicle inspection, operation, and maintenance, and the impact of those factors upon highway safety and operational efficiency
- Non-Driving Activities: Teaches driver-trainees the activities that do not involve actually operating the CMV, such as cargo handling, environmental issues, driver hours of service, post-crash procedures, drugs and alcohol, and trip planning
How you will benefit
- Satisfies ELDT requirements for obtaining the Class A CDL for individuals who obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) on or after February 7, 2022
- Prepares the student to take the state-administered CDL skills test
- Enables the driver to operate specialized CMVs upon issuance of the CDL
- Upon completion of this course, the results will be submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
- Enrolled students are invited to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions
Details
Additionally, once enrolled in an ELDT course, you will receive access to 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 & Triples
- CDL Permit Prep: Tankers
- CDL Permit Prep: General Knowledge
The prep courses for the required CDL written exams taken through your local DMV are based on the CDL Class chosen and your state's requirements. Each state has different requirements for the CDL Class A, B, or Hazardous Materials, so obtaining the manual for your specific area is recommended. These can be found online, or a book may be picked up at your local DMV.
Syllabus
- Basic Operation
- Orientation
- Control Systems/Dashboard
- Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
- Basic Control
- Shifting/Operating Transmissions
- Backing and Docking
- Coupling and Uncoupling
- 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
- Handling and Documenting Cargo
- Environmental Compliance Issues
- Hours of Service Requirements
- Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
- Post-Crash Procedures
- External Communications
- Whistleblower/Coercion
- Trip Planning
- Drugs/Alcohol
- Medical Requirements