Part 380 — Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements (ELDT)
49 CFR Part 380: Federal training requirements for new CDL applicants and certain license upgrades.
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49 CFR Part 380 establishes the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements that must be completed before a driver can obtain a new CDL, upgrade their CDL class, or add certain endorsements. FMCSA implemented the current ELDT regulations effective February 7, 2022, replacing a less prescriptive framework with specific theory and behind-the-wheel training requirements.
Under Part 380, training must be completed at an FMCSA-registered training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The training itself consists of both theory (classroom or online) instruction and behind-the-wheel training, with specific topics mandated for each CDL class and endorsement. Providers must report training completion directly to FMCSA, which then notifies state licensing agencies.
ELDT requirements apply to drivers seeking a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading from a Class B to Class A CDL, or adding a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement. Drivers who already hold the applicable CDL class or endorsement are not subject to ELDT for that credential.
Key Provisions
- Requires theory and behind-the-wheel training before a new CDL can be issued or certain upgrades made.
- Training must be completed at an FMCSA-registered provider on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
- Providers report training completion to FMCSA, which notifies state licensing agencies.
- Applies to first-time Class A and Class B CDL applicants, Class B-to-A upgrades, and S/P/H endorsements.
- Drivers already holding the applicable CDL class or endorsement are exempt from ELDT for that credential.
Why It Matters to Truck Owners
ELDT has significantly changed the CDL pipeline. Drivers who trained before February 2022 were grandfathered, but new drivers must complete ELDT before testing. The Training Provider Registry can disqualify providers who fail to meet standards — a significant disruption for drivers enrolled with a provider that gets deregistered mid-training. Knowing the ELDT landscape matters if you’re hiring new drivers or if the drivers operating your trucks were recently licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ELDT and who needs it?
ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) is the federally required training that must be completed before obtaining a new Class A or Class B CDL, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or adding certain endorsements (school bus, passenger, hazardous materials). It consists of both theory instruction and behind-the-wheel training at an FMCSA-registered provider.
How do I find an FMCSA-registered ELDT provider?
FMCSA maintains the Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. Drivers must complete training at a provider listed on the TPR — training from unregistered providers does not satisfy the ELDT requirement, even if the instruction content is otherwise adequate.
What happens if my ELDT training provider gets removed from the registry?
If a training provider is removed from the TPR during a driver’s training, the training completed up to that point may not be recognized by the state licensing agency. Drivers in this situation should contact their state CDL licensing office for guidance on how to proceed.
Read the official legal text: 49 CFR Part 380 — eCFR.gov (official)
Related Federal Trucking Laws
- Part 383 — Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Standards
- Part 384 — State Compliance with CDL Programs
- Part 391 — Driver Qualifications
This page is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always verify current requirements at fmcsa.dot.gov or with a qualified transportation attorney.
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