Entry-Level Driver Training: What You Need to Know

As of February 7, 2022, the FMCSA made the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Course a requirement to get your CDL. Therefore, anyone seeking to get their CDL must take the new required ELDT Theory Course.

Here at The CDL School, you can take the ELDT Theory Course for free!

Course Outline

Prospective drivers for entry-level driver training programs must also pass a road skill test along with the theoretical part. Behind-the-wheel practice usually comes after completing and passing the ELDT Course and CLP.

The Entry-Level Training Course features:

• A basic understanding of day-to-day operations.
• Extensive knowledge of standard operating procedures
• Advanced level understanding of the operational procedure
• A basic understanding to resolve system malfunctions

General Info

Successful completion of the course is subject to the driver’s ELDT Theory Course quiz score. A DOT physical, CLP, and behind-the-wheel training are also needed before officially getting a CDL. It is worth mentioning, that if your end goal is to add a hazmat endorsement, then all you’d have to do is to clear the ELDT Theory Course exam since the latter is not required.

Licensed training providers usually provide this training. The CDL School provides both the ELDT Course and behind-the-wheel training. It is important to note that the FMCSA’s requirements are to be followed throughout this whole process. It is very important that the training you receive comes from an authorized FMCSA training provider school, such as The CDL School.

The FMCSA has a registry on its website that lists every provider that is allowed to distribute the entry-level driver training program.

Proficiency

The proficiency is usually determined via assessments that gauge a student’s expertise. With no specific time constraints for the Entry Level Training Course, training is deemed complete the moment a trainee scores an 80 percent or higher on the ELDT quiz. The trainee can then continue the track to get their CDL.

The Bottom Line

Clearing the training program is not that difficult. Once you have gone through consistent yet effective training, your road to your CDL will be smoother than ever.