Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and Training Provider Registry
12/03/2024
Guides
Before taking the exam for:
Obtaining a CDL Class A or B for the first time;
Upgrading an existing CDL from Class B to Class A;
Obtaining an endorsement for the first time, such as School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H);
you must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). This program sets the minimum requirements for training entry-level drivers and includes both theory and behind-the-wheel instruction.
Exemptions from ELDT:
Those who obtained a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement before February 7, 2022, even if it has since expired.
Those who obtained a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022, and received a CDL before their CLP or its renewal expired.
Exemptions also apply to certain individuals outlined in 49 CFR § 383, such as military drivers, farmers, emergency service employees, seasonal agricultural drivers, and certain drivers in Alaska.
If CLP was issued before February 7, 2022, but expired before applying for CDL: The driver must complete ELDT before taking the CDL skills test.
If CLP was issued on or after February 7, 2022: The driver must complete ELDT before taking the CDL skills test, the S or P endorsement test, or the H endorsement knowledge test.
If the driver obtained a CDL before February 7, 2022, but applies for an upgrade to a higher CDL class or adds endorsements (S, P, or H) after this date: The driver must complete ELDT for the new class or endorsement before taking the corresponding exam.
Topics Covered in Theory Training::
Basic Operation
Safe Operating Procedures
Advanced Operation Procedures
Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
Non-Driving Tasks (e.g., Hours of Service)
Behind-the-Wheel Training (BTW) Includes:
Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
Training on a range or public roads
Prohibition of simulators for BTW training
No minimum hours required (the instructor assesses proficiency)
Teaching basic vehicle control skills and key maneuvers
Entry-level driver training is delivered by a specialized organization called a Training Provider.
What is a Training Provider?
A training provider is an organization listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Training providers can include:
Training schools
Educational institutions
Rural electric cooperatives
Motor carriers
State/local governments
School districts
Joint labor management programs
Owner-operators
Individuals
What is the Training Provider Registry (TPR)?
The Training Provider Registry (TPR) is an online system that helps individuals seeking a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) find training providers that meet federal requirements.
The registry stores data about training providers and transmits information to state driver licensing agencies about trainees who have completed the required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
As of February 7, 2022, CDL applicants cannot receive their license unless they complete training with a provider registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Uses of the Training Provider Registry
Search
You can use the TPR website to find a training provider, contact them to learn about their services, and enroll in a course. All interactions with training providers take place outside the registry. The TPR is only used to locate authorized providers and later to view your training certification record.
Submit
Training providers register with FMCSA through the TPR and submit training completion records for their trainees.
Retain
The registry maintains a list of registered training providers and stores data about all drivers who have successfully completed one or more ELDT courses.
Retrieve
Before conducting CDL skills or knowledge tests, states check the TPR to confirm that drivers have completed training with a registered provider. If a state cannot verify ELDT compliance based on the registry data, the driver will not be allowed to take the required tests. Use link to check.
Requirements for Training Providers
Starting February 7, 2022, any organization providing ELDT must be registered with FMCSA via the TPR. Providers must self-certify compliance with federal and applicable state requirements. Registration is mandatory, even for providers offering training only to their own employees. Such providers can choose to hide some of their contact information from the public registry.
Training providers are required to cover all topics listed in the federal ELDT curriculum. However, there is no minimum number of hours specified for either the theory or practical portions of the training. You can learn more about the topics by downloading the Entry-Level Driver Training Minimum Federal guide via the link.
The theoretical and practical parts of the training may be provided by different providers, but both portions of the practical training (on closed-course facilities and public roads) must be provided by the same provider.
Trainees must complete both the theoretical and practical parts of the training within one year, except in the case of obtaining the "H" endorsement (hazardous materials), which only requires theoretical training.
Simulators cannot be used for the practical portion of the training but may be utilized as part of the theoretical training.
Instructors must hold a CDL of the same or higher class with the required endorsements for training. They must have at least two years of experience driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) or two years of experience as an instructor. If an instructor's license has been canceled, suspended, or revoked, they cannot conduct training for two years after their license is reinstated.
Training facilities and grounds must comply with regulations and provide safe environments for maneuvering without obstacles or interference. Training vehicles must meet safety standards and be of the same class as those required for the CDL test.
Training providers are required to have official authorization (license, certification, or registration) from the state where they conduct training. However, providers offering only online theory courses are not subject to strict state requirements (such as location or licensing), making online training more flexible for organizations specializing solely in theoretical preparation
Providers of theoretical training must administer tests (written or electronic) to assess knowledge, requiring a minimum passing score of 80%. For the practical portion, instructors must evaluate and document the trainee’s skills. While federal regulations do not mandate a minimum number of hours, instructors must record the total time the trainee spends on practical training.
Training providers must submit the following trainee information to the Training Provider Registry:
Name, date of birth, temporary license or CDL number, and issuing state;
CDL class or type of endorsement;
Type of completed training (theory, range practice, road practice);
Theoretical test score (if applicable);
Total hours of practical training (if applicable);
Training completion date.
Training providers are required to retain specific records, including:
Certificates of compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state regulations for all practical trainees;
Copies of each trainee's CLP or CDL;
Documentation of instructor qualifications;
Curricula for theoretical and practical training;
Results of individual training assessments.
These records must be kept for at least three years from the date of receipt or creation. Electronic copies are acceptable.
Training providers must allow FMCSA or its representatives to conduct audits to ensure compliance with all requirements. If FMCSA determines that a training provider fails to meet applicable requirements, the provider may be removed from the Training Provider Registry.
How to Find a Training Provider on the TPR Website?
Go to the TPR Website
Select the Training Type
Choose Theory training for categories A, B, Passenger, School Bus, and Hazardous Materials. Choose Behind-the-Wheel training for categories A, B, Passenger, and School Bus. After selecting the training type, click Done.
To narrow your search, you can specify a location or the provider’s name.
You can also choose the training format:
In-Person: Traditional classroom-based training.
Online: Web-based training.
Travelling Provider: Providers who offer training at multiple locations convenient for you.
If you want to view only training centers with open enrollment (accessible to anyone), check the box labeled "Public Enrollment Only". To see all providers, including those with closed programs (for company employees), leave this box unchecked.
Once your search criteria are set, a list of training providers will appear.
After selecting a suitable provider, you can contact them via email, phone, or visit their website for more details.
After completing the training, the provider will submit your course completion information to the FMCSA. You will then be eligible to take exams at your state’s driver licensing agency. Federal regulations allow you to train or take CDL exams in any state, even if your CLP or CDL was issued in a different state.
Note! If you need financial assistance for your training, consider the following options:
Your state’s Workforce Development Office.
Employer-sponsored payment or reimbursement programs.
Employer-funded training programs.
By completing Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a registered provider, you ensure compliance with federal requirements and gain the confidence needed to succeed in CDL exams or obtain additional endorsements.
