> Learn More

Under the new requirements, no entry-level driver may take a CDL skills test to receive a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, passenger (P) endorsement, or school bus (S) endorsement unless the driver has successfully completed a mandatory theory (knowledge) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) (range and public road) training program as outlined in 49 CFR Part 380 Appendices A through F. In the case of a hazardous materials (H) endorsement, the driver must complete mandatory theory training prior to taking the knowledge test for the H endorsement. The training must be provided by an entity listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). The State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) must verify that the entry-level driver has completed the required training by checking information stored in the TPR before allowing the driver to proceed with testing.

Furthermore, any school, employer, union, or individual providing training must register their program with the FMCSA and self-certify that they meet all ELDT requirements, including the requirements for training curricula outlined in 49 CFR Part 380 Appendices A through E, in addition to all federal, state, and local laws.

> Learn More

The ELDT regulations apply to entry-level CMV operators in interstate and intrastate commerce who are applying for:

• A Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time
• An upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL)
• A passenger (P), or school bus (S) or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time

The ELDT requirements are NOT retroactive and do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or a P, S or H endorsement issued prior to February 7, 2022.

If an applicant who obtains a CLP prior to February 7, 2022, obtains a CDL before the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements.

Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 is also exempt from the ELDT requirements.

> Learn More

FMCSA amended its December 8, 2016, final rule, “Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators,” by extending the compliance date for the rule from February 7, 2020, to February 7, 2022 to allow more time for the development of the TPR. As such. compliance with all aspects of the ELDT rule is required as of February 7, 2022.

> Learn More

The TPR is fully operational as of February 7, 2022.

All entities that provide entry-level driver training must now access the TPR to submit driver training certification records within two business days of a driver’s training completion.

All CDL applicants who are required to take entry-level driver training must use the TPR to search for a registered training provider.

States must verify a driver’s completion of required training using data made available by the TPR before administering relevant tests.

> Learn More

Training providers listed on FMCSA’s TPR are the only entities that can provide training required by the ELDT regulations. To comply with the ELDT regulations, drivers must select a training provider from those listed in the TPR; students who are not certified by a school on the TPR will not be able to test for a CDL.

> Learn More

Theory and BTW training may be delivered by separate training providers, as long as each provider is listed on FMCSA’s TPR. Both providers must submit driver-specific training certification information (i.e., proof of training) to FMCSA.

However, driver trainees must receive both the range and public road portions of the BTW training from the same provider.

Driver-trainees must complete both the theory and BTW portions of training within one year of each other, except for individuals seeking the H endorsement.

> Learn More

There is no mandatory order in which the theory, BTW-range, and BTW-public road training must be administered. Also, the rule does not require that theory training must be completed before obtaining a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

> Learn More

The ELDT regulations generally do not replace or otherwise supersede state-based ELDT requirements that exceed these minimum federal standards when an entry-level driver obtains training in that state. The question of which, if any, additional state-based ELDT-related requirements apply to the applicant will be determined by where he or she obtains their theory and/or BTW training. It should be noted, however, that the final rule does not prohibit driver-trainees from obtaining training outside their state of domicile. Therefore, any ELDT requirements that may exist in the licensing state (i.e., the applicant's state of domicile) would not be applicable to the driver-trainee who obtained skills training outside that state, even if the he or she returns to the licensing state to take the skills test.

> Learn More

There is no minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on the theory instruction. However, the instructor must cover all of the curriculum topics as outlined in 49 CFR Part 380 Appendices A through F.

> Learn More

The five areas of theory instruction and the training topics for Class A or Class B CDL applicants are:

1. Basic Operation

• Orientation
• Control Systems/Dashboard
• Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
• Basic Control
• Shifting/Operating Transmissions
• Backing and Docking
• Coupling and Uncoupling (Class A only)

2. Safe Operating Procedures

• Visual Search
• Communication
• Distracted Driving
• Speed Management
• Space Management
• Night Operation
• Extreme Driving Conditions

3. Advanced Operating Procedures

• Hazard Perception
• Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies
• Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

4. Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions

• Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions
• Roadside Inspections
• Maintenance

5. Non-Driving Activities

• Handling and Documenting Cargo*
• Environmental Compliance Issues*
• Hours-of-Service Requirements
• Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
• Post-Crash Procedures*
• External Communications*
• Whistleblower/Coercion*
• Trip Planning*
• Drugs/Alcohol*
• Medical Requirements*

* On March 5, 2019, the FMCSA amended the level of theory training for individuals who are upgrading from a Class B to Class A CDL by removing eight topics within the area of “Non-Driving Activities.” However, Class B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL are free to choose to complete the Class A theory instruction standard curriculum. This amended rule applies only to Class B CDL holders. Individuals obtaining a Class A CDL who do not already hold a Class B CDL must complete the full Class A theory standard curriculum.

