Converse with the public
Communicate sufficiently with customers, other road users and members of the general public during normal CMV operations.
Independent CDL & ELDT Information PortalOfficial FMCSA Registry ↗
FEDERAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Entry-Level Driver Training.
Every requirement, clearly mapped.
ELDT is the federal training framework that applies before certain first-time CDL skills or endorsement tests. It establishes what must be taught, who may provide the training, how proficiency is evaluated and how completion reaches your State Driver Licensing Agency.
ELDT COMPLETION PATH
01Choose pathA · B · B→A · H · P · S
02Complete trainingTheory · range · road
03Provider reportsFMCSA TPR record
04Take required testState knowledge or skills
DIRECT ANSWER
ELDT is training—not the CDL test itself.
Since February 7, 2022, covered applicants must successfully complete the applicable ELDT curriculum with a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry before taking the relevant state-administered skills or knowledge test.
The federal rule governs training content and provider standards. Your state still issues the CLP and CDL, administers tests, sets fees and appointments, and may impose requirements beyond the federal baseline.
DRIVER QUALIFICATION · 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2)
English-language proficiency is a federal safety requirement.
A driver operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce must be able to read and speak English well enough to perform four essential duties. This is an operating qualification for the driver—not simply an ELDT course-completion requirement.
Understand signs and signals
Read and understand highway traffic signs and signals written or displayed in English, including safety and restriction messages.
Respond to officials
Understand and answer official inquiries from law-enforcement officers, inspectors and other authorized officials.
Complete records
Make required entries on reports and records, including documents used during commercial vehicle operations.
Important for ELDT students
Read the official rule Training materials or theory instruction may be available in another language, but completing ELDT in that language does not waive the federal English-language qualification. Before operating a CMV subject to this rule, the driver must be able to carry out all four duties above in English.
APPLICABILITY
Who must complete ELDT?
Use the credential you are seeking—not your job title—to determine the required curriculum.
A
PATH 01First Class A CDL
For an applicant obtaining a Class A CDL for the first time.
TrainingClass A theory + BTW range + BTW public road
TimingBefore the Class A skills test
B
PATH 02First Class B CDL
For an applicant obtaining a Class B CDL for the first time.
TrainingClass B theory + BTW range + BTW public road
TimingBefore the Class B skills test
B→A
PATH 03Class B to Class A
For a current Class B CDL holder upgrading to Class A.
TrainingClass A upgrade curriculum + Class A BTW
TimingBefore the Class A skills test
P / S
PATH 04Passenger or School Bus
For the first Passenger or School Bus endorsement. S applicants must also qualify for P.
TrainingEndorsement theory + applicable BTW range and road
TimingBefore the first P or S skills test
H
PATH 05Hazardous Materials
For the first Hazardous Materials endorsement; TSA screening and the state knowledge test remain separate.
TrainingHazMat endorsement theory
TimingBefore the first H knowledge test
EXCEPTIONS & GRANDFATHERING
Who may not be subject to ELDT?
Exceptions are narrow. Confirm your individual record with your State Driver Licensing Agency before relying on one.
Pre-February 7, 2022 credential
A driver already issued the applicable Class A or B CDL, or P, S or H endorsement, generally is not subject to ELDT for that existing credential.
Certain pre-rule CLP holders
A person who obtained the relevant CLP before February 7, 2022 could remain exempt only if the CDL was obtained before that permit or renewed permit expired.
CDL-rule exceptions
Drivers excepted from CDL requirements under specified provisions of 49 CFR 383.3 are outside ELDT for those operations.
Restricted CDL programs
Applicants for certain restricted CDLs under the agricultural, seasonal or other specified provisions of 49 CFR 383.3 may be excepted.
Qualified military drivers
Military personnel whose CMV experience meets the conditions for an applicable skills-test waiver under 49 CFR 383.77 may be excepted.
Certain restriction removals
A driver seeking only a restriction removal covered by 49 CFR 383.135(b)(7) is excluded from the ELDT applicability provision.
TRAINING STRUCTURE
Theory, range and public road
The required components depend on the CDL class or endorsement. Theory may be delivered in person or online; BTW requires actual control of the vehicle.
