Last updated on May 5, 2023
The Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations establish the minimum training requirements for new commercial drivers and also establish minimum qualification standards for new commercial driver training providers and instructors providing the training for new commercial drivers.
The Training Provider Registry and the Entry Level Driver Training regulations were mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act of 2012. Entry Level Driver Training regulations went into effect on February 7, 2022 and are not retroactive.
Entry Level Driver Training Requirements
ELDT is required for the following:
Drivers seeking to obtain a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time.
Drivers seeking to obtain a Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time.
Class “B” Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders seeking to obtain a Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) Endorsement for the first time must successfully pass the knowledge tests and complete behind the wheel training before taking the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills tests to have those endorsements added to their CDL License. Note: A driver is required to hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test. 49 CFR 383.25(e)
Free CDL Practice Tests: (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazmat Endorsement, Passenger Endorsement, School Bus Endorsement)
Watch our video about “How to Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit” on Youtube.
Watch our video about “How to Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit” on Rumble.
Drivers seeking to upgrade a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), such as upgrading from a Class “C” to Class “B” CDL, or upgrading from a Class “B” to a Class “A” CDL.
Drivers seeking to obtain a Hazardous Material (H) Endorsement on their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) must successfully complete ELDT (Knowledge Only) before taking the Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement knowledge test for the first time. CDL Hazardous Materials Practice Tests
Compliance with ELDT
State Driver Licensing Agencies must confirm through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Training Provider Registry that driver applicants have successfully completed the required Entry Level Driver Training.
This verification must be done before issuing the driver applicant a Class “A” or “B” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and before issuing the driver applicant a Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement on their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