> Learn More

The Passenger (P) endorsement theory training must, at a minimum, contain the following:

• Post-Crash Procedures
• Other Emergency Procedures
• Vehicle Orientation
• Pre-Trip, Enroute, and Post-Trip Inspection
• Fueling
• Idling
• Baggage and/or Cargo Management
• Passenger Safety Awareness Briefing
• Passenger Management
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
• Hours of Service (HOS) Requirements
• Safety Belt Safety
• Distracted Driving
• Railroad (RR)-Highway Grade Crossings and Drawbridges
• Weigh Stations
• Security and Crime
• Roadside Inspections
• Penalties and Fines

> Learn More

The School Bus (S) endorsement theory training must, at a minimum, contain the following:

• Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
• Loading and Unloading
• Vehicle Orientation
• Post-Crash Procedures
• Emergency Exit and Evacuation
• Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
• Student Management
• Special Safety Considerations
• Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
• School Bus Security
• Route and Stop Reviews

> Learn More

The Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement theory training must, at a minimum, contain the following:

• Basic Introductory Hazardous Materials Requirements
• Operational Hazardous Materials Requirements
• Reporting Hazardous Materials Crashes and Releases
• Tunnels and Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Requirements
• Loading and Unloading Hazardous Materials
• Hazardous Materials on Passenger Vehicles
• Bulk Packages
• Operating Emergency Equipment
• Emergency Response Procedures
• Engine (Fueling)
• Tire Check
• Routes and Route Planning
• Hazardous Materials Safety Permits

> Learn More

The regulations require that driver-trainees demonstrate their understanding of the material by achieving an overall minimum score of 80% on the theory assessment (written or electronic).

> Learn More

There is no minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on the BTW (range and public road) elements of the Class A, Class B, or P or S endorsement instruction. The proficient completion of the BTW portions of the various curricula is based solely on the training instructor’s assessment of each driver trainee’s individual performance of the required elements of BTW training on the range and public road.

> Learn More

All BTW training must be conducted in the group and type of vehicle for the CDL class or endorsement being sought. The rule does not permit BTW training to be conducted by using a driving simulation device, and a driver-trainee may not use a simulation device to demonstrate proficiency. However, simulators may be used in theory training.

> Learn More

The instructor must cover all training topics listed in the Class A or Class B CDL BTW curriculum, which includes:

1. Range

• Vehicle Inspection Pre-Trip/Enroute/Post-Trip
• Straight Line Backing
• Alley Dock Backing (45/90 Degree)
• Off-Set Backing
• Parallel Parking Blind Side
• Parallel Parking Sight Side
• Coupling and Uncoupling (Class A only)

2. Public Road

• Vehicle Controls including: Left Turns, Right Turns, Lane Changes, Curves at Highway Speeds, and Entry and Exit on the Interstate or Controlled Access Highway
• Shifting/Transmission
• Communications/Signaling
• Visual Search
• Speed and Space Management
• Safe Driver Behavior
• Hours-of-Service (HOS) Requirements
• Hazard Perception**
• Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing**
• Night Operation**
• Extreme Driving Conditions**
• Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies**

**These topics must be discussed during public road training, but not necessarily performed. Driver-trainees are not required to demonstrate proficiency in these skills.

The instructor must engage in active two-way communication with driver-trainees during all active BTW public road training sessions.

A driver-trainee’s proficiency is determined by the instructor providing the training. The instructor must also document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the BTW curriculum.

