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Federal Safety & Quality Training

Elevating Quality in Professional Driver Training

PTDI connects truck driving schools with federal institutions and regulators to support quality training and ensure entry-level drivers are prepared for safe, professional careers on the road.

About PTDI
1985
Year Established
40+
Over 40 Years Raising Industry Quality
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Organization
Raising the Bar in Professional Driver Training
FMCSA Aligned ELDT Rule Compliant Safety-Based Outcomes
Core Programs & Resources

What PTDI Provides to the Industry

A nonprofit institute serving training providers, motor carriers, regulators, and the public interest since 1985.

Research & Education

PTDI leads industry research in truck driver training quality, combining data and emerging technology to advance safety outcomes. Our work draws on the collective expertise of motor carriers, insurers, school owners, and instructors.

Federal Regulatory Alignment

PTDI connects training providers directly with federal institutions and regulators. As FMCSA's ELDT Rule reshapes the landscape of CDL training, PTDI ensures schools have the support and resources needed to comply and excel.

Resources

PTDI provides resources that allow training professionals to educate themselves on safety-based training regimes in accordance with FMCSA federal oversight requirements under the Entry-Level Driver Training rule.

History & Vision

Four Decades of Industry Leadership

From pioneering CDL training quality in 1985 to leading the next generation of safety-based training documentation.

High-quality truck driver training is critical for increasing roadway safety on the nation's highways. This fact has been at the heart of the Professional Truck Driver Institute since its inception in 1985.

Over the last four decades, PTDI has worked with training providers across North America to bolster safety, excellence and professionalism within the trucking industry through detailed CDL training curriculum and documentation activities.

With the deployment of FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training Rule in 2022, PTDI is renewing the organization's interest in safety-based training outcomes by reinventing the mission of the nonprofit.

Founded on the shared wisdom of instructors, insurance providers, motor carriers, and school owners, PTDI connects these industry voices to serve as an industry leader in research, education, and training documentation activities in the truck driver training space.

1985

Institute Founded

PTDI established as a nonprofit to develop uniform entry-level truck driver training guidelines in response to new federal CDL legislation.

2022

FMCSA ELDT Rule

PTDI renews focus on safety-based training outcomes in response to the federal Entry-Level Driver Training Rule deployment.

2023

Reinvented Mission

PTDI relaunches as an industry leader in research, education, and training documentation — broader and more accessible than ever.

Events & Conferences

Upcoming Events Supported by PTDI

PTDI participates in and supports industry conferences, workshops, and training events that advance safety and professionalism across the trucking community.

PTDI Training Provider Safety Summit — September 16th, 2026, Dallas, TX
September 16th, 2026 — Dallas, TX

Training Provider Safety Summit

Bringing together training providers, motor carriers, regulators, and industry organizations to improve ELDT enforcement and optimize CDL licensing and training across the trucking industry.

Learn More
Industry Voices

What Training Leaders Say About PTDI

"
I was introduced to PTDI in the late 1990s. Houston Community College was certified by PTDI and held that certification for over 20 years. The PTDI name is respected by the industry and was also a great tool for documenting what was taught in the schools. Recent changes will take PTDI to a new level and provide resources to schools that will enhance their training. PTDI has assembled a stellar group of all-stars in the driver training area to serve on the board.
Martin Garsee Houston Community College - Director of Transportation Training
"
I look forward to seeing PTDI help the next crop of students to become safe and successful commercial drivers. The organization's renewed focus on documentation and safety outcomes is exactly what the industry needs as federal oversight increases.
Sean Williams Southwest Truck Driver Training, Inc. - Owner
"
PTDI has a unique opportunity to bring together training providers, motor carriers, regulators, and industry leaders around a shared goal: producing safer, better-prepared commercial drivers. By advancing research, promoting best practices, and providing meaningful resources for schools navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, PTDI is helping elevate the quality of driver training across the country. I look forward to supporting that mission and ensuring our industry continues to move forward with safety and student success at the forefront.
Samantha Greenberg New England Tractor Trailer Training School - Owner
"
For nearly four decades, PTDI has stood as the benchmark for high quality CDL training, and that mission has never been more important. As our industry evolves and federal standards continue to raise the bar, we remain committed to connecting training institutions with the resources and guidance they need. Safe, professional drivers are the product of rigorous, quality-driven education, and that has always been the foundation of what PTDI stands for.
Bruce Busada Diesel Driving Academy - Owner
Participation & Membership

Who PTDI Serves

PTDI convenes the full ecosystem of truck driver training — from schools to carriers to insurers and regulators.

Training Schools

CDL and truck driver training programs seeking recognized quality benchmarks, documentation tools, and industry connection.

Motor Carriers

Carriers seeking assurance that new hires have received structured, safety-focused CDL training that meets federal requirements.

Insurance Providers

Well-respected insurers operating in the truck driver training space are invited to participate in PTDI's quality and safety initiatives.

Federal Regulators

PTDI works in alignment with FMCSA and other federal bodies to ensure training quality supports public highway safety.

Committees

New Grants & Research

The purpose of this committee is to:

"Work alongside PTDI's existing grant writing contractors to pursue federal and private grants that support special projects, programs, and operational funding. Additionally, we will evaluate research opportunities that align with PTDI's mission and explore ways to integrate them with grant activities and applications."

Committee Chair: Samantha Greenberg

Outward Facing Cameras

The purpose of this committee is to:

"Work to conceive a program where sponsors offer cameras to willing truck driver training school programs to decrease insurance costs. Determine the issues and business factors in play that will optimize the arrangement."

Committee Chair: Sean Williams

CDLPI – Training Provider Safety Summit

The purpose of this committee is to:

"Monitor the planning and production of the Training Provider Safety Summit, and the administration of the USDOT CDLPI grant reporting activities therein with CVTA staff and PTDI's grant management specialist, Brian Perez. Participate in high level strategy with CVTA and FMCSA on conception and implementation of the Summit."

Committee Chair: Samantha Greenberg

18–20 Year-Old Drivers

The purpose of this committee is to:

"Create and implement strategy to increase the likelihood of a successful 18–20 yr old CMV drivers program through outreach, education and coalition building with relevant stakeholders. Deliver information on the functional challenges facing implementation and coordinate with CVTA's legislative advocacy team."

Committee Chair: Sean Williams

Get Involved

Join the PTDI Community

Whether you operate a CDL school, manage a fleet, or work in transportation policy, PTDI provides the resources and connections you need to elevate training quality and improve safety outcomes.

About PTDI Contact PTDI