Page 8 - sept-oct 2019
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from the executive director’s desk
ENTRY LEVEL DRIVER The classroom education includes a
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS written/electronic exam that the applicant must
pass with a score of 80%. The person providing
behind the wheel training (trainer) must ‘self-
ntry Level Driver Training (ELDT) applies certify’ or attest to satisfactory performance of
to new CDL applicants or new HME vehicle operations. This is not like a crane rule
applicants on February 7, 2020. It does not certification. The trainer must have a CDL and
E apply to currently licensed drivers, unless signs a form confirming satisfactory performance,
the driver tries to gain a HME. It also applies to all similar to other DOT training ‘certification’ or
other endorsements – like passengers. attestation or confirmation. The same classroom
NPGA advocated against the and exam format applies to anyone seeking a
requirements, and several components HME.
specifically like minimum number of hours behind The classroom
the wheel. Ultimately, Entry Level Driver Training and behind the wheel
was finalized by U.S. DOT, but without some of training must be provided
the aspects we opposed – including eliminating by an entity or person
any minimum number of hours for training. registered in DOT’s
There is a two-part curriculum for applicants Training Provider Registry,
that must be completed before the applicant sits which is a database
for the CDL or HME exam with the state license subject to recordkeeping
office. requirements and audit
1) Classroom or ‘theory’ curriculum; and by DOT. There is not crane
2) Behind the wheel training (range and rule-like certification or uLisa Hillu
public road). authorization needed to
be a trainer on the Training Provider Registry.
Ready for the good news? NPGA and
PERC are already on top of it! After advocating
against aspects of the requirements with some
success, but the overall regulatory package
moving forward, NPGA pivoted to how they can
help our members comply. NPGA is working
with PERC to develop the basic classroom
curriculum (including an online video to satisfy
the classroom requirement) and behind the
wheel training materials that a propane marketer
would need in order to provide in-house training
that complies with ELDT. In addition, NPGA
is working on an administrative service that
would allow marketers to have NPGA serve
as the official training provider subject to DOT
recordkeeping and audit, if the marketer would
prefer not to take on that responsibility itself. The
PERC Council approved the financial request to
fund this project and NPGA is moving forward!
The target date is to have this package ready for
the industry by the compliance deadline. NPGA
knows they have a lot of work to do, but they’re
excited to bring this resource together for the
industry.■
8 Alabama Propane Gas Association | September / October 2019
