CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - Passenger (P) Endorsement
Comprehensive program for safe passenger transportation in compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations.
Course Overview
This course is designed to equip commercial drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely transport passengers while complying with FMCSA and DOT regulations in 49 CFR Part 374. The training includes general awareness, function-specific training, and emergency preparedness for passenger transportation.
Key Topics Covered
- General awareness training on regulations to handle a passenger bus
- Specific requirements for transportation of passengers by highway
- Specific requirements for transportation of hazardous materials by highway
- Function-specific training including responsibilities of the driver
- Emergency preparedness and response training
Who Should Enroll?
This training is ideal for driver-trainees seeking a CDL ELDT passenger (P) endorsement for the first time. From February 2022, FMCSA requires entry-level drivers to complete an approved training program before taking the knowledge test for the P Endorsement.
Licensing and Renewal
- No recurrent training is required; the P Endorsement does not expire
- Renewal is required with CDL expiration, typically every five years
- Some states may have additional security assessments or shorter CDL renewal cycles
This CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - Passenger Bus (P) Endorsement course prepares you to excel as a professional passenger bus driver! By the end, you'll be equipped to:
- Understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and passenger safety requirements, ensuring you operate legally and responsibly.
- Develop the skills needed to safely load and unload passengers, including individuals with disabilities or special needs.
- Learn effective techniques for passenger management, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the journey.
- Master pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, with a focus on passenger-specific components like emergency exits, seating, and handrails.
- Recognize and respond to emergencies, including evacuation procedures and safe handling of passenger-related incidents.
- Gain expertise in managing and securing passenger belongings, ensuring everything is safely stored during transit.
- Understand the regulations for transporting passengers across state lines, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
- Learn the importance of maintaining a safe following distance and anticipating passenger vehicle dynamics on the road.
- Navigate challenges like railroad crossings and traffic congestion while prioritizing passenger safety.
- Understand the use of on-board safety systems, such as seatbelts and emergency communication devices.
- Articulate the importance of maintaining professionalism and providing excellent customer service as a passenger bus driver.
- Discover the requirements for maintaining records related to passenger transport and safety inspections.
- Learn how to safely park and secure a passenger bus in various scenarios, minimizing risks during stops.