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ENTRY LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING (ELDT)

WHAT IS ELDT?

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal training requirement established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It was created to ensure new commercial drivers receive consistent, high-quality instruction before obtaining a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or certain CDL endorsements.

ELDT combines classroom (theory) instruction with behind-the-wheel training to prepare drivers with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. Before an applicant may take the CDL skills examination, all required ELDT training must be successfully completed and reported to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

WHO MUST COMPLETE ELDT?

Federal regulations require ELDT for individuals who are:
  • Applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
  • Upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
  • Obtaining a Passenger (P) endorsement for the first time.
  • Obtaining a School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time.
  • Obtaining a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

If you already hold the appropriate CDL and endorsements, additional ELDT training may not be required. Check with your employer or training provider if you are unsure of your eligibility.

WHAT DOES ELDT INCLUDE?

ELDT consists of two required components:

THEORY (CLASSROOM) TRAINING

Theory training provides instruction on topics including:

  • Vehicle operation and controls
  • Basic vehicle inspections
  • Safe driving techniques
  • Hours of service
  • Vehicle systems
  • Railroad crossings
  • Emergency procedures
  • Extreme driving conditions
  • Passenger safety
  • Federal and state regulations

There is no minimum number of classroom hours required under federal regulations. Students must successfully demonstrate proficiency by meeting the required passing score established by the training provider.

BEHIND-THE-WHEEL (BTW) TRAINING

Behind-the-wheel training provides hands-on instruction in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle and includes:

  • Pre-trip vehicle inspections
  • Basic vehicle control skills
  • Backing maneuvers
  • Turning techniques
  • Lane positioning
  • Railroad crossing procedures
  • Defensive driving
  • Public roadway driving

Unlike theory training, behind-the-wheel instruction must be completed in the vehicle under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Students must demonstrate proficiency in all required skills before training is considered complete.

WHEN DO I COMPLETE ELDT?

ELDT should be completed after obtaining your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) and before scheduling your CDL skills examination. Your training provider will certify your successful completion of both the theory and behind-the-wheel portions of ELDT.