Do You Need to Complete the ELDT Entry-Level Driver Training Course?
As of February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established federal regulations requiring entry-level drivers applying for an initial Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL), upgrading to a Class A or B CDL, or obtaining a Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Entry-level driver applicants must receive training from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). This requirement does not apply to individuals who already held a valid CDL or H, P, S endorsement before February 7, 2022. Individuals who obtained a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before the February 7, 2022 compliance date are not subject to the ELDT requirement as long as they obtain their CDL before their CLP or any renewed CLP expires.
Q: Who is considered an entry-level driver?
A: An entry-level driver is anyone applying for an initial Class A or B CDL, upgrading to a Class A or B CDL, or obtaining a Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
Q: What is the Training Provider Registry (TPR)?
A: The TPR is a system created and managed by FMCSA. It lists all FMCSA-approved ELDT providers and allows ELDT providers to submit ELDT completion information to the registry. The completion information maintained in the TPR serves as proof that entry-level driver applicants have completed the required ELDT.
Q: Who can provide entry-level driver training?
A: Only training providers listed on the TPR can provide ELDT.
Q: What training must entry-level drivers complete before taking the CDL skills test?
A: Entry-level drivers attempting to take the CDL skills test to obtain a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, Passenger (P) endorsement, or School Bus (S) endorsement must successfully complete mandatory theory (knowledge) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training provided by a TPR-listed provider.
Q: What training must entry-level drivers complete to obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement?
A: To obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, entry-level drivers must complete mandatory theory (knowledge) training from a TPR-listed provider before taking the Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement knowledge test.
Q: Does New York State accept ELDT completion proof from other states?
A: Yes. As long as the training provider is listed on the TPR, New York State will accept the proof of ELDT completion.
Q: If I obtained my CDL before February 7, 2022, but did not get a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement before that date, am I subject to the ELDT requirements?
A: Yes. Any driver applying for an S, P, or H endorsement for the first time must complete ELDT.
Q: What role does the New York State DMV play in the ELDT regulations?
A: The DMV will verify that entry-level drivers have completed the required training before allowing them to test.
Q: How can I verify that my training provider is listed on the TPR?
A: To view the latest list of training providers on the TPR, visit the FMCSA’s ELDT homepage for details.
Q: My CDL was issued before February 7, 2022. What happens if I want to upgrade to a higher-class CDL on or after February 7, 2022?
A: You must complete the required ELDT before taking the CDL skills test.
Q: My CLP was issued before February 7, 2022.
A: You are not required to complete ELDT as long as you obtain your CDL before your CLP or renewed CLP expires.
Q: My CDL was issued before February 7, 2022. What happens if I apply for an S, P, or H endorsement for the first time on or after February 7, 2022?
A: You must complete the required ELDT before being allowed to take the S or P skills test or the H knowledge test.
Q: What happens if I obtain my CLP on or after February 7, 2022?
A: You must complete the required ELDT before being allowed to take the CDL skills test, the S or P skills test, or the H knowledge test.
Q: I obtained my CDL before February 7, 2022.
A: Even if your previously issued CDL needs renewal or extension, you are not required to complete ELDT.
Q: I obtained my S, P, or H endorsement before February 7, 2022.
A: You are not required to complete ELDT for previously issued endorsements, even if they need renewal or extension.
Q: I obtained my CLP before February 7, 2022, but it expired before I was able to take the CDL skills test.
A: You must complete the required ELDT before being allowed to take the CDL skills test.
Check Your Record By FMCSA
Training Provider Registry (dot.gov)