What is Entry Level Driver Training?

Under new, government requirements, an entry-level driver who wants to become a commercial driver must successfully complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction before taking the CDL skills test. This training must be provided by a school or other entity listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
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Who Must Complete ELDT?

Drivers who seek the following for the first time will be required to comply with the ELDT program:

Class A or Class B
CDL

Upgrade an existing
Class B CDL to a Class A
CDL

A school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement

ELDT Process

STEP 1

Theory Training
The first step is to complete your theory training for the type of credential you are seeking.

STEP 2

Behind The Wheel

The second step is to complete your behind the wheel training with an instructor.

STEP 3

Take Test at DMV

The final step is to go to the DMV and pass your test for the credential you are seeking.

*For HAZMAT endorsements, only steps and 1 and 3 are required.

ELDT Curriculums

Class A
Class B
Class B to A
School Bus (S)
Passenger (P)
HAZMAT (H)

Class A Curriculum

This is a summary of the minimum Federal curriculum requirements for entry-level driver applicants seeking a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). Training providers must also comply with any applicable State requirements. The curriculum for Class A applicants pertains to combination vehicles (Group A) as defined in § 383.91(a)(1
  • Orientation
  • Control Systems/Dashboard
  • Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
  • Basic Control
  • Shifting/Operating Transmissions
  • Backing and Docking
  • Coupling and Uncoupling
  • Visual Search
  • Communication
  • Distracted Driving
  • Speed Management
  • Space Management
  • Night Operation
  • Extreme Driving Conditions
  • Hazard Perception
  • Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing,
    and Other Emergencies
  • Railroad-Highway Grade
    Crossings
  • Identification and Diagnosis of
    Malfunctions
  • Roadside Inspections
  • Maintenance
  • Handling and Documenting Cargo
  • Environmental Compliance Issues
  • Hours of Service Requirements
  • Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
  • Post-Crash Procedures
  • External Communications
  • Whistleblower/Coercion
  • Trip Planning
  • Drugs/Alcohol
  • Medical Requirements
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Class B Curriculum

This is a summary of the minimum Federal curriculum requirements for entry-level driver trainees seeking a Class B CDL. Training providers must also comply with  any applicable State requirements. The curriculum for  Class B applicants pertains to heavy straight vehicles (Group B) as defined in § 383.91(a)(2).
  • Orientation
  • Control Systems/Dashboard
  • Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
  • Basic Control
  • Shifting/Operating Transmissions
  • Backing and Docking
  • Visual Search
  • Communication
  • Distracted Driving
  • Speed Management
  • Space Management
  • Night Operation
  • Extreme Driving Conditions
  • Hazard Perception
  • Roadside Inspections
  • Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing,
    and Other Emergencies
  • Railroad-Highway Grade
    Crossings
  • Identification and Diagnosis of
    Malfunctions
  • Maintenance
  • Handling and Documenting Cargo
  • Environmental Compliance Issues
  • Hours of Service Requirements
  • Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
  • Post-Crash Procedures
  • External Communications
  • Whistleblower/Coercion
  • Trip Planning
  • Drugs/Alcohol
  • Medical Requirements

Class B to A Curriculum

This is a summary of the minimum Federal curriculum requirements for Class B CDL drivers seeking to upgrade to a Class A CDL. In addition to the upgrade theory curriculum outlined below, trainees must also complete the BTW range and BTW public road requirements for trainees seeking a Class A CDL for the first time. Training providers must also comply with any applicable State requirements.
  • Orientation
  • Control Systems/Dashboard
  • Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
  • Basic Control
  • Shifting/Operating Transmissions
  • Backing and Docking
  • Coupling and Uncoupling
  • Visual Search
  • Communication
  • Distracted Driving
  • Speed Management
  • Space Management
  • Night Operation
  • Extreme Driving Conditions
  • Hazard Perception
  • Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing,
    and Other Emergencies
  • Railroad-Highway Grade
    Crossings
  • Identification and Diagnosis of
    Malfunctions
  • Roadside Inspections
  • Maintenance
  • Hours of Service Requirements
  • Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
  • Hours of Service Requirements
  • Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
  • Post-Crash Procedures




School Bus (S) Curriculum

This is a summary of the minimum Federal curriculum requirements for trainees seeking a School Bus (S)endorsement. Training providers must also comply with any applicable State requirements. School bus endorsement applicants must complete the curriculum outlined in this section, which applies to trainees who expect to operate a “school bus” as defined in § 383.5.
  • Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
  • Loading and Unloading
  • Vehicle Orientation
  • Post-Crash Procedures
  • Emergency Exit and Evacuation
  • Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
  • Student Management
  • Special Safety Considerations
  • Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
  • School Bus Security
  • Route and Stop Reviews




Passenger (P) Curriculum

This is a summary of the minimum Federal curriculum requirements for trainees seeking a Passenger (P) endorsement. Training providers must also comply with any applicable State requirements. Passenger endorsement applicants must complete the curriculum outlined in this section, which applies to trainees who expect to operate CMVs in any of the vehicle groups defined in § 383.91(a)(1)-(3) for which a P endorsement is required.
  • Post-Crash Procedures
  • Other Emergency Procedures
  • Vehicle Orientation
  • Pre-Trip, Enroute, and Post-Trip/Inspection
  • Fueling
  • Idling
  • Baggage and/or Cargo
    Management
  • Passenger Safety Awareness
    Briefing
  • Americans With Disabilities Act
    (ADA) Compliance
  • Passenger
    Management
  • Hours of Service (HOS)
    Requirements
  • Railroad (RR)-Highway Grade
    Crossings and Drawbridges
  • Safety Belt Safety
  • Distracted Driving
  • Weigh Stations
  • Security and Crime
  • Roadside Inspections
  • Penalties and Fines











Hazardous Materials (H)

This is a summary of the minimum Federal curriculum requirements for trainees seeking a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement to operate CMVs used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in § 383.5. Training providers must also comply with any applicable State requirements. Trainees seeking an H endorsement, as described in § 383.93(c)(4), must complete this curriculum in order to take the Stateadministered knowledge test for the H endorsement.
  • Basic Introductory HM
    Requirements
  • Tunnels and Railroad (RR)-Highway
    Grade Crossing Requirements
  • Reporting HM Crashes and
    Releases
  • Operational HM Requirements
  • Loading and Unloading HM
  • HM on Passenger Vehicles
  • Bulk Packages
  • Operating Emergency Equipment
  • Emergency Response Procedures
  • Engine (Fueling)
  • Tire Check
  • Routes and Route Planning
  • Hazardous Materials Safety Permits
    (HMSP)
  • Distracted Driving
  • Weigh Stations












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