Do I have to finish ELDT before I take the CDL general knowledge test?

The rule does not set that deadline. 49 CFR 383.71 says to complete the training before the skills test for a first Class A or B CDL, before the skills test for a first Passenger or School Bus endorsement, or before the knowledge test for a first Hazmat endorsement. Your state may have its own steps, so ask your licensing agency.

What score do I need on the ELDT theory assessment?

The rule says the driver-trainee must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment. That is the training provider's written assessment, not the state knowledge test.

Can I use any school for ELDT?

No. The rule says the training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. You can search the registry on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry website.

ELDT Explained: What New CDL Drivers Must Do

ELDT stands for entry-level driver training. It is a federal rule that says new drivers must finish training from a registered provider before they take certain CDL tests. The rule has applied since February 7, 2022.

This guide only reports what the federal rule says. Your state licensing agency can tell you how it applies to your case.

Who must complete ELDT?

The rule calls you an entry-level driver if you must take the CDL skills test to do one of these things:

Get a CDL for the first time.
Upgrade to a Class A or Class B CDL.
Get a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time.

The rule says it applies to people who get a CLP on or after February 7, 2022. It also says drivers who were issued a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, or a P, S or H endorsement before that date do not have to comply with the subpart for that CDL or endorsement.

Who is exempt?

Only the people the regulation lists. Section 380.603 says the rules do not apply to:

Drivers excepted from the CDL requirements under 49 CFR 383.3(c), (d) and (h).
Drivers applying for a restricted CDL under 383.3(e) through (g).
Military personnel with military CMV experience who meet all the requirements of 383.77.
Drivers applying to remove a restriction under 383.135(b)(7).

When must it be done?

This is where people get confused. The rule ties the training to specific tests. Section 383.71 says a person must complete the training "before taking the skills test for a Class A or B CDL for the first time, or a skills test for a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time, or the knowledge test for a hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time."

Step	Does the rule require ELDT first?
CLP application and general knowledge test	The rule does not list these as the deadline
Skills test, first Class A or B CDL or upgrade to A or B	Yes, before the test
Skills test, first P or S endorsement	Yes, before the test
Hazmat (H) knowledge test, first time	Yes, before the test

The rule says behind-the-wheel providers must verify that you hold a valid CLP or CDL. So you need a CLP before that training starts. Section 383.25 also says a CLP holder cannot take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after the CLP is issued. See CDL permit to license: every step in order and which CDL tests you need.

Theory and behind-the-wheel

Training has two parts, and the rule describes both.

Theory. Knowledge instruction on operating a CMV. It can be lectures, computer-based instruction, simulators, online training or similar means.
Behind-the-wheel (BTW). You have actual control of the power unit. It has a range part and a public road part. Time spent only watching does not count.

The rule gives no minimum number of hours for theory or BTW. The provider must cover every topic in the curriculum. The Hazmat curriculum in Appendix E lists theory instruction only.

Different providers may teach theory and BTW. The rule says both the range and public road BTW parts must come from the same provider. Except for the H endorsement, you must complete the theory and BTW parts within one year of completing the first portion.

The theory assessment

Providers must use written assessments for the theory units. The rule says: "The driver-trainee must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment." This is the school's assessment. Your state's knowledge test is separate.

The Training Provider Registry

The training must come from an entity listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). The registry has a "Find a Provider" search where you pick the training type, such as Class A or Hazardous Materials. After you finish, the provider must send your training certification through the TPR website by midnight of the second business day. Section 383.73 says that for a first Class A or B CDL, or a P or S endorsement, the state must not give the skills test until it verifies electronically that you completed the training. For upgrades and the H knowledge test, it says the state must not test you unless you have completed the training.

Try 10 exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual.

Steps to check before you pay

Read the ELDT Applicability page on the TPR site to see if the rule covers you.
Search the TPR for a provider that offers the training type you need.
Ask whether the provider teaches theory, BTW or both.
After training, ask your state how it checks that your provider sent the certification.

Section 380.601 says ELDT does not otherwise change the CDL requirements in part 383. You still take the tests your state requires.