The prescribed program of Entry-Level Driver Training by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) clearly states that both the instructions in the curriculum — Theory Instructions and Behind-The-Wheel Training — must be obtained from an ELDT training provider, i.e., a school or other entity listed on the Training Provider Registry which is mandated under the Moving Ahead for Progress 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The TPR became fully functional before February 7, 2022.

What is the Training Provider Registry?

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has created a Training Provider Registry (TPR) to maintain a record of which Commercial Driver’s License applicants have completed the Entry-Level Driver Training and certification process, as outlined in the Entry-Level Driver Training mandate.The TPR was also mandated under the Moving Ahead for Progress in 21st Century Act (MAP-21) along with the ELDT rulemaking.

The Training Provider Registry is like a catalog that is designed to enlist every relevant ELDT training provider who is accredited by FMCSA to provide such training. The submission of information by the training providers to the TPR serves as proof that the entry-level driver applicant has successfully commenced the required Entry-Level Driver Training. It also retains the entire information about the ELDT training providers.

Only the driving schools or entities listed on the Training Provider Registry can provide ELDT instructions.

Eligibility Criteria for Listing on the Training Provider Registry

1. Cross-verify and abide by the curriculum which synchronizes with the criteria listed in the Code of Federal Regulations by the FMCSA.
2. Delivering Training with adequate facilities of range and classroom in adherence with every state, federal, and/or regulation of the local statutes.
3. Provide training with similar vehicles which are relevantly used in Behind-the-wheel training and comply unilaterally with every federal, state, and/or local regulation/statute.
4. Impart optimal training by the theory instructions which thoroughly comply with the definitions given in ELDT regulations by FMCSA.
5. Be licensed, certified, registered, or authorized to provide training in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of any State where in-person training is conducted.
6. Allow FMCSA or its authorized representative to audit or investigate the training provider’s operations to ensure that the provider meets the criteria set forth in this section.
7. Obtain a unique TPR number by electronically transmitting an ELDT Training Provider Registration Form through the TPR website, to attest that the training provider meets all the applicable requirements mentioned in the previous points.

Entry-Level Training Provider

1. It is the responsibility of the training provider to ensure that all accepted applicants for BTW training certify that they will comply with US DOT regulations and State and/or local laws related to controlled substances testing, age, medical certification, licensing, and driving record. The training provider must also verify that accepted applicants hold valid CLP or if they are upgrading, hold the requisite CDL.
2. Online training providers must ensure that the content is prepared and/or delivered by a theory instructor as defined in ELDT regulations.
3. While it is acceptable to receive Theory and BTW instructions from different training providers, the range and public road training must be given by the same instructor.

When a training provider meets the requirements given in (a) and (b) above, FMCSA issues the provider a unique TPR number along with adding the provider’s name and/or contact information to the TPR website.

Who is eligible to give Theory Instructions or Behind-The-Wheel Training?

A Theory instructor is one who provides knowledge instructions about commercial motor vehicle driving and related matters.A Behind-The-Wheel instructor is a person who provides BTW training that involves the actual operation of a commercial motor vehicle by a driver-trainee who is in the process of completing his ELDT course. The training by the instructor is to be given on range and public road.

Qualifications to be a BTW or Theory instructor are:

1. Must hold a Commercial Driver’s License of the same or higher class and have the CDL endorsements for which training is to be provided. The instructor must have at least 2 years of experience of driving a CMV which requires possession of a CDL of the same or higher class and must meet all required State qualifications for CMV instructors.
2. Must hold a Commercial Driver’s License of the same or higher class and have the CDL endorsements for which training is to be provided. The instructor must have at least 2 years of experience as a Behind-The-Wheels training instructor for commercial motor vehicles and must meet all required State qualifications for CMV instructors.

Note: As per ELDT guidelines, if an instructor’s Commercial Driver’s License has been canceled, suspended, or revoked due to any of the disqualifying offenses, viz:

• Major offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
• Serious Traffic Violations
• Railroad-highway grade crossing offenses
• Violating out-of-service orders

The instructor is prohibited from engaging in BTW instruction for 2 years following the date his or her CDL is reinstated.

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