Commercial Driver License (CDL) programs train drivers interested in the commercial trucking industry.

• Programs for Class A vehicles consist of at least 80 hours combining classroom, range and road training.
• Programs for Class B vehicles consist of at least 40 hours combining classroom, range and road training.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Regulations

All CDL applicants who are required to take entry-level driver training must use the Training Provider Registry to search for a registered training provider. The interactive provider search is now available.

All entities that provide entry-level driver training, as defined by the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations (see 49 CFR part 380 subparts F and G), must access the Training Provider Registry to submit driver training certification records within two business days of a driver’s training completion. Log in to your Training Provider Portal to get started or download the instructions.

ELDT Questions

FMCSA Response for a Question asked at Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, in April 2022

Rich Clemente responded to the following question:

"How long is the completion status of ELDT good for if the student successfully completes the ELDT Theory and BTW? Is the completion of the ELDT program good forever if the student does not obtain their CDL?"

RESPONSE:

Went back and double checked the rule just to make sure I wasn't missing anything, and the regulations say only that the theory and behind the wheel (BTW) training must be completed within one year of each other. Once this training is completed and entered in the Training Provider Registry (TPR), it would not need to be done again even if the individual didn't get their CDL right away or over a longer time frame. Once only.

Hope this helps, and if you have any further questions, please let me know.

Rich Clemente
FMCSA