FMCSA Launches Training Provider Registry

Finally Launched: Training Provided Registry by FMCSA Is Now Active

The FMCSA rule of minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle drivers finally launched its online Training Provider Registry in February of 2022. The FMCSA training ensures entry-level bus and truck drivers complete the new training based on the New Federal Standards. Also, they will keep records of all the individuals who completed the entry level training, in order to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).

Safety regulations are on the top of the list when it comes to driving, especially on commercial vehicles. That’s why minimum training standards were crucial to educate new drivers in the knowledge and skills to drive safely. “FMCSA believes that high-quality driver training is essential to ensuring that new rivers are well equipped to safely operate CMVs”, says the agency in a video about the rule. 

What the rule primary does

• The rule establishes minimum training standards for applicants who seek CDL Class A or B, or those wanting an upgrade to Class A or B.
• Allows drivers to train in transporting hazardous materials.
• Allows entry-level school bus or passenger endorsements. 

The Training Provider Registry

• Maintains a list of registered training providers.
• The information provided on the database will be used to verify that the applicant has completed the required training.
• The skills and knowledge test will only be assigned to the applicant after determining if the required training was fully completed. 
• Features information related to instructor qualifiers, training curricula, facilities, equipment and state licensing. 

Who is eligible for the TPR?

For registration, applicants must certify they meet the following requirements:

• Use vehicles and instructors outlined in the rule.
• Follow the training curriculum.
• Meet record keeping requirements.
• Are authorized for training with state laws and regulations.

The rule applies to:

• Individuals obtaining Class A or Class B CDL 
• Upgrade from Class B CDL to Class A CDL
• Obtaining school bus, passenger, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time.

*Individuals that hold CLP issued before Feb 7, 2022, aren’t subject to ELDT requirements. 

*If the licenses and endorsements on the new rule were previously held, the individuals are not subject to the new rules. 

General Topics of the Training

The training includes important topics and theory in order to make sure applicants meet the safety requirements:

• Orientation
• Basic operation
• Safe operating practices
• Advanced operation
• Non Driving activities 

Theory training also includes:

• Basic control
• Night operation
• Roadside inspections
• Hours of service requirements 
• Post-crash procedures
• Shifting-operating transmissions
• Backing and docking
• Distracted driving safety course
• Speed and space management
• Extreme driving conditions

Test passing requirements 

The applicants must pass both skills and knowledge tests in order to obtain their CDL, CDL upgrade, school bus, passenger or hazardous materials endorsements.

80 percent of the questions of each test must be correct, and should demonstrate that they can perform all the skills provided by the rule.

After that, the Registry will ask for driver certification information including:

• Driver’s name
• Date of birth 
• License’s number and state insurance 
• CDL class and type of training completed
• Number of hours spent behind the wheel
• Training provider name, location, and registry ID number
• Date of last successful training

The registration process is easy, take a look at the steps you must follow:

• Create a login.gov username.
• Submit name and contact information.
• Facility name and contact information.
• Select between open or private enrollment. 
• Type of training provided.
• Average training hours.
• Third-party affiliations, certifications or accreditations.

Only one person from each company is allowed to register, however, they can also invite other people from their company to register as well.

A Way To Safety

Although the rule was initially published in 2016, in February of 2020 it was set to launch. However, it was extended one more year, and it's finally working to improve safety on highways. The primary objective of this rule is to ensure there are qualified drivers for commercial vehicles, lowering accident rates on highways and promoting a better knowledge of concepts and theories that are crucial for driving safety. 

Entry-level drivers will be connected to training providers, in order for them to gain proper understanding of the topics and methods to safely operate CMVs. It’s a way to ensure safety which benefits all of us.