Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Requirements

What Is ELDT?

Entry-Level Driver Training is a federal standard that took effect on February 7, 2022, under 49 CFR Part 380. It requires anyone applying for a CDL for the first time, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or adding a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement to complete prescribed training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

Who Must Complete ELDT?

The rule applies to three groups of applicants:

• First-time CDL applicants -- Anyone who has never held a CDL in any state.
• CDL upgrade applicants -- Drivers moving from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
• Endorsement applicants -- Drivers adding an H, P, or S endorsement for the first time.

Drivers who already hold a valid CDL and are not upgrading or adding covered endorsements are exempt. Military personnel with equivalent training may also qualify for an exemption.

Theory (Classroom) Training

The theory portion covers topics mandated by the FMCSA, including:

• Basic vehicle operation and control systems
• Safe operating procedures, including fatigue management
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance, aligned with the pre-trip checklist
• Non-driving activities such as trip planning, cargo documentation, and cargo claims procedures
• Hours-of-service regulations and ELD usage

Theory training may be delivered in a classroom or through online self-paced modules, as long as the provider is registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training

BTW training must be conducted on a range and on public roads with a qualified instructor physically present in the vehicle. The FMCSA does not prescribe a minimum number of hours -- instead, the instructor must certify that the student has demonstrated proficiency in all required skills, including:

1. Vehicle controls and dashboard instruments
2. Backing maneuvers -- straight, offset, and alley dock
3. Coupling and uncoupling (Class A only)
4. Shifting and speed management on grades
5. Public road driving in varied traffic conditions

Finding a Registered Training Provider

The FMCSA maintains the Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can search by state, training type, and class of CDL. Before enrolling, verify that the provider's listing is active and covers the CDL class or endorsement you need. Unregistered programs will not satisfy the ELDT requirement, and state DMVs check the registry before issuing skills-test appointments.

How Training Completion Is Reported

When you finish both theory and BTW segments, your training provider submits your results electronically to the TPR. This record must be in place before your state will schedule a CDL skills test. If you change states between training and testing, your completion record transfers through the federal system.

Costs and Duration

Program costs vary widely by region and training school -- typical Class A programs range from a few thousand dollars to significantly more at private academies. Duration depends on whether you attend full-time or part-time:

• Full-time programs -- Usually three to eight weeks.
• Part-time or weekend programs -- May stretch to three months or longer.

Many large carriers, including Werner Enterprises, Schneider, and J.B. Hunt, offer company-sponsored training programs that cover tuition in exchange for a post-training employment commitment. These programs are a popular option for drivers entering the industry without upfront capital.

Common Questions

Can I challenge the ELDT requirement if I have driving experience? No. The rule applies regardless of prior non-CDL driving experience. The only exception is documented equivalent military training.

Does ELDT replace the CDL knowledge test? No. You still must pass the written knowledge exam at your state DMV to obtain a CLP before scheduling the skills test.

For a full walkthrough of the CDL process after completing ELDT, see our step-by-step CDL guide.