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Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal mandate established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that requires specific training for individuals applying for their first commercial driver's license (CDL) or upgrading their existing CDL.
The ELDT mandate became effective on February 7, 2022. Any CDL applicant applying for a CDL, upgrading a CDL, or obtaining a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time must complete ELDT from a registered training provider.
The ELDT requirements were established to ensure that all entry-level commercial drivers receive adequate, standardized training before operating commercial motor vehicles. This federal regulation aims to improve highway safety by better preparing new drivers for the challenges of commercial driving.
ELDT is required in the following situations
Note: Even if ELDT is not federally required for your situation, some states may have additional training requirements. Always check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or licensing agency for specific state requirements.
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Choose from our 6 comprehensive theory courses. Behind-the-wheel training must be completed separately with an approved provider.
Comprehensive theory training for combination vehicles including tractor-trailers. Covers coupling/uncoupling, air brakes, and advanced maneuvering.
Duration: 8+ hours
FMCSA Compliant
Theory training for single vehicles over 26,000 lbs including straight trucks, large buses, and segmented buses. Ideal for city delivery and transit drivers.
Duration: 8+ hours
FMCSA Compliant
Upgrade from Class B to Class A CDL. Focuses on combination vehicle operations, coupling/uncoupling procedures, and tractor-trailer specific skills.
Duration: 4+ hours
FMCSA Compliant
Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials. Covers placarding, loading/unloading procedures, emergency response, and safety regulations.
Duration: 4+ hours
FMCSA Compliant
Essential theory for operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers. Covers loading procedures, emergency exits, passenger safety, and special requirements.
Duration: 4+ hours
FMCSA Compliant
Specialized theory for school bus operation. Covers student management, loading/unloading procedures, railroad crossings, emergency evacuations, and state-specific requirements.
Duration: 4+ hours
FMCSA Compliant
Theory Training Only: The courses above cover only the theory (classroom) portion of ELDT training. Behind-the-wheel (BTW) training must be completed separately with an FMCSA-registered training provider.
Find BTW Training: Visit the FMCSA Training Provider Registry to locate approved providers in your area for behind-the-wheel training.
ELDT must be completed through a training provider that is registered with the FMCSA on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Search the FMCSA Training Provider Registry to find registered ELDT providers in your area that offer the training you need.
Enroll in and complete both the theory (classroom) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training components required for your CDL class or endorsement.
Your training provider will electronically certify your completion to the TPR. This certification is linked to your driver's license record.
After completing ELDT, you're eligible to take the CDL knowledge test(s) at your state's licensing agency.
Once you pass the knowledge tests, you'll receive your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), allowing you to practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
Complete the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, road test) and receive your commercial driver's license.
The cost of ELDT training varies significantly depending on the provider, location, and type of training (Class A vs. Class B, endorsements, etc.).
Note: Costs vary by location, provider, and program comprehensiveness. Some programs include job placement assistance and additional services.
Partially, yes. The theory (classroom) portion of ELDT can be completed online through a registered training provider. However, the behind-the-wheel (BTW) training must be completed in person with actual commercial vehicles.
Many training providers offer hybrid programs where you can complete the theory portion online at your own pace, then schedule in-person BTW training sessions.
The duration varies significantly based on the program type and your individual learning pace:
The FMCSA does not specify minimum hours, so completion depends on demonstrating proficiency in all curriculum areas.
It depends. If you obtained your Class B CDL before February 7, 2022, you do not need ELDT to upgrade to a Class A CDL.
However, if you obtained your Class B CDL on or after February 7, 2022, and want to upgrade to Class A, you will need to complete ELDT for the Class A upgrade. Always verify requirements with your state's licensing agency.
You cannot obtain a CDL. If ELDT is required for your situation, state licensing agencies will not administer the CDL skills test or issue a CDL without verification that you've completed ELDT through a registered provider.
The state's system will check the Training Provider Registry to confirm your training completion before allowing you to proceed with testing.
Yes. Once you've completed ELDT and obtained your CDL or endorsement, you don't need to repeat ELDT for renewals or when transferring your CDL to another state.
However, if you later want to upgrade your CDL class (e.g., from Class B to Class A) or add certain endorsements for the first time, you may need additional ELDT specific to that upgrade or endorsement.
Official information about Entry-Level Driver Training requirements from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Search for FMCSA-registered training providers in your area
Detailed curriculum requirements for the theory portion of ELDT
Detailed curriculum requirements for the behind-the-wheel portion of ELDT
While ELDT is required training, you should also prepare for the written knowledge tests with our study materials: