December 6, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Brandon Steinert
Starting in February 2020, new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations will require those wishing to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) attend an FMCSA registered training facility. Students will need to earn both theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) certifications before taking the driving test. Barton is ready to help future drivers get the credentials they need by offering a 6-week online theory course in addition to the 8-week BTW course.
The new regulation, called Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT), states that before attempting the written test for a CDL permit at the DMV office, individuals must show theory certification from an FMCSA registered training facility. Individuals will not be able to schedule a CDL drive test without showing BTW certification from an FMCSA-registered training facility.
CDL Instructor Maggie Tracy said Barton’s setup is ideal because it is a one-stop-shop for both theory certification and the driving test.
“When a student takes Barton’s courses, they are able to use the Barton trucks to train and are also able to utilize Barton’s network of educational resources to complete their online theory training,” she said. “Also, any individual that has not yet reached 18 years of age may take the CDL Theory course here and then wait until they turn 18 and will be ready to move on to the BTW certification and then take their driving test.”
Visit bartonccc.edu/programs/cdl for training details. For more information, contact Tracy at (620) 786-1120 or tracym@bartonccc.edu.