Over 3,000 training providers recently removed from FMCSA’s registry — is your program next? With J. J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® Training Services, confidently meet ELDT standards and secure your place in the Training Provider Registry. We fully align with FMCSA’s ELDT standards—curriculum, instructor credentials, equipment, facilities, and documentation.
The FMCSA is tightening enforcement on Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) compliance. Non-compliant schools risk penalties and removal from the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Are you prepared? CALL TODAY 833-982-1236
With J. J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT Certification Program, your trainers will gain the skills and knowledge they need to train drivers to prevent accidents, avoid violations, reduce liability and begin a safe career at your company. In fact, our clients have seen a 20% greater retention rate, which dramatically improves your training ROI!
After completing this program, your driver trainers will be prepared to effectively deliver J. J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT curriculum online, in the classroom, on the range and on the road. It’s the industry’s most hand-on, customizable trainer certification program, providing the flexibility to train your trainers when and how it works best for you. Not only is it ideal for new drivers, it’s ideal for your trainers who want to build theirs skills for the life of your drivers — and be able to continue coaching them the entire way.
How Our ELDT Trainer Certification Program Works
Online Course Review
Ensures trainers have a strong understanding of the same content entry-level drivers will be tested on while taking the Safe & Smart® online courses.
Classroom Instruction
Teaches your trainers how to effectively use and deliver our ELDT course curriculum materials in the classroom.
Range & Road Experience
Demonstrates how to set up a range, conduct vehicle inspections and backing exercises, coach drivers on the road and conduct final testing.
Evaluation & Certification
Concludes with recommendations for improvements, advice on best practices and certification to deliver the Safe & Smart™ Program to entry-level drivers.
Plus, we'll assist with getting your company registered on FMCSA's Training Program Registry (TPR) and provide ongoing checkups and support.
Driver Training Schools vs Safe & Smart® ELDT Training
Traditional Driver Training Schools
- High per-learner costs (avg. $5,000–$7,000)
- You're stuck on their schedule
- Drivers risk being recruited by competitors
Train In-House with J. J. Keller
- Train your drivers, your way
- Keep training on-site and on your schedule
- Build talent from within
- Hands-on learning with your fleet’s equipment
- Training that reinforces company culture
- Affordable and scalable
Why Our Program is So Effective
We employ a team of veteran instructors who are skilled at training in all types of vehicles. The instructors combine our proprietary program methods with adult learning techniques to ensure maximum retention. And all of this is tailored for the specific needs of your operation. You'll be assigned a trainer who we've certified as highly qualified in operating training on the specific type of vehicles your staff will train on.
Assessing Your Needs
In addition to training your trainers using the actual CMV types they’ll train with, this program provides all of the content and resources needed, including:
- Safe & Smart® ELDT Trainer Program Guidebook
- PowerPoint presentation for conducting classroom instruction
- Access to all Safe & Smart™ ELDT online courses
- Safe & Smart® ELDT workbooks
- Monthly Driver Training Awareness newsletter
- Unlimited access to our subject matter experts for regulatory & safety questions
- Two-year certification of Safe & Smart® ELDT trainers
New Entry-Level Driver Training Solutions
Discover how J. J. Keller makes compliance with the new Entry-Level Driver Training rule easy!
Stay compliant—don’t risk removal.
Contact us to learn how J. J. Keller’s ELDT program safeguards your TPR status and keeps you fully aligned with FMCSA requirements.
ELDT Trainer FAQs
Although the entry-level driver training (ELDT) rule is over two years old, some confusion persists regarding what’s required. Common questions include:
Theory and behind-the-wheel ELDT must be completed within one year of each other.
Yes. There is no exception to the behind-the-wheel (range and road) requirements, but fewer theory (classroom) topics need to be covered. The special “upgrade” curriculum includes 22 topics instead of the 30 topics required for a new Class A.
No. Removal of a restriction — such as one that restricts a driver from operating a manual transmission or driving an air-brake-equipped vehicle — does not require the completion of ELDT if the driver maintains the same class of CDL.
Yes. The ELDT rule does not prohibit motor carriers from performing in-house training. However, such training does not satisfy any of the ELDT requirements unless you are a registered ELDT training provider. The driver must still obtain ELDT from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Removal happens due to:
Failure to comply with ongoing listing requirements (§ 380.719)
Denying FMCSA audit access
Material deficiencies in program quality, recordkeeping, or instructor credentials
False claims about licensing, certifications, or state/federal authorization
Sub-par CDL knowledge/skills pass rates
Fraud or criminal behavior affecting trainees
- FMCSA issues a Notice of Proposed Removal, detailing deficiencies and required corrective actions.
- This provider’s name appears on the TPR as “proposed removal.”
- The provider has 30 days to respond—either contesting claims or committing to fixes.
- Failure to respond or resolve issues leads to involuntary removal; any training after this is invalid.
Conduct regular internal compliance checks against FMCSA ELDT standards
Maintain accurate, timely trainee records and pass rates
Ensure staff are qualified and certified per FMCSA criteria
Respond promptly to FMCSA audits or inquiries
Use tools and support to stay ahead of rule changes and documentation obligations
Resources
ELDT Audit Checklist
This FREE checklist helps you confirm your program’s compliance and prepare for an audit so you can avoid costly disruptions and keep drivers moving.
ELDT: Training Provider Requirements Compliance Brief
Entry-level drivers aren't able to take their CDL test until they successfully complete a specific program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction provided by a school or other entity listed on FMCSA's new Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Entry-Level Driver Training Whitepaper
Understand the impact that the Entry-Level Driver Training rule has on your fleet. Download this FREE resource today!
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