Public Resource Page

Training Resources

Starter page for public training resources and future document links.

What Is Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)?

ELDT is FMCSA's federal training standard for new commercial drivers. Since it took effect on February 7, 2022, anyone obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading from a Class B to a Class A, or obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time must complete training that meets FMCSA's ELDT curriculum before taking the CDL skills or knowledge test for that credential. Drivers who already held the relevant CDL or endorsement before that date are generally grandfathered in and don't need to complete ELDT for it.

Theory and Behind-the-Wheel Training

Component	What It Covers
Theory (knowledge) training	Classroom or e-learning instruction covering the required curriculum topics — basic operation, safe operating practices, vehicle systems, and non-driving activities. Completion is typically assessed with a knowledge test.
Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training	Hands-on training with a qualified instructor, split into range (skills) and public road time. There's no federally mandated minimum number of hours — instead, the training provider must certify the driver has proficiently demonstrated the required skills.

Only training providers listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry count toward meeting the ELDT requirement — training from a school or instructor that isn't registered won't be accepted when the driver applies for their CDL or endorsement.

The Training Provider Registry (TPR)

The Training Provider Registry is FMCSA's online system that ties everything together. Registered training providers submit each driver's certification of completed theory and behind-the-wheel training directly into the TPR, generally within a couple of business days of finishing the course. State driver licensing agencies check the TPR before administering a CDL skills test or issuing the relevant endorsement — no record in the TPR generally means the driver isn't eligible to test yet. Drivers can also check their own training record in the system.

FMCSA Training Provider Registry (tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov)

Frequently Asked

Does ELDT apply to drivers who already have a CDL?

Generally no — ELDT applies going forward to new CDL applicants and to specific upgrades or first-time endorsements (Class B to Class A, and first-time S, P, or H endorsements). Drivers who already held the relevant CDL class or endorsement before February 7, 2022 are typically exempt for that credential.

Is there a required number of hours for behind-the-wheel training?

No federal minimum hour count is mandated. Instead, the training provider must certify that the driver has proficiently demonstrated the required range and road skills before signing off on completion — some drivers may need more or less time to reach that standard.

How do I know if a training school is legitimate for ELDT purposes?

Check that the school is actively listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Training from a provider that isn't registered in the TPR won't count toward satisfying the ELDT requirement, no matter how thorough the instruction is.

Where can a driver check their own ELDT training record?

Drivers can look up their own certification status directly through the Training Provider Registry to confirm their training provider has submitted their completed theory and behind-the-wheel certifications.

Free Resources

Training Provider Registry FMCSA
Official registry to verify Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) eligibility and find registered training providers.