ELDT, what is it and how will these changes affect me?

EDLT, or Entry-Level Driver Training, will be required on a federal level for all incoming CDL students as of February 7th, 2022. The FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set the EDLT requirements to prevent road mishaps and improve highway and road safety. Any person striving to operate a commercial motor vehicle must follow FMCSA regulations and complete any entry-level driver training that is listed on the FMCSA’s training provider registry (linked at the bottom of this page).

What does this mean for me?

If you receive your Commercial Learners Permit after February 7th, 2022, you will need to complete the entry-level driver training requirements before taking your final CDL skills test. If your CLP was obtained before February 7th, 2022, then you are exempt from the ELDT only if you receive your CDL before your permit expires. If you hold a CLP that was issued before February 7th, 2022, but it expires before your scheduled CDL skills test or before receiving your CDL, then you will be required to complete the entry-level driver training. You will not, however, need to complete the ELDT if you completed your CDL training and applied your CDL or P, S, H endorsements before February 7th, 2022. On the other hand, if you received your CDL before February 7th, 2022, but apply for a more advanced CDL (Class C to B, Class B to A, or Class A Automatic to Class A Manual) or add any endorsements to your CDL (H, P, S) then you will need to complete the entry-level driver training before making any changes.

Are there any exceptions?

There are a few instances in which you could be exempt from the ELDT requirements. If the state has waived your CDL skills test, then you are not required to take the entry-level driver training. If you are military personnel who meets all the requirements and conditions of 49 CFR part 383 of the FMCSR.

What topics will the ELDT cover?

The entry-level driver training will cover a variety of topics to ensure that all incoming CDL drivers are set at the same baseline of knowledge to further improve road safety conditions nationwide. Some of the topics that will be covered in the entry-level driver training include:

For more information on exemptions or if the ELDT applies to you please visit the FMCSAwebsite .