What is ELDT?
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certification is a requirement for individuals to operate large commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established a set of minimum standards for training an individual to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). One of these standards is the ELDT program, which covers the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level commercial drivers to operate their vehicles safely and efficiently.
Which credentials require ELDT certification?
Applicants must obtain ELDT certification for the following credentials:
What is covered in the ELDT course?
For every ELDT certification type except HazMat, there are two components:
ELDT Theory certificate
ELDT BTW (Behind-the-wheel) certificate
HazMat only requires an ELDT Theory certificate (because there is no BTW skills test).
An applicant may obtain both certificates from the same ELDT provider or separate providers.
How long does the ELDT course take?
The length of an ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) course can vary depending on the specific program and the individual needs of the student. Some ELDT courses, such as HazMat, may be completed in a few days, while others may take several weeks or months.
ELDT certificates are only issued by authorized providers
ELDT certification can only be issued by authorized providers, which are usually truck or bus driving schools or other training institutions that have been approved by the FMCSA to offer ELDT-compliant programs. These providers, listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR), have met FMCSA's requirements and regulations for offering ELDT-compliant training.
Are there any particular ELDT courses we recommend?
Yes. We've partnered with Driving-Tests.org, an FMCSA-licensed ELDT theory provider that has submitted over 13,000 certifications to the Training Provider Registry since February 2022. We recommend that you consider their 2-in-1 CDL Premium programs. The programs offer ELDT theory certification and provide access to exam-like questions. They also offer a full Pass Guarantee, which means you'll get your money back in case you don't pass your CDL theory exams.
