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Entry Level Driver Training Certification
Start Your Truck Driver Training Certification Application Today!
Entry Level Driver Training Certification is awarded to programs/courses at truck driver training schools. To earn certification for their program or course, schools must demonstrate how they meet PTDI's high quality training standards.
PTDI training standards were developed by schools, carriers, insurance providers, safety groups and other truck industry groups and stakeholders. Ours is the first industry and government-recognized curriculum and certification standards.
The certification standards are performance based, incorporate industry driven benchmarks, and the US Department of Transportation standards.
Not only is PTDI widely recognized as the gold standard, it was used by the FMCSA as a primary basis for the new ELDT requirements.
That means, if your program is PTDI certified, will meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's ELDT regulations. The FMCSA requires all truck driver training program to be listed on the Training Provider Registry. Being PTDI certified means you will be on the approved list.
Certification Standard Areas
| Group | Standard Area |
|---|---|
1 | Public and Student Information |
2 | Course Curriculum |
3 | Administration |
4 | Instructors |
5 | Facilities and Equipment |
6 | Students |
7 | Options and Variances |
Highlights of the Standards
- Truth in Advertising (Ethics)
- Defined, specific performance objectives
- Instructors are qualified and experienced
- Vehicles are safe and in good condition
- Student, Instructor and Vehicle ratios
- Quality classroom and range conditions
- 148 hours of instruction
- Combination of classroom, lab, CBT, simulation, and driving
- Of the 148 hours, 104 are classroom/lab and 44 hours of behind the wheel
- Classroom, range and road tests
- Student Record keeping
Entry Level Driver Training Standards
Download the PTDI Entry Level Driver Training Standards.
The 5 Steps To Certifying Your Course
After reviewing the skill standards, curriculum standards and certification requirements:
Complete initial application online and pay certification fee (required of all applicants before a visit)
Choose your path: Choose either an Onsite Visit (Option A) or a Virtual Visit (Option B)
Choose your option and complete the corresponding online form within 60 days.
Option A: Onsite Visit - Complete the Onsite Pre-Assessment Form
Option B: Virtual Visit - Complete the Virtual Visit Report
The Virtual Visit Report requires uploading backup documentation, so you should have ready access to the required documents prior to completing the report. Before you begin the Virtual Visit Report:
- Review the Virtual Visit Checklist of Backup Documents you will need to complete the report.
- Download the forms forms you will need to complete the report
- Appendix A - Instructor List
- Appendix A - Instructor qualifications
- Appendix A - Instructor Staff Development
- Appendix B - Course Summary Form
Participate in a preparatory call with evaluator, where the evaluator will review what is required for the onsite or virtual visit.
Evaluator conducts onsite or virtual visit with the school, verifying compliance with certification standards
If applicable, the school must remedy any standards deficiencies identified during onsite or virtual visit. The evaluator will submit a final report to the Certification Commission once all certification criteria are satisfied.
The Certification Process
The Certification Commission meets three times per year (April, August and December) and will decide certification awards at the meeting following the visit and evaluator’s final report.
To submit your annual report or your recertification report, please go to the ELD Certification Reports Page.
Certification Fees
There is an initial certification fee due with your application and is based on whether you choose an onsite or virtual visit. During your initial certification additional fees are required for multiple programs. Fees are reduced for additional sites.
After the initial certification, an annual fee is required when you submit your report each year.
Certification Deadlines
Initial certification requires you select your visit type (physical or virtual) and complete the corresponding online form within 60 days of your application.
After you initial certification, reports are due annually and a visit is required for your 5 year recertification. Deadlines are as follows:
