What is Entry Level Driver Training or ELDT?
FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This applies to those seeking to:
About the Training Provider Registry
The FMCSA Training Provider Registry retains a record of which CDL applicants have completed the new training and certification process outlined in the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations.
For more information about the ELDT regulations and the Training Provider registry, visit https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
The ELDT regulations and the Training Provider Registry were mandated under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The ELDT final rule was based, in part, on consensus recommendations from the Agency’s Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC), a negotiated rulemaking committee that held a series of meetings in 2015.
Key Components of ELDT for School Buses:
Resources for ELDT
(Items that indicate "PSBA" are documents put together by the PSBA)
A Brief History of ELDT
For decades, CDL training varied dramatically by state. Independent reviews—especially from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)—found:
Congressional Action (2012): MAP-21
The real catalyst came when Congress passed MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act).
The law required the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to create a national training rule for entry-level drivers. MAP-21 directed FMCSA to standardize:
Stakeholder Negotiations (2015): ELDTAC
FMCSA formed a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, the Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC), which included:
The Final Rule Is Published (2016)
FMCSA published the ELDT Final Rule on December 8, 2016. Key elements included:
- Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
- Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
- Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
About the Training Provider Registry
The FMCSA Training Provider Registry retains a record of which CDL applicants have completed the new training and certification process outlined in the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations.
For more information about the ELDT regulations and the Training Provider registry, visit https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
The ELDT regulations and the Training Provider Registry were mandated under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The ELDT final rule was based, in part, on consensus recommendations from the Agency’s Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC), a negotiated rulemaking committee that held a series of meetings in 2015.
Key Components of ELDT for School Buses:
- Mandatory Training: You must complete both a theory (classroom/online) and a behind-the-wheel (BTW) driving course.
- Training Provider Registry (TPR): Training must be done through providers listed on this FMCSA system.
- Theory Training: Covers units like vehicle orientation, danger zones, loading/unloading, railroad crossings, student management, and emergency evacuations.
- Behind-the-Wheel Training: In-person, practical training following theory completion, with specific skills like pre-trip, driving, and student interaction.
- Requirements: Must score at least 80% on theory assessments to proceed to the BTW portion
Resources for ELDT
(Items that indicate "PSBA" are documents put together by the PSBA)
- PSBA ELDT FAQ's - PSBA
- FMCSA ELDT FAQ's
- Training Provider Registry Fact Sheet
- PSBA PowerPoint Overview of ELDT - PSBA
- Eligibility Fact Sheet
- ELDT PowerPoint Overview
- ELDT Self-Certification Sheet - PSBA
- ELDT Blank Tracker - PSBA
- ELDT Tracker Example - PSBA
A Brief History of ELDT
For decades, CDL training varied dramatically by state. Independent reviews—especially from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)—found:
- Large gaps in training quality
- Accidents involving inadequately trained drivers
- No unified federal standards
- The NTSB repeatedly recommended that the federal government establish nationwide minimum training requirements.
Congressional Action (2012): MAP-21
The real catalyst came when Congress passed MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act).
The law required the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to create a national training rule for entry-level drivers. MAP-21 directed FMCSA to standardize:
- Core curriculum
- Skills training expectations
- Instructor qualifications
- Documentation and verification processes
- This gave FMCSA legal authority to design one consistent set of standards for all states.
Stakeholder Negotiations (2015): ELDTAC
FMCSA formed a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, the Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC), which included:
- School bus industry
- Trucking and motorcoach associations
- State agencies and law enforcement
- Driver training schools
- Highway safety organizations
The Final Rule Is Published (2016)
FMCSA published the ELDT Final Rule on December 8, 2016. Key elements included:
- Required Training Components
- Theory (classroom/online) instruction
- Behind-the-wheel (BTW) range and public road training
- A Training Provider Registry (TPR)
- Mandatory electronic certification of training before skills testing
- Original rollout date: 2020
- Delayed twice due to IT system development
- Final effective date: February 7, 2022
