ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training)
Entry-Level Driver Training is a federally mandated training program required for all first-time CDL applicants and drivers seeking to upgrade their CDL class or add certain endorsements. Effective February 7, 2022, the ELDT rule (49 CFR Part 380) requires completion of both theory and behind-the-wheel training through a provider registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Training results must be reported electronically before a driver can take the CDL skills test.
The ELDT rule was one of the most significant regulatory changes in the trucking industry in recent years. Before its implementation, there was no federal standard for CDL training — requirements varied widely by state, and some states had no mandatory training at all. The ELDT rule established uniform minimum training standards that apply nationwide, ensuring that every new CDL holder has received a baseline level of professional instruction before operating a commercial motor vehicle on public roads.
The training curriculum includes both theory (classroom or online instruction) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) components. Theory instruction covers basic operation, safe operating procedures, vehicle systems, and advanced operating practices. The BTW training includes range exercises (backing, coupling/uncoupling, pre-trip inspection) and on-road driving in various traffic and road conditions. Training providers must be registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR), and they must electronically transmit each student's training completion to the TPR before the student can take the state CDL skills test.
For motor carriers, the ELDT requirement adds a verification step to the hiring process. When hiring a new CDL driver, carriers should confirm that the driver's ELDT training is recorded in the TPR. For carriers that operate their own training programs, registration as an ELDT provider with the FMCSA is required. Tracking ELDT completion alongside CDL issuance dates and endorsement additions helps carriers maintain complete driver qualification records and demonstrate compliance during DOT audits.