Who Needs Entry-Level Driver Training?

FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training regulations establish a federal baseline for certain first-time CDL applicants, upgrades, and endorsements. Completing practice questions can prepare your knowledge, but it does not replace required ELDT from a registered provider.

ELDT generally applies when you are:

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

The federal requirements are not retroactive for individuals who already held the applicable CDL or S, P, or H endorsement before February 7, 2022. Other regulatory exceptions may also apply.

Your provider must be registered

Training must be completed through a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. Registered providers submit completion information to the Registry so the state licensing agency can verify eligibility before administering the applicable skills or knowledge test.

Theory and behind-the-wheel requirements differ

For a first Class A or Class B CDL and for first-time P or S endorsements, applicable ELDT includes theory and behind-the-wheel instruction. Behind-the-wheel training includes required range and/or public-road components depending on the credential.

For a first-time hazardous materials endorsement, ELDT requires theory training before the state-administered H knowledge test; federal ELDT does not require a behind-the-wheel component for H.

There is no federal minimum number of BTW hours

Federal ELDT establishes curriculum and proficiency requirements rather than a single nationwide minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours. However, a state or training program may impose additional requirements. Applicants must satisfy applicable state rules as well as the federal baseline.

A practical sequence for applicants

1. Confirm the exact CDL class or endorsement you are seeking.
2. Review your state licensing agency’s permit, documentation, and testing requirements.
3. Determine whether ELDT applies to your situation.
4. Select a provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
5. Complete the required theory and behind-the-wheel components.
6. Confirm that completion information has been submitted before scheduling the relevant state test.