What is the ELDT Mandate?
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal regulation from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) designed to set national training standards for new commercial drivers. It applies to anyone obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time or adding endorsements like passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials.
Why was the ELDT mandate created?
Before the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate took effect, each state and CDL training school established its own training standards. This resulted in inconsistent preparation for drivers. The FMCSA created these training requirements to:
- Standardize CDL training nationwide
- Enhance driver safety and quality
- Make the roads safer for everyone
This mandate ensures that all new commercial drivers meet the same safety and skill requirements. The bottom line is that you are getting the same standardized training no matter where you live or who you train with.
Who needs to follow the ELDT mandate?
- New CDL applicants for Class A or Class B licenses
- Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A
- Drivers adding endorsements for passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials
Who is exempt from ELDT?
You are exempt if you had your CDL before the ELDT start date of February 7, 2022.
Is ELDT required in every state?
Yes, it is a federal requirement for commercial driver education.
What happens if I don’t follow ELDT?
If you skip ELDT, you won’t be allowed to take the CDL skills test. Training providers who don’t comply can lose their certification. All completions are tracked in the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) to ensure schools meet the standards.
How does ELDT affect CDL training?
Training is split into two parts: classroom (theory) and behind-the-wheel. The classroom covers at least 30 topics mandated by the DOT, and students must pass a written test with an 80% score or higher. The behind-the-wheel training must happen in a real commercial vehicle (not a simulator) on public roads or a driving range.
How does ELDT affect CDL schools?
Schools must register with the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, certify compliance, and pass audits. Each approved school receives a unique ID that appears on the CDL record to verify training is legit. Student drivers can’t submit their own ELDT completion details to the FMCSA or a CDL examiner. After finishing ELDT training, your school will submit your completion information directly to the FMCSA. TPR will keep a record of which CDL applicants have successfully completed the training.
What skills and tests does ELDT prepare you for?
Watch: How to Pass the Pre-Trip Inspection on the New Class A CDL Exam
This is one of the many skills we teach as part of our Kansas City Class A CDL Training Program in compliance with all FMCSA standards.
CDL Exam Prep for Entry-Level Drivers
If you are a CDL applicant preparing for your written and road exam, we have a resource for you! In compliance with ELDT, your theory instruction should have covered basic operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operating procedures, vehicle systems, reporting malfunctions, and other non-driving activities. Your behind-the-wheel training should take place in a commercial motor vehicle, on a public road, and focus on mastering basic vehicle control and maneuvers. This CDL prep resource can help you review what you’ve learned before taking your exam with the state.
ELDT Resources
Resources are available to learn more information about the ELDT mandate.
Apex Technical Institute is a proud member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, which is the largest association of commercial truck driving schools. Working with carriers and associate members on critical industry issues, CVTA promotes highway safety through quality training.
Lastly, the Training Provider Registry is the FMCSA’s web portal to help prospective students find and locate training providers who have registered and been approved to teach the ELDT curriculum. It will also keep records of CDL applicants who have completed the required entry-level driver training course. It will be the best place to find answers to all your questions concerning ELDT.