ELDT: Entry-Level Driver Training Explained
TL;DR
ELDT is federal training you must finish with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your first Class A or B skills test, a first passenger or school bus skills test, or a first hazmat knowledge test. Required since February 7, 2022 (49 CFR 380.600). It does not replace your state's knowledge test.
What ELDT is
ELDT stands for entry-level driver training, and it is mandatory training set out in 49 CFR part 380, subpart F. Compliance has been required on or after February 7, 2022 (49 CFR 380.600). The rule is narrow by design. 49 CFR 380.601 says entry-level driver training applies only to people who apply for a CDL, a CDL upgrade or an endorsement, and that it does not otherwise change the substantive CDL requirements in part 383. In other words it adds a training step in front of certain tests. It does not change the tests themselves.
Who has to complete it
You need ELDT if you are an entry-level driver who intends to drive in interstate or intrastate commerce (49 CFR 380.603(a)). The definition in 380.605 covers anyone who must complete the CDL skills test before receiving a CDL for the first time, upgrading to Class A or B, or getting a hazmat, passenger or school bus endorsement for the first time. The training is tied to a specific test, and 49 CFR 380.609 lays out which one:
- First Class A or Class B CDL: training before the skills test.
- Upgrade to Class A or Class B: training before the skills test (380.609(a)).
- First passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement: training before that endorsement's skills test.
- First hazmat (H) endorsement: training before the hazmat knowledge test.
Who does not need it
Several groups are excepted under 49 CFR 380.603. Drivers who held the license or endorsement before the start date are also not required to comply for that credential.
- Military CMV drivers and the groups states may exempt under 383.3(c) and (d), plus drivers of covered farm vehicles under 383.3(h) (380.603(a)(1)).
- Drivers applying for a restricted CDL under 383.3(e) through (g) (380.603(a)(2)).
- Military personnel with CMV experience who meet 383.77 (380.603(a)(3)).
- Drivers removing a restriction under 383.135(b)(7) (380.603(a)(4)).
- Anyone issued a Class A, Class B, P, S or H credential before February 7, 2022, for that credential (380.603(b)).
- Anyone who got a CLP before February 7, 2022 and obtains the CDL before that CLP or its renewal expires (380.603(c)(1)).
Theory and behind-the-wheel training
ELDT has two parts: theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW). Theory is classroom-style knowledge instruction, and 49 CFR 380.605 allows it through lectures, demonstrations, computer-based instruction, online training and similar means. BTW is hands-on driving, split into range training and public road training, and a simulation device cannot be used for it (Appendix A to part 380). There is no federally required minimum number of hours. The appendices to part 380 state that there is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory or for BTW training, but the provider must cover every topic in the curriculum and document each trainee's proficiency. Theory must be assessed in writing, with an overall minimum score of 80 percent (49 CFR 380.715(a)). Both BTW portions, range and public road, must come from the same provider (380.707(c)).
- Class A and Class B CDL: theory plus BTW range and public road.
- Passenger (P) and school bus (S): theory plus BTW, in a vehicle of the vehicle group you plan to drive.
- Hazmat (H): theory only (Appendix E).
- Class A applicants who already hold a valid Class B CDL may take the theory upgrade curriculum (Appendix A).
The Training Provider Registry
Your training only counts if it comes from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). 49 CFR 380.605 defines entry-level driver training as training received from an entity on the TPR, and 380.703 sets the requirements to be listed, including a compliant curriculum, facilities, vehicles and qualified instructors. Providers can be schools, motor carriers, community colleges and others. The definition of training provider in 380.605 includes training schools, educational institutions, motor carriers, state and local governments, school districts and owner-operators. After you finish, the provider must electronically submit your training certification to the registry by midnight of the second business day (380.717). The state checks it electronically. Under 49 CFR 383.73(b)(11), a state may not conduct a Class A or B, P or S skills test until it verifies electronically that you completed the training. One timing rule: apart from hazmat, you must finish the theory and BTW portions within one year of completing the first portion (380.603(c)(3)).
What ELDT does not replace
ELDT does not replace your state's knowledge tests or the CDL skills test. 49 CFR 380.601 says it adds no change to the substantive part 383 requirements, and 383.71(a)(10) and (b) still require the usual knowledge and skills testing. You still need a CLP, which means you must pass the general knowledge test and any required endorsement knowledge tests, and be 18 or older (383.71(a)). Your state's own paperwork and fees still apply, and for interstate driving the federal driver qualification rules, including the English and medical requirements, still apply (49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) and (4)). The knowledge test is the part you can prepare for on your own. Training from a registered provider helps, but it does not hand you the permit. Your state sets its own extra rules, so confirm the details with your state licensing agency. We offer 10 new practice questions a day free, with explanations on every answer.
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