What Is Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), and Who Needs It?

Entry-level driver training (ELDT) is the federal minimum training that certain commercial driver's license applicants complete before testing. The rules are in 49 CFR Part 380, Subpart F, with training provider standards in Subpart G. Compliance has been required since February 7, 2022 (49 CFR 380.600).

Who needs ELDT. An individual must complete training from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR) when (49 CFR 380.609):

• Applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading to a Class A or Class B CDL
• Seeking a passenger (P), school bus (S) or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time

Which drivers fall under DOT rules more broadly is explained in understanding DOT regulated.

Who does not need it (49 CFR 380.603).

• Drivers excepted from the CDL requirements under 49 CFR 383.3(c), (d) and (h)
• Drivers applying for a restricted CDL under 383.3(e) through (g)
• Military personnel with military CMV experience who meet 49 CFR 383.77
• Drivers applying to remove a restriction under 383.135(b)(7)
• Drivers issued a Class A or B CDL, or a P, S or H endorsement, before February 7, 2022, for that CDL or endorsement
• Individuals who obtained a CLP before February 7, 2022, if they obtain a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires

What the training includes. Providers follow curricula in Appendices A through E of Part 380 (49 CFR 380.703). Theory training ends with a written assessment, and the trainee must score at least 80 percent overall (49 CFR 380.715(a)). Behind-the-wheel (BTW) skills on a range and public road are evaluated and documented by the instructor (49 CFR 380.715). Except for H endorsement applicants, the theory and BTW portions must be completed within one year of completing the first portion (49 CFR 380.603(c)(3)).

How completion is recorded. The TPR provider electronically transmits training certification to FMCSA by midnight of the second business day after the trainee completes training. The record includes the trainee's name and license number, the CDL class or endorsement, the type of training, BTW clock hours, the provider's TPR number and the completion date (49 CFR 380.717).

How states use it. Beginning February 7, 2022, a state may not conduct a skills test for a Class A or B CDL, or a P or S endorsement, until it verifies electronically that the applicant completed ELDT (49 CFR 383.73(b)(11)). For an upgrade, the state also may not administer the H endorsement knowledge test until the training is complete (49 CFR 383.73(e)(9)). An H endorsement applicant completes the theory training before taking the hazardous materials knowledge test for the first time (49 CFR 383.71(b)(11)).

Instructor exemptions. FMCSA can grant exemptions from instructor qualifications, as described in FMCSA grants exemption for a hazardous materials theory instructor.