The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal standard for instructing commercial motor vehicle operators. This comprehensive training program is a mandatory prerequisite for specific applicants seeking a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Completing the federally mandated curriculum ensures new professionals meet a baseline safety and competency requirement before proceeding to the official licensing examinations.
Defining Entry-Level Driver Training
ELDT is a set of minimum federal requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for individuals seeking a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or specific endorsements. These regulations ensure a consistent, nationwide standard for preparing new commercial drivers, replacing previous state-by-state variations. The mandate originated from the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which required the FMCSA to establish these minimum training standards.
The primary purpose of ELDT is to enhance highway safety by ensuring drivers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. The rule became effective on February 7, 2022. Anyone who applied for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) on or after that date is subject to the new training requirements, which dictate the content for both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
Who Must Complete ELDT
The ELDT regulations apply to applicants who are first entering the commercial driving industry or expanding their existing driving privileges. Training must be completed before taking the corresponding CDL skills or knowledge tests.
First-Time CDL Applicants
This includes any individual applying for a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License for the first time.
CDL Upgrades
Training is required for existing CDL holders seeking to upgrade from a Class B to a Class A designation. This upgrade necessitates completing the Class A ELDT curriculum, which includes instruction on coupling and uncoupling combination vehicles.
First-Time Endorsements
The third group consists of drivers applying for their first-time School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement.
The ELDT requirements are not retroactive and do not apply to drivers who already hold a CDL or the specified endorsements issued before the February 7, 2022, compliance date. Individuals who received a Commercial Learner’s Permit prior to that date are also exempt, provided they obtain their CDL before the CLP expires. Certain military drivers who meet exceptions for taking a skills test are also not subject to the ELDT mandate.
The Required ELDT Curriculum
The federally mandated ELDT curriculum ensures driver-trainees receive comprehensive instruction in commercial motor vehicle operation and safety. Training is divided into two mandatory components: theoretical knowledge instruction and practical behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, from basic vehicle operation to advanced safety practices and non-driving duties.
The content is tailored to the specific license or endorsement sought, with separate outlines for Class A, Class B, and the S, P, and H endorsements. Training providers must adhere to the relevant federal appendices outlining the required instructional units. Trainees can only move forward in the licensing process after successfully completing both the theory and BTW portions.
Theory Instruction Requirements
The theory portion of ELDT is the knowledge-based component, delivered via classroom lectures, online learning, or computer-based instruction. The curriculum is broken down into five overarching subject areas providing a foundation for safe commercial driving.
These areas include basic vehicle operation, safe operating procedures (like speed and space management), and advanced operating practices (like hazard perception and emergency maneuvers). Instruction also covers vehicle systems, reporting malfunctions, and pre-trip inspection procedures. The final area addresses non-driving activities, including hours-of-service requirements, fatigue prevention, and post-crash procedures.
There is no minimum number of instructional hours required, allowing providers flexibility in delivery. Trainees must pass an assessment, achieving a minimum overall score of 80% to demonstrate proficiency.
Behind-the-Wheel Training Requirements
Behind-the-wheel (BTW) training is the practical application of theoretical knowledge, divided into two environments: a closed-off range and public roads. Range instruction focuses on basic vehicle control skills, such as pre-trip inspections, coupling/uncoupling procedures for Class A vehicles, and backing/docking maneuvers. Public road training applies these skills in a real-world setting, covering shifting, signaling, lane changes, and navigating intersections.
BTW instruction is performance-based, meaning there is no federally mandated minimum number of hours required. The focus is entirely on demonstrating proficiency in every required skill. The certified instructor must evaluate the trainee’s performance and determine that the student is fully proficient in all elements before the training is considered complete.
Finding an Approved Training Provider
Prospective commercial drivers must receive their ELDT from a qualified institution to meet the federal mandate. The sole source for verifying a provider’s compliance and approval is the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). This online database lists all schools, carriers, and entities that have self-certified they meet all ELDT regulations regarding curriculum, facilities, and instructor qualifications.
The TPR serves as the central repository for training information and monitors the delivery of ELDT. Trainees must use the registry to search for a provider that offers the specific training they require, such as a Class A CDL or a Hazardous Materials endorsement. Enrolling with a provider not listed on the TPR means the training will not be recognized by the state licensing agency, preventing the applicant from taking the CDL test.
The Certification and Licensing Process
Upon successful completion of ELDT, the approved training provider must electronically submit the student’s certification of completion. This mandatory process is completed via the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) database. This submission verifies that the trainee has met all federal training standards.
The provider must submit the certification information by midnight of the second business day after the trainee successfully completes the program. This electronic record is immediately available in the TPR database for verification. The state driver licensing agency (SDLA) accesses the TPR to confirm the applicant has a valid, completed ELDT record before administering the CDL skills test. For applicants seeking a first-time Hazardous Materials endorsement, the SDLA verifies theory training completion before the knowledge test is taken.