Theory instruction
Covers the knowledge objectives in the applicable federal curriculum. Providers use written assessments, and the driver-trainee must earn an overall score of at least 80%.
- May be classroom or online
- Must use a qualified theory instructor
- Required for A, B, B-to-A, H, P and S pathways
BTW range training
The trainee has actual control of a representative CMV on a range and practices inspection, control and backing skills. Observation time does not count as BTW training.
- Hands-on vehicle operation
- Provider documents proficiency
- Training vehicle must match the intended group and type
BTW public-road training
The trainee operates the CMV on public roads with active instructor communication and demonstrates safe control in traffic and roadway conditions.
- Turns, lanes, curves, entry and exit
- Speed, space, communication and visual search
- Hazard recognition and regulatory operation
Federal ELDT is proficiency-based.
The federal rule requires all applicable curriculum units, an 80% overall theory score and documented BTW proficiency. It does not establish one universal minimum number of BTW hours; a state, school, employer or funding program may require additional hours.
CURRICULUM DETAIL
What Class A and Class B theory covers
The federal appendices organize instruction into basic operation, safe practices, advanced operating practices, vehicle systems, reporting and non-driving responsibilities.
01
Basic operation
- Vehicle orientation, controls and dashboard systems
- Pre-trip, enroute and post-trip inspection concepts
- Basic vehicle control, shifting and backing principles
- Coupling and uncoupling for Class A combinations
02
Safe operating practices
- Visual search, communication and distracted driving
- Speed and space management
- Night operation and extreme weather
- Railroad crossings and safe route planning
03
Advanced practices
- Hazard perception and emergency maneuvers
- Skid control, recovery and jackknife prevention
- Brake failure, tire blowout, hydroplaning and rollover response
- Maintenance awareness and roadside inspections
04
Regulations and compliance
- Hours of Service and electronic or paper records
- Driver qualification and medical certification
- Drug and alcohol rules, testing and Clearinghouse awareness
- Whistleblower protection and coercion reporting
05
Cargo and trip responsibilities
- Weight distribution, securement and documentation
- Environmental compliance and cargo security
- Trip planning, permits, dimensions and restricted routes
- Post-crash duties and emergency warning devices
06
Professional driver readiness
- Fatigue, wellness and safe decision-making
- Communication with enforcement and the public
- English-language proficiency requirements
- Consequences of violations for driver and carrier records
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Proficiency must be demonstrated—not merely observed.
Federal definitions require the trainee to have actual control of the power unit. The instructor evaluates and documents proficiency in the applicable skills.
Open Class A curriculumControlled-environment skills
- Pre-trip, enroute and post-trip inspection
- Straight-line and offset backing
- Alley dock and parallel parking
- Coupling and uncoupling for Class A
- Safe basic vehicle control and GOAL
Operational driving skills
- Turns, lane changes and highway entry/exit
- Shifting and transmission control
- Signals, communications and visual search
- Speed, following distance and space management
- Safe behavior, HOS application and hazard response
AT A GLANCE
Training required by pathway
This matrix shows the federal baseline. State-specific steps may add requirements.
CredentialTheoryRange BTWRoad BTWMust finish before
First Class A
Yes
Yes
Yes
Class A skills test
First Class B
Yes
Yes
Yes
Class B skills test
Class B → A
Upgrade curriculum
Yes
Yes
Class A skills test
Passenger P
Yes
Yes
Yes
P skills test
School Bus S
Yes
Yes
Yes
S skills test
HazMat H
Yes
No
No
H knowledge test
TRAINING PROVIDERS
What a legitimate ELDT provider must do
A course counts for federal ELDT only when the provider is listed on FMCSA’s TPR for the specific training type and location or online offering.
Search the FMCSA RegistryCurriculum
Follow the applicable curriculum in Appendices A–E of 49 CFR part 380.
Authorization
Be licensed, certified, registered or otherwise authorized under applicable state law for in-person training.
Instructors
Use instructors meeting the federal experience, license and state-qualification criteria.
Vehicles and facilities
Use compliant facilities and safe vehicles in the same group and type intended for the CDL skills test.
Assessment
Administer theory assessments and document BTW proficiency.
Records and reporting
Maintain required records and electronically report successful completion to the TPR.
Can theory and BTW come from different providers?
