What Is ELDT? (Entry-Level Driver Training Explained)

What "ELDT" stands for

ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training. It is the name of the federal rule promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that sets minimum training standards for new CDL drivers and for drivers adding certain endorsements. For the full federal-rule text and DOT context, see the main-domain pillar page on ELDT training requirements.

The rule was finalized years earlier but became enforceable on February 7, 2022. Before that date, CDL applicants did not need any federally standardized training. After that date, they do — and the training has to come from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). Our guide Is $20 ELDT Legit? walks through how registry verification works.

Who needs ELDT

ELDT is required for drivers who, after February 7, 2022, are:

(1) Applying for a first-time Class A or Class B CDL — see the CDL A Theory ELDT course or CDL B Theory ELDT course. (2) Upgrading an existing CDL class (e.g., Class B to Class A). (3) Adding a Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time.

Drivers who already held the relevant license or endorsement before February 7, 2022 are grandfathered for that specific license or endorsement only — they don't have to retake ELDT to keep it. Adding a NEW endorsement after the cutoff date triggers ELDT for that new endorsement regardless. Our Does ELDT Expire? guide covers grandfathering and renewal cycles in more depth.

The two parts of ELDT

ELDT is split into a theory portion and a behind-the-wheel (BTW) portion. Both must come from TPR-listed providers, but they can come from DIFFERENT providers. Our ELDT vs CDL School guide walks through this distinction in practical terms.

Theory is classroom-style knowledge instruction — federal regulations, vehicle systems, defensive driving, hours of service, etc. It is delivered as curriculum and assessed by completion. DLA Academy delivers the theory portion online for $20, completed in under 2 hours, auto-submitted to the TPR within 24 hours.

Behind-the-wheel is hands-on driving instruction in the actual vehicle class. It cannot be delivered online — it requires a registered BTW provider, a vehicle, and proficiency demonstration. For Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus endorsements, the BTW component is reduced compared to the full CDL classes.

Where ELDT fits in the CDL process

For a new CDL A or CDL B: complete ELDT theory → get your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) → complete ELDT behind-the-wheel → hold the CLP for the state-required minimum → pass the state DMV knowledge test → pass the state DMV skills test → receive your CDL. State-specific timing varies — look up your state's ELDT requirements page for the exact CLP holding period, fees, and process notes.

For a new H, P, or S endorsement on an existing CDL: complete the relevant ELDT course → (for Hazmat only) complete TSA fingerprinting → pass the state DMV endorsement knowledge test → (some states also require a skills test) → the endorsement is added to your CDL. The main-domain How to Get a Hazmat Endorsement guide covers Hazmat end-to-end. Our Which CDL Endorsement Should I Get? guide helps you choose between H, P, and S.

Start here ($20 each)

Pillar guides

Other answer guides

State ELDT hubs