If you hire drivers who are getting their CDL for the first time — or adding certain endorsements — the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule is part of your world whether you run the training or not. It sets a federal floor for what new commercial drivers must learn before they can test, and it changes what you should verify at hire. Here’s the practical picture, grounded in 49 CFR Part 380.
What ELDT is — and when it kicked in
ELDT establishes minimum training standards for entry-level drivers, and it has been in effect since February 7, 2022. Before a covered driver can take the CDL skills test (or the knowledge test for certain endorsements), they must complete training from a provider on FMCSA’s official Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Who needs ELDT?
ELDT applies to a driver doing any of the following for the first time:
- Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL.
- Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A.
- Obtaining a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement.
Key takeaway: ELDT is a one-time requirement tied to a driver’s first CDL or endorsement. A seasoned driver who already holds the credential doesn’t repeat it — but a new hire who’s brand new to the CDL does, and they can’t get licensed without it.
Theory + behind-the-wheel
For Class A/B applicants, ELDT has two parts:
| Component | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Theory (knowledge) | Rules, safety, vehicle systems, HOS, trip planning, etc. — assessed by test |
| Behind-the-wheel (BTW) | Range and public-road skills, assessed for proficiency |
Two important nuances:
- There is no federally mandated minimum number of BTW hours — training is proficiency-based, so the provider certifies the driver is competent.
- The hazardous materials (H) endorsement requires theory only (no BTW component).
How the Training Provider Registry works
- A driver trains with a TPR-listed provider (a school, or a carrier that has registered as a provider).
- The provider reports completion to the TPR, usually by the end of the next business day.
- The State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) checks the TPR and won’t administer the CDL skills test (or issue the endorsement) until the completion record is there.
What this means for carriers
- Verify ELDT completion for any new-to-CDL hire — it should be reflected in the licensing process, and you can confirm the driver holds the proper CDL/endorsements as part of the Driver Qualification File.
- Consider becoming a TPR-registered provider if you do significant in-house training — it must meet the Part 380 curriculum and registry requirements.
- Document everything — training and licensing records belong with the driver’s file alongside the CDL, MVR, and medical certificate.
ELDT and your onboarding workflow
ELDT sits right at the front of the hiring funnel, so it pairs naturally with a clean onboarding process: confirm the right class and endorsements, collect the CDL and supporting documents, and start the DQF on day one. The fewer gaps at intake, the fewer surprises at audit.
How Fleetive helps
Fleetive makes new-driver intake organized and verifiable. Drivers complete an invitation-based onboarding application from their phone — CDL, endorsements, and documents included — and everything flows into a structured driver record with the rest of the DQF. You get a clear view of who’s fully qualified and who’s missing something, before they ever take a load.
Bring new drivers on without the paperwork chaos. Get set up in 15 minutes or start a free trial.
Note: This article is for general informational purposes and reflects regulations as of its publish date. It is not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the FMCSA and the eCFR, or your compliance counsel.
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