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Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

What is this new ELDT?
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a crucial initiative established by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA). This regulation went into effect on February 7, 2022.​

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It sets minimum training standards for new commercial truck drivers pursuing a Class A or B CDL for the first time. This regulation aims to enhance safety on the road by ensuring that all new drivers receive comprehensive instruction before they start their driving careers. This created a national training standard for obtaining your CDL. This regulation may be found in the 49 CFR 380 of the FMCSR.​​

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Who is required to follow the ELDT Requirements?

The FMCSA requires anyone obtaining for the first time the following:

  • Class A CDL

  • Class B CDL

  • School Bus Endorsement (S)

  • Passenger Endorsement (P)

  • Hazardous Material Endorsement (H)​​

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What are the ELD Requirements?

This regulation requires drivers to be proficient in the following two categories 1) Theory Training and 2) Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training.

Theory Training

Theory Class includes the following topics and must pass with an 80% on their assessment exam.

  • Basic Operations​

    • Orientation

    • Control Systems & Dashboards

    • Pre- & Post Trip Inspections

    • Basic Control

    • Shifting/Operating Transmissions

    • Backing & Docking

    • Coupling & Uncoupling​​​

  • Safe Operating Procedures

    • Visual Search​

    • Communication

    • Distracted Driving

    • Speed Management

    • Space Management

    • Night Operations

    • Extreme Driving Conditions

  • Advanced Operating Procedures

    • Hazard Perception​

    • Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknife & Other Emergencies

    • Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing

  • Vehicle Systems

    • Identification & Diagnosis of Malfunctions​

    • Roadside Inspections

    • Maintenance

  • Non-Driving Activities

    • Handling & Documenting Cargo​

    • Environmental Compliance

    • Hours of Service

    • Fatigue & Wellness Awareness

    • Post-Crash Procedures

    • External Communication

    • Whistleblower/Coercion

    • Trip Planning

    • Drugs & Alcohol

    • Medical Requirements

Behind-the-Wheel Training

BTW training must take place in a vehicle that accurately represents the commercial driver's license (CDL) class or endorsement being pursued. During this process, the training instructor evaluates each driver trainee's performance to ensure they have successfully completed the BTW segments of the training. This assessment is crucial for confirming that trainees are ready for the responsibilities of driving commercially. Drivers must be proficient in the following:

  • Public Road

    • Vehicle Controls​

    • Shifting & Transmissions

    • Communication

    • Visual Search

    • Speed & Space Management

    • Safe Driver Behavior

    • Hours of Service

    • Hazard Perception

    • Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing

    • Night Operations

    • Extreme Driving Conditions

    • Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies

  • Range

    • Vehicle Inspection Pre-Trip/Enroute/Post-Trip​

    • Straight Line Backing

    • Alley Dock Backing (45/90 Degree)

    • Parallel Parking Blind Side

    • Parallel Parking Sight Side

    • Coupling & Uncoupling

  • 2024 New Indiana BMV Skills Evaluation Test

    • Straight Line Backing​

    • Forward STOP

    • Forward Offset Tracking

    • Reverse Offset Backing

Where do I sign up?

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There is a RFQ form that we ask you to fill out and a member of our enrollment team will get back with you. RFQ Form

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