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If an applicant held a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022, and obtains their commercial driver’s license (CDL) before the CLP expires, is the applicant exempt from the ELDT requirements?

Yes. If the applicant obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements.

Last Updated : September 27, 2022

Do instructors of entry-level driver training need to register in the Training Provider Registry?

No, individual instructors that are hired by registered training providers do not need to register in the Training Provider Registry. Additionally, training providers do not need to provide the names of their instructors when registering. However, if an individual instructor operates as a training provider (i.e., develops their own curricula, secures facilities and equipment, etc.), then the individual is required to register as a training provider and self-certify that they meet the requirements established in 49 CFR 380.703. Further, if an individual instructor also intends to act as a training provider in more than one State, they would need to register in each State where training is provided and self-certify that they meet applicable State or local requirements.

Last Updated : February 07, 2022

What qualifications do the ELDT regulations require of training instructors?

The following requirements are established in 49 CFR 380.605.

Theory instructors must:

  1. Hold a CDL of the same (or higher) class, and with all endorsements necessary, to operate the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for which training is to be provided.
  2. Meet all applicable State qualification requirements for CMV instructors. (Exception: This is not required if providing theory instruction exclusively.)
  3. Meet one of these:
    1. Have a minimum of two years’ experience operating a CMV requiring a CDL of the same (or higher) class, or the same endorsement; or
    2. Have previously held a CDL of the same (or higher) class; or
    3. Have a minimum of two years’ experience as a BTW CMV instructor.

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) instructors must:

  1. Hold a CDL of the same (or higher) class, and with all endorsements necessary, to operate the CMV for which training is to be provided.
  2. Meet all applicable State qualification requirements for CMV instructors.
  3. Meet one of these:
    1. Have a minimum of two years’ experience operating a CMV requiring a CDL of the same (or higher) class, or the same endorsement; or
    2. Have a minimum of two years’ experience as a BTW CMV instructor.

Last Updated : February 07, 2022

If a driver wants to remove the “no air brake” (L), “no full air brake” (Z), or the “no manual transmission equipped CMV” (E) restriction from their CDL, are they required to complete entry level-driver training?

No. Drivers applying for a removal of a restriction from their CDL in accordance with 49 CFR 383.135(b)(7), which includes the no air brake (L), no full air brake (Z), and no manual transmission (E) restriction, are not subject to the Entry-Level Driver Training regulations.

Last Updated : September 27, 2022

What training must an entry-level driver complete to be permitted to take a commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test or knowledge test?

To be eligible to take the Class A or Class B CDL skills test, the S or P skills test, or the H knowledge test, commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider. The type of training required depends on the type of license or endorsement for which the driver is applying. Below is a summary:

License/Endorsement ELDT Verification Occurs Before: Is Theory Training Required? Is Behind-the-Wheel Training Required?
Class A CDL (new or upgrade) CDL skills test Yes Yes – Range and Public Road
Class B CDL CDL skills test Yes Yes – Range and Public Road
Passenger (P) endorsement P skills test Yes Yes – Range or Public Road
School bus (S) endorsement S skills test Yes Yes – Range or Public Road
Hazardous materials (H) endorsement H knowledge test Yes No

Last Updated : September 27, 2022

The contents of these frequently asked questions do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. The documents are intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.