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Training providers listed on the Training Provider Registry are the only entities that can provide training required by the entry-level driver training (ELDT regulations). To comply with the ELDT regulations, drivers must select a training provider from those listed in the Training Provider Registry.

Last Updated : February 07, 2022

Yes. As of February 7, 2022, applicants must complete the training required in 49 CFR part 380, prior to obtaining any of the following commercial license credentials for the first time: a Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL); an upgrade to a Class B or a Class A CDL; or a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time. Driver applicants must obtain training from a training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.

Last Updated : September 27, 2022

The ELDT requirements are aligned with the existing commercial driver’s license (CDL) regulations in 49 CFR § 383.3.

The ELDT regulations do not create any new exceptions; therefore, any individual who is currently excepted from taking a skills test in order to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL or a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement, is not subject to ELDT requirements. This includes:

Last Updated : September 12, 2022

The regulations fulfill a statutory requirement imposed on FMCSA by Congress under Section 32304 of the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” (MAP-21). The ELDT regulations are intended to enhance the safety of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations on our Nation’s highways by establishing more uniform requirements for both behind-the-wheel (BTW) and theory training, thereby resulting in more qualified CMV drivers.

Last Updated : May 20, 2020

To be eligible to take the Class A or Class B CDL skills test, the S or P skills test, or the H knowledge test, commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider. The type of training required depends on the type of license or endorsement for which the driver is applying. Below is a summary:

License/Endorsement ELDT Verification Occurs Before: Is Theory Training Required? Is Behind-the-Wheel Training Required?
Class A CDL (new or upgrade) CDL skills test Yes Yes – Range and Public Road
Class B CDL CDL skills test Yes Yes – Range and Public Road
Passenger (P) endorsement P skills test Yes Yes – Range or Public Road
School bus (S) endorsement S skills test Yes Yes – Range or Public Road
Hazardous materials (H) endorsement H knowledge test Yes No

Last Updated : September 27, 2022

SDLAs must verify that an entry-level driver has completed the required training before allowing the driver to proceed with testing. The point at which the SDLA must verify completion of entry-level driver training depends on the type of license or endorsement the applicant is seeking. See the table below for a summary of these requirements.

This table indicates the point at which the CDL skills or knowledge test examiner must verify a driver's completion of required training for each license or endorsement.
Type of license or endorsement SDLA must verify completion prior to allowing
Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Passenger (P) endorsement
School bus (S) endorsement
Skills test
Hazardous materials (H) endorsement Knowledge test

Last Updated : September 27, 2022

Yes. A State may schedule a CDL skills test before the entry-level driver has completed the required training. A State may also choose to require completion of entry-level driving training prior to scheduling a skills test. In any event, the State may not administer the skills test or knowledge test until a driver-trainee completes the training for the CDL or endorsement for which they are applying.

Last Updated : February 07, 2022

The ELDT regulations establish minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators in interstate and intrastate commerce who are applying for:

  • A Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time;
  • An upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or
  • A hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time.

The requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an H, P, or S endorsement issued prior to February 7, 2022. Individuals who obtained a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022 are not subject to ELDT requirements as long as they obtain a CDL before the expiration date of the CLP or renewed CLP.

Last Updated : September 27, 2022

The contents of these frequently asked questions do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. The documents are intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.