J. J. Keller Releases Free ELDT Audit Checklist as FMCSA Tightens Training Enforcement
With thousands of training providers removed from the federal registry for non-compliance, J. J. Keller is offering a free ELDT Audit Checklist and its Safe & Smart® ELDT Trainer Certification Program to help motor carriers meet FMCSA requirements and avoid onboarding delays.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Dec 10, 2025
With the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) increasing enforcement of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. is offering a free ELDT Audit Checklist and its Safe & Smart® ELDT Trainer Certification Program to help companies ensure compliance and prepare for audits.
More than 3,000 ELDT providers have already been removed from the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) for non-compliance, and another 4,500 are at risk as FMCSA begins a review of all 16,000 providers for adherence to the ELDT rule, which went into effect in 2022.
“Our free new ELDT Audit Checklist will help companies that use a third-party ELDT provider or that conduct training in-house to verify compliance with federal requirements,” said Dustin Kufahl, vice president of consulting and training services at J. J. Keller. “The checklist covers everything from documentation to training materials, instructor qualifications, student and vehicle records, training assessments, and record retention.”
For companies relying on a third-party ELDT provider, removal from the TPR could cause significant driver onboarding delays. According to Kufahl, bringing training in-house with J. J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT Trainer Certification Program provides turnkey resources to start delivering compliant, high-quality training without depending on an expensive outside provider that operates on its own schedule.
“Our Safe & Smart program meets all ELDT requirements while developing excellent trainers and drivers,” Kufahl added. “You’re able to deliver best-in-class training that’s engaging and puts driver safety first. In fact, our clients have seen a 20% greater driver retention rate, which dramatically improves training ROI.”
For companies already providing ELDT training in-house, J. J. Keller’s ELDT Trainer Certification Program ensures ELDT compliance while delivering an in-depth, hands-on curriculum that can be tailored for a company’s vehicles, cargo, and company culture.
Download J. J. Keller’s free ELDT Audit Checklist at JJKellerSafeandSmart.com/ELDT-audit-survival-guide and learn more about their Safe & Smart® ELDT Trainer Certification Program at JJKellerSafeandSmart.com/trainer-programs/eldt-trainer-certification.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.