If you believe “free is good,” then the ODOT LTAP Center has great news when it comes to Commercial Driving License (CDL) training. LTAP has been providing the free online theory training since mid-October.
LTAP helps local governments manage and maintain sound transportation systems by providing training and technical assistance in the areas of safety, workforce development and infrastructure and organizational management.
The LTAP CDL Theory Training originated from the need to certify drivers for snow and ice removal. The new CDL requirements going into effect this past February have resulted in a financial burden for local agencies already operating on tight budgets, according to Victoria Beale, director of the Ohio LTAP Center and assistant administrator of ODOT’s Office of Local Programs. “They didn’t have the financial amount in their budget to pay to send someone to a truck driving school. By us providing the theory training, they don’t have that cost.
“Just in the first month of offering the program we had 30 individuals who completed either CDL A or B theory training.” The initial month’s participation was surprising since early training was a “soft launch” with just a few agencies. Beale was quick to add that the theory training online course is available to the masses, saying, “It’s to help really any of our customers, not just the local public agencies but contractors, consultants, you name it … If they need to have someone obtain their CDL they can do the theory training through us, then find and receive the (behind the wheel) BTW portions at another provider.
“In Ohio, our contractors are benefiting because when we offer this through LTAP, we offer it to everyone. We aren’t just offering it to the local public agencies,” she added.
The LTAP Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT) Theory Training uses curriculum created by Clear Roads. Clear Roads works with member agencies, like LTAPs, and focuses on testing of winter maintenance materials, equipment and methods for highway maintenance crews. The CDL theory training is an approximately 30-hour online course covering topics such as basic truck operation and vehicle systems, safe and advanced operating procedures and practices, reporting malfunctions and non-driving activities. Because the Ohio LTAP Theory Training is available online anytime and anywhere, participants can set their pace in completing the course. “I had a person that started (on a) Saturday, and by Monday morning I was reporting their completion,” said Beale. “It is available 24-7 on their schedule – anytime they want to access it from anywhere in the world.”
Beale said that while a Commercial Driver’s License Permit (CDLP) – similar to what an individual needs to begin driver’s training and is also obtained at the BMV – is required to begin BTW Training, it is not required for taking the ELDT Theory Training. In fact, the LTAP Theory Training, according to Beale, may serve as a primer for those studying to obtain the CDLP. “The theory portion online, I would say, is an incredible assistance to someone who is going to take the permit test as opposed to just getting the book from the BMV and reading it.”
For more information regarding Ohio LTAP training and the CDL online theory course, visit www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/ltap.