Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class A

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are projected to have 241,200 job openings annually, on average, by 2032. With the proper training and license, this profession can be a well-paying and high-demand occupation—making now a great time to enter this field. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established minimum training standards for individuals applying for their Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) for the...

3 Months / 40 Course Hrs

Open Enrollment

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Georgia College

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Learning method

Instructor-led

$595

Self-paced. Study on your own schedule

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Details + Objectives

Course code: GES7004

Additionally, once enrolled in an ELDT course, you will receive access to the following free and optional CDL Permit Prep courses:

CDL Permit Prep: Air Brakes
CDL Permit Prep: Combination Vehicles
CDL Permit Prep: Hazardous Materials
CDL Permit Preps: Doubles & Triples
CDL Permit Prep: Tankers
CDL Permit Prep: General Knowledge

The prep courses for the required CDL written exams taken through your local DMV are based on the CDL Class chosen and your state's requirements. Each state has different requirements for the CDL Class A, B, or Hazardous Materials, so obtaining the manual for your specific area is recommended. These can be found online, or a book may be picked up at your local DMV.

What you will learn

Understand the interaction between driver-trainees and the CMV
Review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
Exam the basic CMV instruments and controls, basic operating characteristics of a CMV, vehicle inspections
How to control the motion of CMVs under various road and traffic conditions, employ shifting and backing techniques, and coupling-uncoupling CMVs
Learn the practices required for the safe operation of the combination vehicle on the highway under various road, weather, and traffic conditions
Gain the advanced skills necessary to recognize potential hazards and handle a CMV when faced with a hazard
Review the vehicle and its systems and subsystems, vehicle inspection, operation, and maintenance, and the impact of those factors upon highway safety and operational efficiency
Study activities such as cargo handling, environmental issues, driver hours of service, post-crash procedures, drugs and alcohol, and trip planning

How you will benefit

Training satisfies ELDT requirements for obtaining the Class A CDL for individuals who obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) on or after February 7, 2022
Prepares you to take the state-administered Class A CDL skills test
Enables you to operate specialized CMVs upon issuance of the CDL
Upon completing this ELDT course the results will be submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
You have access and are invited to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions

How the course is taught

Self-paced, online course
3 Months to complete
Open enrollment, begin anytime
40 course hours

Outline

Basic Operation
1. Orientation
2. Control Systems/Dashboard
3. Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
4. Basic Control
5. Shifting/Operating Transmissions
6. Backing and Docking
7. Coupling and Uncoupling
Safe Operating Procedures
1. Visual Search
2. Communication
3. Distracted Driving
4. Speed Management
5. Space Management
6. Night Operation
7. Extreme Driving Conditions
Advanced Operating Practices
1. Hazard Perception
2. Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies
3. Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
1. Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions
2. Roadside Inspections
3. Maintenance
Non-Driving Activities

Handling and Documenting Cargo
Environmental Compliance Issues
Hours of Service Requirements
Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
Post-Crash Procedures
External Communications
Whistleblower/Coercion
Trip Planning
Drugs/Alcohol
Medical Requirements

Instructors & Support

This is not an instructor-facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Certification Requirements:

Class A CDL ELDT knowledge requirement:

Completion of a Class A CDL ELDT theory course, which is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR)

Note: Students in Virginia should be aware that online training for any of ELDT's offerings is not permitted in this state. This course will not be recognized for you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Word Online
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

FAQ

According to Salary.com, the median salary for a CDL Class A holder is $52,625 per year, with top earners bringing in $69,512.

This course does not fall under the ed2go standard refund and transfer policies. Once access to the course is provided, no refunds or transfers will be allowed.

A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. With a Class A CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles: tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.

With your Class A CDL, you can drive tractor-trailers (also known as a semi, big rig, or 18-wheeler), truck and trailer combinations, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers, flatbeds, and most Class B and Class C vehicles, depending on endorsement requirements.

Endorsements include Passenger (P), allowing you to carry passengers, Tank (T), allowing you to drive trucks containing liquid cargo, and H (Hazardous Materials), allowing you to drive trucks containing such hazardous materials as flammable liquids, explosives, or radioactive substances.

To obtain an endorsement, you will need to pass a specialized knowledge exam and possibly a specialized driving skills test. To obtain an H, P, or School Bus (S) endorsement, you must successfully complete training from FMCSA-approved training providers. You must also undergo a thorough background check to obtain an S endorsement.

This course includes the required ELDT theory exams for each of the units.; it does NOT include the behind-the-wheel training, the cost of the CDL test, or other state exam charges.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

After you register, you will receive three months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class A

Georgia College