> Learn More

The passenger endorsement BTW training must, at a minimum, contain the following:

• Vehicle Orientation
• Pre-Trip, Enroute, and Post-Trip Inspection
• Baggage and/or Cargo Management
• Passenger Safety Awareness Briefing
• Passenger Management
• Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

Passenger endorsement BTW training may take place on a driving range or a public road. The instructor must engage in active communication with the driver-trainees during all BTW training sessions.

A driver-trainee’s proficiency is determined by the instructor providing the training. The instructor must also document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the BTW curriculum.

> Learn More

The school bus endorsement BTW training must, at a minimum, contain the following:

• Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
• Loading and Unloading
• Emergency Exit and Evacuation
• Special Safety Considerations
• Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
• Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

School bus endorsement BTW training may take place on a driving range or a public road. The instructor must engage in active communication with the driver-trainees during all BTW training sessions.

A driver-trainee’s proficiency is determined by the instructor providing the training. The instructor must also document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the BTW curriculum.

> Learn More

After an individual completes the training, the provider must, by midnight of the second business day after the driver-trainee completes the training, electronically transmit the training certification to the TPR website. As soon as FMCSA confirms the ELDT certification information is complete, the Agency will electronically transmit it through the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) to the SDLA for entry onto the driver's record. Then, SDLAs will simply need to confirm, by checking the applicant's driver record, that they have completed the required ELDT before allowing the individual to take the applicable skill test(s) or, in the case of the H endorsement, the knowledge test.

> Learn More

• SEARCH – The driver trainee searches the list of registered training providers on the TPR, selects a provider, and completes the required training
• SUBMIT – The training provider submits the driver training certification information by midnight of the second business day after the driver-trainee completes the training to FMCSA electronically via the TPR
• RETAIN – The FMCSA retains a record of drivers that have successfully completed entry-level driver training in the TPR
• RETRIEVE – The SDLA, prior to administering the relevant skills or knowledge test, retrieves the data from TPR to verify that the driver has competed the required training

> Learn More

Public and private CDL training schools, educational institutions, rural electric cooperatives, motor carriers, state/local governments, school districts, joint labor management programs, owner-operators, and individuals may be listed in the TPR. Eligible providers may provide training either on a “for-hire” or “not-for-hire” basis. Any training provider meeting the eligibility requirements could be qualified to provide entry-level driver training, regardless of whether they fall within a category specifically identified in the regulations.

FMCSA emphasizes, however, that merely because a training provider is listed on the TPR does not mean that the Agency certifies or otherwise “approves” that provider’s operations. Therefore, prospective entry-level drivers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence before selecting a suitable training provider.

> Learn More

The rule establishes the minimum qualifications for an entity to be eligible for listing on the TPR. At a minimum, 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-F of Part 380;
• Use classroom and range facilities that comply with all federal, state, and/or local statutes and regulations;
• Use vehicles in the behind-the-wheel training that comply with applicable federal and state safety requirements, and are in the same group and type that driver trainees intend to operate for their CDL skills test;
• Utilize theory instructors and behind-the-wheel instructors who meet the definition in § 380.605
• 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 also attest that they meet the specified requirements, and in the event of an FMCSA audit or investigation of the provider, 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.

FMCSA emphasizes that merely because a training provider is listed on the TPR does not mean that the Agency certifies or otherwise “approves” that provider’s operations. As such, prospective entry-level drivers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence before selecting a suitable training provider.

> Learn More

• A Training Provider’s Guide to ELDT Requirements (Interactive Course)
• ELDT Applicability Factsheet
• ELDT Minimum Federal Curricula Requirements
• Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT) Final Rule (12/8/2016)
• Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)-II Final Rule (03/06/2019) - Commercial Driver’s License Upgrade from Class B to Class A
• Entry-Level Driver Training: The Requirements for Driver Training Schools – Free Whitepaper
• Entry-Level Driver Training: The "New" Model Curriculum – Free Whitepaper
• FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training Final Rule Presentation
• FMCSA Trainer Provider Registry (TPR) Tutorial
• Model Training Curriculum for Motorcoach Drivers
• New Training Requirements for Entry-Level CDL Drivers (Video)
• Training Provider Registry FAQs
• Training Providers Fact Sheet
• Training Providers Resources
• Transportation 101: Implementing an Effective Safety Program – Free Whitepaper

Interested parties may sign up on the TPR website to receive email updates from FMCSA, including a notification when training provider registration opens.