Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Driver Services

Beginning February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established new minimum training standards outlined in 49 CFR 380 for individuals applying for:

• Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
• Adding Passenger Endorsement (P)
• Adding School Bus Endorsement (S)
• Adding Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H)

Drivers must have completed the required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a training provider registered with FMCSA before being scheduled for a skills test.

Drivers applying for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H) must complete their ELDT prior to taking their Hazardous Materials test.

To locate a registered training provider, drivers may check with their employer or go to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.

You do not need to complete ELDT if:

• You currently hold a valid Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) issued before Feb. 7, 2022, if you obtain your CDL before your CLP expires. The CDL must be issued with the same or lesser class or endorsements.
• You are seeking a Hazardous Material (H) endorsement and passed the written test before Feb. 7, 2022.
• You are an out-of-state CDL holder applying for equal or lesser class CDL and endorsements. If you previously held a CDL or endorsement that is not listed on your current license, then you must prove that you had the CDL or endorsement.
• You have a military skills waiver or even exchange on file.
• You are a CDL holder removing the air brake or transmission restrictions.
• You are applying for J50 (Farm Vehicle Driver) or J51 (Covered Farm Vehicle Driver) Non-CDL Class A.

Notes about ELDT:

• You cannot schedule pre-trip, skills and road exams until the required ELDT completion has been electronically reported by the training provider and recorded to your driving record.
• An Illinois resident may complete ELDT in another state.
• Facilities cannot accept paper copies of your ELDT training as proof of completion of ELDT
• If you want to upgrade from a Non-CDL Class A J50 or J51, you must complete ELDT for a CDL Class A. You will be issued a Class A CLP that you must hold for 14 days before a skills test may be administered.
• If a CLP was issued prior to Feb. 7, 2022 and was valid for one year expires, then you must renew the CLP and complete ELDT before a CDL can be issued.
• If you hold a 180-day CLP, you may renew that CLP one time before it expires and ELDT will not be required.
• If a CLP was issued before Feb. 7, 2022, and you upgrade the CLP after Feb. 7, 2022, to a class or endorsement that requires ELDT, then you must complete ELDT for the class or endorsement added after Feb. 7, 2022.
• Out-of-state CLP holders must complete ELDT regardless of when the out-of-state CLP was issued.

Additional information on ELDT:

• FMCSA information about ELDT
• FMCSA notice of extension of compliance date for ELDT
• ELDT Minimum Federal Curricula Requirements
• FMCSA Video on ELDT Eligibility for Drivers
• FMCSA Contact Information - 1-800-832-5660