Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): What Carriers Need to Know

Updated October 2026

Key takeaways

• Since February 7, 2022, most people getting a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading from B to A, or adding a school bus, passenger or hazmat endorsement for the first time must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT).
• Training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). The provider reports completion to FMCSA, and the state checks that record before the skills or knowledge test.
• In December 2025, FMCSA reported it had removed nearly 3,000 providers from the registry and sent notices of proposed removal to about 4,500 more.
• Carriers that train their own drivers must register as training providers and meet the curriculum and recordkeeping rules.
• Drivers who held a CDL before February 7, 2022 are not required to complete ELDT for that license. A driver who held a CLP before that date is also exempt, as long as they get the CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires (49 CFR 380.603).

What ELDT is

ELDT sets minimum training standards for new commercial drivers. The rule is in 49 CFR Part 380, Subparts F and G. It requires theory (classroom or online) training and behind-the-wheel training on a range and on public roads. There is no minimum number of hours. Instead, the instructor must confirm the student is proficient in each required skill.

Who must complete ELDT

Unless an exception applies, a person must complete ELDT before taking the test to:

• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrade from a Class B to a Class A CDL
• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P) or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time

For the hazmat endorsement, the theory training must be completed before the knowledge test. For a CDL or an S or P endorsement, the theory and behind-the-wheel training must be completed before the skills test.

Some drivers are exempt from the CDL requirement entirely, including certain military, farm and firefighting drivers. Check 49 CFR 383.3 and your state’s rules for details.

The Training Provider Registry

Training providers must self-certify that they meet FMCSA’s requirements for curriculum, facilities, vehicles and instructors, and then register on the TPR at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. After a student completes training, the provider submits the record to the registry. The state driver licensing agency checks the registry before allowing the test.

What changed in 2025

FMCSA began reviewing providers on the registry more closely. In December 2025, FMCSA reported it had removed nearly 3,000 providers and sent notices of proposed removal to about 4,500 more, out of roughly 16,000 listed. Reasons included falsified training data, failure to follow the required curriculum and failure to keep records.

For carriers, this means:

• Confirm that the school a new driver attended is still listed on the TPR, or was listed when the training was completed.
• If you work with CDL schools for recruiting, choose providers with a clear record of compliance.
• If your company trains drivers in-house, make sure your curriculum, instructor qualifications and records meet the rule.

How carriers should verify new drivers

When you hire a recent CDL graduate:

1. Check the license class, endorsements and issue date on the MVR.
2. Confirm the training provider and training dates.
3. Complete the usual hiring checks: Clearinghouse pre-employment query, PSP report, previous employer verification and medical certificate.
4. Keep the records in the driver qualification file.

DriverFly’s compliance management tools keep these documents in one place and send notifications when items need attention. If you are looking for new drivers, DriverFly’s driver recruiting service connects carriers with pre-qualified applicants.

Frequently asked questions

Does a driver with a CDL from before 2022 need ELDT?

No. ELDT applies to people who obtained their CLP or CDL, upgrade or endorsement on or after February 7, 2022. A driver who held a CLP before that date is exempt only if they got the CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expired. A driver who later adds a new endorsement covered by ELDT, such as hazmat, must complete training for that endorsement.

How many hours of training does ELDT require?

None. ELDT is based on proficiency, not hours. Instructors must confirm that the student can perform each required skill, and theory training requires a passing score of at least 80 percent on the assessment.

Can a motor carrier train its own drivers?

Yes. A carrier can register on the Training Provider Registry and train its own drivers, if it meets FMCSA’s requirements for curriculum, instructors, facilities and records.

Sources: 49 CFR Part 380, Subparts F and G; FMCSA Training Provider Registry (tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov); FMCSA news release (December 1, 2025).