The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established minimum training standards for entry-level drivers. The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements incorporate performance-based concepts by requiring driver-trainees to demonstrate proficiency in both behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction and knowledge portions of the curriculum during classroom and range training sessions. The ELDT training curriculum is outlined in
Commercial vehicle training, which provides instruction in the operation of commercial vehicles. Check with individual schools to find out what types of job placement services might be available. These training programs provide the following services:
CDL A: A state-approved driver training program for entry-level tractor-trailer drivers. This course, which is consistent with national training guidelines, provides a combination of classroom, range, and on-the-road instruction.
Visit our Commercial Driver Training page.
No Commercial Driver License (CDL) entry-level operator may take a CDL skills test to receive a CDL A, CDL B, Passenger (P) Endorsement, or School Bus (S) Endorsement unless the driver has successfully completed a mandatory theory (knowledge) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training program by a registered CDL ELDT provider/trainer.
Also, any individual seeking a Hazardous Material (H) Endorsement must complete the respective ELDT training prior to taking the Hazardous Material (H) Endorsement knowledge test.
For the most updated list of training providers on the TPR, visit the FMCSA’s ELDT website for details.
Yes. Any driver applying to obtain an S, P, or H endorsement for the first time on or after February 7, 2022, is required to complete the ELDT.
To obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, the entry-level driver must complete mandatory theory (knowledge) training provided by a training provider listed on the TPR prior to taking the knowledge test for the Hazardous Material (H) endorsement. For more information regarding required training, see the FMCSA’s ELDT Curriculum Summary.
If you are in Vermont AND you provide instruction for hire, you must be a licensed driving school. For more information about applying for a driving school license visit the Driver Training Instructors page.
Only training providers listed on the TPR can provide ELDT.
FMCSA defines that training providers can include, but are not limited to, training schools, educational institutions, rural electric cooperatives, motor carriers, state/local governments, school districts, joint labor-management programs, owner-operators, and individuals. These examples are not intended to be a finite list; FMCSA adds them to illustrate the range of entities that could potentially be eligible for listing on the TPR. In addition, FMCSA notes that eligible providers may provide training either on a "for-hire" or "not-for-hire" basis. Examples include motor carriers who provide ELDT at no cost to current or prospective employees, independent training schools charging tuition, and individuals who train family or friends.
The TPR is a system created and managed by FMCSA. The system will list all ELDT providers that are approved by FMCSA and allow ELDT providers to submit ELDT completion information to the TPR. The completion information maintained on the TPR serves as proof that the entry-level driver applicant has completed the required ELDT.
