FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) ELDT (Entry-Level CDL Driver Training)

The ELDT regulations set the minimum Federal requirements for training that entry-level drivers must complete before being permitted to take certain CDL skills or knowledge tests. Exceptions apply.

FMCSA's Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This applies to those seeking to:

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

The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022 are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement.

If an applicant who obtained a CLP prior to February 7, 2022, and obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements.

Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 is also exempt from the ELDT requirements. 

The FMCSA Training Provider Registry retains a record of which CDL applicants have completed the new training and certification process outlined in the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations.

For more information about the ELDT regulations and the Training Provider registry, visit https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.

The ELDT regulations and the Training Provider Registry were mandated under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The ELDT final rule was based, in part, on consensus recommendations from the Agency’s Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC), a negotiated rulemaking committee that held a series of meetings in 2015.

As you earn your Class A, Class B or Class C CDL, you can also earn endorsements. Endorsements allow you to drive certain vehicles or groups of vehicles such as single or combination trucks, tankers, doubles, school buses and passenger vehicles. The more endorsements you hold, the greater your chances to make more money and advance your career. You'll need to pass a separate knowledge exam and/or road exam for each endorsement you want to get. Learn more about CDL endorsements and restrictions.

Endorsement Tests	Code	Description	Required Test(s)
CDL General Knowledge Test	-	Even though technically it's not an endorsement, it's the first of several tests that you will have to complete in order to get your CDL. Includes questions on road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, vehicle equipment, and other important topics.	Knowledge Test
CDL Air Brake Test	A	If your CDL application requires an air brake endorsement, you will need to pass an air brakes test. This test will test your knowledge of air brakes and other vehicle components and systems.	Knowledge Test
CDL Combination Test	X	This Combination endorsement covers both Tanker and Hazardous Materials.	Knowledge Test
CDL Doubles and Triples Test	T	If you want to operate a vehicle with more than one trailer attached (doubles or triples), you will need to pass a doubles and triples test.	Knowledge Test
CDL HazMat Test	H	This test covers all you need to know about driving vehicles that can carry hazardous materials, such as poisonous liquids or materials, explosives and radioactive materials.	Knowledge Test
CDL School Bus Test	S	This endorsement allows you to transport students in a full-sized school bus.Prior to obtaining an S endorsement, a P endorsement must be earned.	Knowledge Test & road test
CDL Tank Test	N	This endorsement allows you to aperte a tank vehicle (a vehicle that transports liquids or gasses in bulk.)	Knowledge Test
CDL Passenger Test	P	The P endorsement is needed to operate a vehicle that seats 16 or more people, including the driver.	Knowledge Test & road test