ELDT explained: the entry-level driver training rule
Who must take ELDT, what the theory and behind-the-wheel parts involve, how the Training Provider Registry works, and the exceptions.
Entry-level driver training, ELDT, is the federal rule that since 7 February 2022 requires most new commercial drivers to complete a training course with a registered provider before they can take the CDL skills test, or for hazmat, before the knowledge test. It is set out in 49 CFR Part 380 and applies in every state.
Who must complete ELDT
You need ELDT if you are:
- getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time,
- upgrading from Class B to Class A,
- adding a passenger (P), school bus (S) or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
You do not need it if you already held the CDL or endorsement before 7 February 2022, if you got your commercial learner's permit before that date and get the CDL before the permit expires, or if you fall under one of the exceptions in 49 CFR 383.3, which cover some military drivers, farmers, firefighters and emergency responders, and a few other groups. Renewing a CDL, or adding the tank or doubles/triples endorsement, needs no ELDT.
What the training involves
Theory. A classroom or online course covering the topics in the federal curriculum: basic operation, safe operating procedures, advanced practices, vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions, and non-driving activities such as hours of service and whistleblower protections. There is no minimum number of hours in the federal rule; you must score at least 80% on the provider's theory assessment.
Behind the wheel. For Class A, Class B and the passenger and school bus endorsements, training on a range (basic control) and on public roads with an instructor, in the class of vehicle you are testing for. Again the federal rule sets no minimum hours; the instructor must certify that you are proficient in each skill. Some states and many schools set their own hour counts.
Hazmat needs the theory course only. There is no behind-the-wheel element.
The Training Provider Registry
Training only counts if the provider is listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. Truck driving schools, community colleges, carriers that train their own drivers, and individual instructors can all register. Before you pay anyone, search the registry for them.
When you finish, the provider uploads your completion to the registry, within two business days of the training ending. Your state licensing agency checks the registry electronically before scheduling your skills test, or before giving you the hazmat knowledge test. If the record is missing, the state will not test you, so confirm the upload with your provider.
How ELDT fits the permit timeline
- Get your medical certificate and pass the knowledge tests for your commercial learner's permit. ELDT is not required for the permit itself in most states, and the behind-the-wheel part cannot start until you hold the permit.
- Complete theory and behind-the-wheel training with a registered provider.
- Hold the permit for at least 14 days, and have the training recorded in the registry.
- Take the skills test.
The permit guide covers steps one and three in detail.
Cost and time
ELDT itself has no federal fee; you pay the provider. Full Class A programmes at private schools typically run several weeks and cost several thousand dollars; community colleges are often cheaper and slower; carrier-sponsored training can be free in exchange for a work commitment. Hazmat theory courses are short and inexpensive by comparison, and many are online. Get the price, the hours and the vehicle you will test in, in writing, before you sign.