Yes. Federal rules allow separate providers to deliver theory and BTW. However, the BTW range and BTW public-road portions must be delivered by the same provider.
THEORY PROVIDERONE BTW PROVIDER
Range + public roadSTATE TEST
Range + public roadSTATE TEST
What must the trainee have before BTW?
The provider must verify that an accepted BTW applicant holds a valid CLP or CDL, as applicable. The applicant also certifies compliance with relevant federal and state rules involving age, medical qualification, licensing, driving record and controlled-substance testing.
FROM SCHOOL TO STATE RECORD
How ELDT completion is certified
Finish successfully
Complete the required theory and/or BTW curriculum and meet the assessment standard.
Provider submits
The provider electronically sends certification data through the TPR by midnight of the second business day after completion.
TPR stores the record
The record identifies the trainee, class or endorsement, training type, provider, completion date and applicable BTW hours.
State verifies
The State Driver Licensing Agency checks the federal training record before allowing the covered knowledge or skills test.
Applicant tests
ELDT completion permits the applicant to proceed; it does not guarantee a passing state test or issuance of the CDL.
DRIVER CHECKLIST
Your ELDT-to-CDL roadmap
Choose the credential
Decide whether you need Class A, Class B, a B-to-A upgrade or H/P/S endorsement training.
Check state prerequisites
Review age, domicile, medical self-certification, CLP, documents, fees and test scheduling.
Verify the provider
Confirm the exact provider, location and training type on the FMCSA TPR before paying.
Complete theory
Cover every required unit and earn at least 80% overall on the provider’s written assessment.
Complete BTW if required
Demonstrate proficiency on the range and public road in representative equipment.
Confirm reporting
Allow the provider’s TPR submission to reach the state record before your covered test.
Observe the CLP waiting period
For a CDL skills test, federal rules generally require holding the CLP for at least 14 days; verify state scheduling.
Pass state testing
Complete the required inspection, basic-control and road tests—or the H knowledge test—and resolve any restrictions.
COMMON QUESTIONS
ELDT requirements FAQ
Does an online ELDT course count?+
Online theory can count when it is delivered by a provider listed on the TPR for that training type and meets the federal curriculum and instructor rules. Class A/B and first-time P/S applicants still need the applicable hands-on BTW training.
Is ELDT the same as the CDL skills test?+
No. ELDT is prerequisite training. The state or authorized third-party examiner administers the CDL knowledge and skills tests.
Is there a federal minimum number of training hours?+
The federal rule requires curriculum coverage, at least 80% overall on theory assessment and documented BTW proficiency. It does not set one universal minimum BTW-hour requirement, although states or individual programs may require hours.
Do I need a CLP before starting theory?+
Federal provider rules specifically require a valid CLP or CDL, as applicable, before accepting a trainee for BTW training or the Class A theory upgrade curriculum. State and provider enrollment rules may affect when other theory may begin.
Can two schools split my training?+
Theory and BTW may come from different listed providers, but one provider must deliver both the range and public-road portions of BTW.
How quickly does completion reach the TPR?+
The provider must transmit successful-completion information by midnight of the second business day after training is completed.
Does ELDT expire?+
For pathways with both theory and BTW, federal rules generally require those portions to be completed within one year of finishing the first portion. H endorsement training is treated differently because it is theory-only.
Does ELDT remove CDL restrictions?+
Not automatically. Restrictions are based on licensing rules and the equipment used for testing. Certain restriction-removal applicants are excluded from ELDT under the specific federal provision, but the state may still require testing.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Built from the federal rule
Reviewed September 9, 2026. ELDT establishes a national baseline; always confirm current application and testing procedures with your State Driver Licensing Agency.
49 CFR Part 380, Subpart FWho must complete ELDT and when49 CFR 391.11(b)(2)Federal English-language qualification for CMV driversAppendix A to Part 380Class A theory, range and public-road curriculumAppendix B to Part 380Class B theory, range and public-road curriculumAppendices C–EPassenger, school bus and HazMat curricula49 CFR 380.703–721Training Provider Registry standardsFMCSA Training Provider RegistryVerify providers and training records
READY TO BUILD YOUR PATH?
Compare CDL classes Continue with CDL classes.
Compare Class A, Class B and Class C before choosing your training path.