Why can't my friend or family member train me ?

Why can't my friend or family train me to drive a truck?

Well, it's complicated.  When Congress empowered the USDOT through their legislative action, it allowed the USDOT and their agency the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) to write the rules.  As such the determination by those at the FMCSA that having a family or friend trying you to drive isn't the best option.  

The FMCSA requires that all training including behind the wheel be completed by a Registered Trainer through the Training Provider Registry.  

If you have questions about the Training Provider Registry, we'd encourage you to visit it here.

Here's the link if it doesn't work: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov

That all being said, we do encourage all entry level drivers to seriously consider having a driving coach with experience that is outside of TDT Safety Training.  They can provide unique insight using their experience, knowledge and abilities.  

If you find that you believe a particular friend, family member or other individual is really good at helping you understand the rules, procedures or other information about driving a commercial vehicle, we'd love to hear about them.  Most of our recruiting for trainers is done by word of mouth.  We can always use more resources!  Give them our website address at www.tdtsafetytraining.com and have them reach out to us!