DOT Entry Level Driver Training - Basic CMV Operation: Training Orientation

Entry-level driver applicants seeking to obtain a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (or CDL) for the first time, or to upgrade from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL, must complete theory training and behind-the-wheel training supplied by a training provider registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. Theory instruction can be provided in the classroom or online, while behind-the-wheel training must be conducted in a representative commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for which the driver is seeking to be licensed. Theory and behind-the-wheel trainings may be delivered by two different providers, but they must be completed within one year. This course is an orientation to the theory-based training. It introduces the regulations that apply to CMV drivers and the trainings they are required to complete to obtain a CDL. It describes safety fundamentals, vehicle size and weight limits, and responsibilities that are not directly related to CMV driving, such as cargo securement. Finally, it covers the ramifications if you do not comply with federal regulations, which can include driver disqualification and fines.