Vermont Business Magazine After many years of delay, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rolled out Entry Level Driver Training Regulations on February 7, 2022. While not retroactive, these regulations require that any new, entry-level commercial drivers complete an FMCSA-approved driver training program, ending the ability of drivers to learn more informally through colleagues, relatives, or unapproved training programs. While the benefits to public safety are clear, this change has the potential to increase logistical challenges resulting from a shortage of CDL drivers in Vermont and nationwide.
At present, there are just six programs listed on the Vermont DMV website to provide this much needed training. Two of the six providers are Career and Technical Education (CTE) adult education programs, with training available at several additional adult CTE centers under contract with approved training providers. Classes are available now or in the near future at Tech Centers in Newport, St. Albans, Bradford, Rutland, and Bennington
Earning a CDL through a CTE center makes good sense for a variety of reasons. Tech Centers have staff that are skilled in educational practices and teaching techniques to support a wide variety of learners in completing the program. Tech Centers also can access and assist in multiple financial aid options for tuition assistance. Students may qualify for aid through the VSAC Advancement Grant, the Curtis Fund Certificate of Value scholarship, the Adult CTE Scholarship, and others, and can combine multiple sources to fund up to the entire tuition amount.
For more information on upcoming CDL classes at various tech center locations in Vermont, please visit https://vtadultcte.org/classes/?_sft_category=transportation-heavy-equipment
For information on reserving space or scheduling a designated CDL class for your employees or on other workforce training opportunities, please contact the CTE center nearest you or email Len Schmidt at [email protected].