What does 49 CFR 380.609 (General entry-level driver training requirements) require?

Short answer

Three things are required:

1. An individual who applies for a Class A or Class B CDL, or who upgrades to a Class A or B CDL, must complete driver training from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

2. An individual seeking to obtain a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time, must complete the training related to that endorsement from a training provider listed on the TPR.

3. The training provider must be listed on the TPR, as set forth in subpart G.

The rule says

"An individual who applies, for the first time, for a Class A or Class B CDL, or who upgrades to a Class A or B CDL, must complete driver training from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), as set forth in subpart G." (49 CFR 380.609(a))

"An individual seeking to obtain a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time, must complete the training related to that endorsement from a training provider listed on the TPR, as set forth in subpart G." (49 CFR 380.609(b))

In plain English

The rule requires new CDL applicants or those upgrading their CDL to complete training from a registered provider, which helps ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The training provider must be listed on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, which verifies that the provider meets the required standards.

What to do

• Verify that the training provider is listed on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
• Ensure that the training covers the required topics and is provided by a qualified instructor.
• Obtain a certificate of completion from the training provider and retain it in the driver's file.