ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training)
Mandatory training requirements for first-time CDL applicants.
Definition
Entry-Level Driver Training requirements, effective February 2022, mandate that all first-time CDL applicants complete training from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. ELDT applies to CDL Class A, Class B, and endorsement upgrades. Training must include both theory (classroom) and behind-the-wheel instruction. The Training Provider Registry (TPR) lists all approved schools.
Why it matters to you
ELDT is the federal minimum a new driver must complete before taking the CDL skills test, delivered by a provider on the official registry. It matters when you choose a school: training outside the registry does not count, however good it looks. Ask for the provider's registry listing before paying, particularly with employers offering sponsored training tied to a contract.
FAQ
What does ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) mean?
Mandatory training requirements for first-time CDL applicants.
Why does ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) matter to a driver?
ELDT is the federal minimum a new driver must complete before taking the CDL skills test, delivered by a provider on the official registry. It matters when you choose a school: training outside the registry does not count, however good it looks. Ask for the provider's registry listing before paying, particularly with employers offering sponsored training tied to a contract.
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