NGWA submitted a request to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on April 4 for an exemption from Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT) requirements for those operating Class B water well drilling rigs.
The FMSCA implemented new requirements for those pursuing a commercial driver’s license in February. The new rules require all drivers to complete ELDT before completing their Class A, B, or C CDL exams. ELDT consists of both driving theory courses and behind-the-wheel training and can cost as much as $3000 per student.
The exemption, if granted, would allow those who operate only Class B drilling rigs to forgo the newly implemented ELDT before taking the CDL exam.
NGWA argues within its exemption request that the ELDT requirements create new and unnecessary barriers to rural communities who rely on water wells for water access. In addition, due to labor shortages and supply chain issues, the water well industry is already struggling to meet its growing demand of drilling new wells.
From the letter:
“Exempting those operating Class B water well drilling rigs from the additional requirements of ELDT and allowing them to receive on-the-job safe driving training before taking their CDL exam could save hundreds of hours each year for water well contractors. Hours that could be utilized to better serve rural America by providing them with the clean, safe, and affordable water that they rely on every day.”
While there is currently no timeline for an official answer from the FMSCA on the proposed exemption, NGWA hopes to have an official response this summer.
Click here to read NGWA’s exemption request.
For more information, email Ben Frech, NGWA public relations and government affairs manager, at
bfrech@ngwa.org or call (800) 551-7379, ext. 1570.