Search

FMCSA Extends Driver Training Compliance Deadline

Posted on 2/7/2020 by Roger Marks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the compliance deadline for new training requirements for entry-level drivers, including those who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that haul hazardous materials.

FMCSA extended the deadline until February 7, 2022.

In July 2019, FMCSA proposed extending the compliance deadline for certain provisions of the Final Rule. The new Interim Final Rule will extend the deadline for the entire Final Rule.   

See the Interim Final Rule (IFR) to extend the training deadline.

What’s In the Entry Level Driver Training Rule?

Finalized in December 2016, the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Final Rule creates minimum training requirements for drivers who are applying for a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time and those who are seeking a CDL hazmat endorsement for the first time, among other groups.
The new driver training rules cover specific topics, such as:
  • Basic competencies for safely operating a CMV, including safe operation of emergency control features, special vehicle handling characteristics, rollover prevention, and properties and hazards of the hazardous materials transported;
  • Applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and procedures for safe operation of a motor vehicle, including special precautions for fires, loading and unloading, operation of cargo tank and motor vehicle equipment, and shut-off/shut-down information;
  • How to safely fuel a vehicle that contains hazmat and when to check tire pressure.

New Hazmat Training Requirements for Drivers

Many of the proposed hazmat training requirements for CMV drivers mirror the existing training rules for “hazmat employees.” As defined in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) the term hazmat employee comprises any employee who can affect the safety of a hazmat shipment.

Specifically, the portions of the Final Rule dedicated to hazardous materials cover issues like:
  • Basic hazardous materials competencies, including applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR);  
  • Communication requirements like shipping papers, marks, labels, placards, emergency response information, and more;
  • Reporting mandates for hazmat transportation incidents and how to submit hazmat incident reports; and;
  • Proper loading and unloading procedures for hazardous materials cargo.
FMCSA will accept comments on the compliance deadline extension until March 20, 2020.

Now Available: Hazmat Driver Training at Lion.com

The Shipping Hazmat by Ground—Driver (Course Code: CAR 200) online course prepares employees to safely and properly accept and transport hazardous materials in a motor vehicle. The course is designed to help employers meet DOT training mandates for hazmat employees by providing general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific training as required by DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). 

US DOT requires all hazmat employees to complete training within 90 days of hire. Hazmat employees must work under supervision until trained. Training must be repeated in full once every three years (49 CFR 172.704).

Tags: driver training, FMCSA, hazmat CDL, hazmat endorsement, hazmat training

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Ace hazmat inspections. Protect personnel. Defend against civil and criminal penalties. How? See the self-audit "best practices" for hazardous materials shippers.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.