ELDT: Getting Started
ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training. This new mandate, created by the United States government, went into effect on February 7, 2022 and requires many drivers to complete Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) and/or Theory training courses.
The ELDT regulations establish minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle operators in interstate and intrastate commerce who are applying for:
- A Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time;
- An upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or
- A Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time.
The requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an H, P, or S endorsement issued prior to February 7, 2022. Individuals who obtained a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022 are not subject to ELDT requirements as long as they obtain a CDL before the expiration date of their CLP or renewed CLP.
Theory (knowledge) and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training may be delivered by separate training providers. However, both training providers must be listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), and both must submit driver-specific training certification information (i.e., proof of training) to the TPR separately.
The Training Provider Registry (TPR) is a system set up by the United States government to help CDL applicants connect with training providers to complete the required Entry-Level Driver Training. Visit our “Understanding the Training Provider Registry” blog for more information on the TPR.
ELDT is a federal, nationwide mandate that covers the entire United States. Our online ELDT Theory courses meet all federal requirements found in FMCSA 49 CFR part 380. Some states require additional training, documentation, testing, etc., before students can gain a CDL. Be sure to check your local and state requirements to ensure that you are complying with all requirements.
According to the FMCSA’s federal ELDT requirements, there is no minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on the Theory (i.e., knowledge) portion of individual ELDT courses. However, students are required to take a course that covers a required group of topics and pass an exam with a minimum score of 80%.
Drivers who operate special types of Commercial Motor Vehicles are required to complete additional testing and training to add endorsements to their CDL. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for drivers attempting to get their Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement. For more information visit our “Understanding ELDT: CDL Endorsements” blog.
Students can use the Training Provider Registry (TPR) to search for Behind-the-Wheel trainers in their area. Students have the option to search by Training Type, Location, and/or Provider Name in order to find the appropriate Behind-the-Wheel trainer for their needs.
ELDT: Course Information
All of our ELDT courses are self-paced and designed to be taken according to the students’ prior knowledge and ability. On the short end, some of our courses can be completed in 1-2 hours. For students who wish to take their time, our courses can last upwards of 10-12 hours or longer. Students are required to pass a series of knowledge tests with a minimum score of 80% before completing their course(s).
Yes! ELDT-Certify courses can be taken from your computer, mobile phone, or tablet. You can even start your course on one device, and pick back up where you left off on another. You can collapse the navigation bar for more screen space by clicking on the ‘three-bars’ icon at the top-left corner of your screen –
After completing your course, you will have access to your Certificate.
When ELDT-Certify receives your course and license information, we will input your records to the Training Provider Registry and you can then begin the next steps in the CDL process.
ELDT: Help / Troubleshooting
If you are having an issue with your password, select “Forgot your password?” to reset your password.
If you are unsure of your email address, or experiencing additional problems, contact us at support@eldtcertify.com or 1-888-900-2133
If you are having an issue with your course, refresh the page to see if this fixes the issue.
If you are still experiencing issues with your course, send us an email at support@eldtcertify.com.
To print your certificate after completing a course, first make sure that you are logged into eldtcertify.com.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to see your dashboard. From here, you will see each of the courses that you have completed under the “Certificates” section. Click the download button next to the course to download and print your Certificate.
Training Providers are required to submit student information within 48 hours of course completion. However, ELDT-Certify typically submits student information within hours of completion.
For information on how you can check the progress of your records in the TPR, visit our “How to Check Your ELDT Status Online” page.
For payment issues, please contact your bank or credit provider.
No. ELDT-Certify doesn’t have the option of a payment plan yet.
ELDT: Hazmat
You can obtain a HazMat endorsement by passing a HazMat theory knowledge exam.
Undergo a required Federal Security Threat Assessment well-known as TSA background check.
Fill out the “Hazardous Materials Endorsement” application through the DMV or TSA, depending on which is required in your state.
Complete a medical screening.
Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state).
Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person.
Wait for TSA to send an official notice of completion. Once the state receives a copy, you will then obtain your hazmat endorsement.