Instructional Technologies Inc. has announced the rollout of its On Ramp ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) system. According toITI, the online training, testing and recordkeeping system is a cost-effective means to help Commercial Driver Licensing schools to meet the new federal entry-level driver training standardsthat go into effect in February 2020.
“While the entry-level driver training rules will make new drivers safer and easier to hire, if you’re a CDL school or a fleet that trains drivers the list of changes will add time and cost to training,” said Laura McMillan, vice president of training development at ITI.
“Responsibility for the written test has essentially been put on CDL schools instead of [state] Departments of Motor Vehicles,” she added, “which places a great burden on them not only for providing training and content, but also for recordkeeping. On Ramp eases that burden.”
The On Ramp system meets entry-level driver training mandatory theory training requirements on the 31 core curriculum areas required under the new standards, eliminating the need for CDL schools to create new ELDT-compliant content, according to ITI. In addition, ITI evaluates and updates content on a regular basis so schools will remain compliant.
After students’ complete courses, instructors can use a group training module to lead in-class discussions about real world situations, answer individual questions, and cement learning points.
In addition to providing ELDT-compliant training, On Ramp includes a custom-built LMS that records the completion of mandatory courses, regardless of whether students took the course individually or in a group setting. This capability makes it easier for CDL schools to meet the recordkeeping requirements of the ELDT mandate.
On Ramp can also automatically send student completion data, including proficiency scores, to the Department of Transportation’s Training Provider Registry. ITI noted that while details of the TPR are pending, “DOT will use the registry to keep track of approved training providers and drivers who complete training.”
ITI added that it is “working closely with the DOT and the Commercial Vehicle Training Association to ensure that connection between the TPR and On Ramp, including secure data storage capabilities, is seamless and automatic.”
Along with providing ELDT training and instructor certification and meeting training provider requirements, ITI noted that it can “help assess a fleet’s or CDL school’s overall ELDT readiness.”
