Frequently Asked Questions

ELDT is a set of minimum standards for commercial driver education that all training providers must follow. Once this mandate is in place, training providers will have to certify to the FMCSA that their training programs meet minimum standards in order to continue training commercial drivers. ELDT training will be comprised of classroom (theory) education and skills training. Students will learn approximately 30 subjects within the classroom portion of the training and must score a minimum of 80 percent on a theory assessment to meet minimum program requirements. To qualify for the CDL exam, students will receive specified behind-the-wheel training, as well as have a trainer’s endorsement stating that they are proficient in the CDL skills curriculum.

The ELDT regulations are not retroactive. If you’ve already obtained your CDL or endorsements prior to February 7, 2022, these training changes don’t affect you.

Additionally, if you’ve obtained a CLP before February 7, 2022, which results in a CDL prior to the expiration of the CLP, you’re also not subject to the ELDT mandate.

The ELDT requirements are for entry-level drivers, to ensure that all new drivers maintain a consistent skill and safety standard. These new training rules will apply to any first-time license or endorsement. These include:

• Your first Class A or Class B CDL
• Your upgrade from an existing Class B to a Class A CDL
• Your first endorsement, in categories including passenger (P), hazardous materials (H), or school bus (S)

The ELDT mandate went into effect on February 7, 2022.

You may have heard that ELDT was originally scheduled to begin on February 7, 2020. The FMCSA extended this start date by two years..

ELDT providers are required per provisions of 49 CFR 380 to post the information to the registry within 48 hours of training completion. Once a provider posts the information, it will be available to state licensing agencies and other eligible CDL testing programs for verification

 The actual training is broken up into two portions: theory and a behind the wheel. 

Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in both theory and behind the wheel training portions. The training must be delivered by a qualified instructor that meets the above outlined requirements. 

To be eligible for listing on the Training Provider Registry, an entity must meet the following requirements set forth in 49 CFR § 380.703: 

• Follow a curriculum that meets the applicable criteria in Appendices A-E of Part 380;
• Utilize facilities meeting the criteria in § 380.709;
• Utilize vehicles meeting the criteria in § 380.711;
• Utilize instructors meeting the criteria in § 380.713;
• Meet recordkeeping requirements in § 380.725;
• Be licensed, certified, registered, or authorized to provide training in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of any State where in-person training is conducted.
• Training providers must attest that they meet the specified requirements. In the event of a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audit or investigation of the provider, they must supply documentary evidence to verify their compliance. 

Training providers must continue to meet the eligibility requirements in order to stay listed on the Training Provider Registry.

https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Search