CDL Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Regulations [2026]: What You Need to Know 

The CDL Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), set the minimum federal training requirements for new commercial driver’s license applicants. If you’re applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time on or after February 7, 2022, you must complete ELDT training through an FMCSA-registered training provider before you can take your CDL skills or knowledge test. SAGE Truck Driving Schools is listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR), and our programs are built to meet federal ELDT requirements. Drivers seeking a Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) Endorsement for the first time must complete ELDT before taking the applicable knowledge test. 

What the ELDT Requirements Cover 

The ELDT rules set the minimum Federal requirements for training that entry-level drivers must complete before being permitted to take certain CDL skills or knowledge tests on or after February 7, 2022. 

ELDT applies to individuals applying to: 

• Obtain a Class A CDL or Class B CDL for the first time 

• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL 

• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time 

The ELDT requirements apply to individuals who obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) on or after February 7, 2022 (as long as the CLP has not expired). 

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. 

The Class A and Class B ELDT theory curriculum includes more than 30 federally required topics. These span federal and state CDL regulations, DOT requirements, hours-of-service rules, vehicle systems and maintenance, cargo securement and weight distribution, trip planning, defensive driving, hazard recognition, and pre-trip inspection procedures. The skills portion adds hands-on competency in vehicle operation, backing maneuvers, and on-road driving across varied conditions. 

How Long Does ELDT Training Take? 

There are no specific hours of training required for ELDT. Instead, drivers must receive training in 30+ “theory” (knowledge) topics, and receive hands-on driving “skills” training until the driver is “proficient” in skills, as determined by the training provider. Skills training includes things like vehicle inspection, backing maneuvers, and road driving.  

In practice, a full-time Class A CDL program at SAGE runs approximately 150-160 hours, typically completed in 4-6 weeks. The focus is on building genuine proficiency, not just logging time. Students are not required to master every manoeuvre on the first attempt. Instead, instructors continue coaching until the student demonstrates proficiency in each required skill. Federal ELDT regulations do not specify a minimum number of driving miles or behind-the-wheel hours. Instead, training providers determine when a student has demonstrated proficiency in the required skill 

What Skills Are Covered in ELDT Training? 

The hands-on skills portion covers the core competencies required to operate a commercial vehicle safely. This includes: 

• Pre-trip vehicle inspections 

• Basic vehicle control and maneuvering (straight-line backing, alley dock, offset backing, parallel parking) 

• On-road driving across a variety of conditions (highway, rural, and urban) 

• Space and speed management 

• Hazard recognition and emergency maneuvers 

How the Training Provider Registry (TPR) Works 

The FMCSA has established the Training Provider Registry (TPR), which has a searchable database of CDL training providers that have registered with FMCSA. Only CDL training providers listed on the TPR may certify completion of federally required ELDT training. 

Individuals can access the TPR for free at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov to find or verify approved providers. 

SAGE Truck Driving Schools are TPR-listed CDL training providers, and ProDriverU is an approved CDL theory training online platform. 

What Happens After You Complete ELDT Training? 

Upon completion of ELDT training, the training provider uploads your completion information directly to FMCSA. The TPR retains a record of which CDL applicants have completed ELDT training. The student driver cannot provide ELDT training completion information to FMCSA or a CDL tester directly. 

Once your completion is recorded, you’re eligible to schedule your CDL skills or knowledge test. CDL testers check an FMCSA computer system to confirm ELDT completion before administering the test. If training has not been completed, the CDL test will not be administered. 

If you have questions about your record, contact your training provider or the FMCSA directly. 

How can individuals access the Training Provider Registry (TPR) to find approved CDL training providers, and is there a fee to use this service? 

Access to the TPR is free. Individuals can search for approved providers at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov, which is a public resource maintained by the FMCSA. 

What specific maneuvers or skills are prioritized during the hands-on driving skills training portion of the ELDT? 

The FMCSA sets minimum standards for skills training that all TPR-listed providers must meet, but the depth and emphasis of training can vary by school. At minimum, skills training must cover pre-trip vehicle inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Schools that go beyond the federal minimums typically deliver more behind-the-wheel hours and a broader range of real-world scenarios, including adverse conditions, emergency maneuvers, and more advanced backing techniques. When evaluating providers, it’s worth asking how much actual driving time students receive, not just how many hours the program runs. 

How can a student verify that their ELDT completion record is accurately reflected in the system before scheduling their CDL test? 

Your training provider is responsible for electronically submitting your completion record to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Some providers also issue a certificate of completion for your records, although the FMCSA database, – not the certificate – is what licensing agencies use to verify eligibility. Before scheduling your test, confirm with the testing facility or your state DMV that your ELDT completion has been verified in the FMCSA system. If there are any discrepancies, contact your training provider or the FMCSA directly for assistance. 

Ready to Get Started? 

Some states have additional CDL training or testing requirements that go beyond the federal ELDT standards. These vary by state and may include supplemental knowledge exams or state-specific licensing steps administered through the DMV. If you’re unsure what applies in your state, your SAGE admissions team can walk you through what to expect. For more information about the ELDT regulations and the Training Provider Registry, visit tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. 

SAGE Truck Driving Schools is a TPR-listed provider with locations across 14 states. Financial assistance options are available for those who qualify, including workforce grants, veterans’ benefits, and payment plans. Contact us to learn about our ELDT-compliant CDL programs, available start dates, and funding options. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is ELDT required in every state? 

Yes, ELDT is a federal requirement that applies nationwide. States may have additional licensing requirements buy every state must follow the federal regulations for applicants who qualify under the rule. 

Do I have to repeat ELDT if my permit expires? 

It depends. If your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) expires before you obtain your CDL, whether you’ll need to repeat training depends on your state’s licensing rules and your individual situation. Your training provider or state licensing agency can explain what applies in your case. 

Is ELDT the same as CDL school? 

Not necessarily. ELDT is the minimum federal training standard for certain CDL applicants and endorsements. Many CDL schools, including SAGE Truck Driving Schools, provide training that meets ELDT requirements while also offering additional classroom instruction, driving practice, and test preparation that go beyond the federal minimums.