§383.73 – State Procedures

Guidance Q&A

Question 6: What is the specific role that the State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) will play as detailed in the entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations?
 
Guidance: SDLAs must verify that an entry-level driver has completed the required training before allowing the driver to proceed with testing. The point at which the SDLA must verify completion of entry-level driver training depends on the type of license or endorsement the applicant is seeking. 

Specifically, the State must:

• Initiate and complete a check of the applicant’s driving record to ensure that the person is not subject to any disqualification under § 383.51, or any license disqualification under State law, does not have a driver’s license from more than one State or jurisdiction, and has completed the required training prescribed in subpart F of part 380;
• Check with CDLIS to determine whether the driver applicant already has been issued a CDL, whether the applicant’s license has been disqualified, or if the applicant has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle; 
• Check before an applicant is issued a Class A or Class BCDL, or a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement, whether the applicant has completed the training required by subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter;
• Not conduct a skills test of an applicant for a Class A or Class B CDL, or a passenger (P) or school bus (S)endorsement until the State verifies electronically that the applicant completed the training prescribed in subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter.
• Not issue an upgrade to a Class A or Class B CDL, or a passenger (P), school bus(S), or hazardous materials (H)endorsement, unless the applicant has completed the training required by subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter.

FMCSA Commercial Driver License Division, 202-366-7332