What Is ELDT? Class A, Class B & Hazmat Requirements Explained

Think of ELDT as the federal minimum training standard for certain new commercial drivers.

It does not replace your state’s CDL licensing process.

It does not mean every student follows the exact same training schedule.

And it does not mean every part of CDL training has to happen at one school.

Instead, ELDT establishes the minimum subjects and skills that must be covered before a driver can move on to the applicable state-administered test.

Federal ELDT requirements generally apply to drivers seeking certain CDL credentials for the first time.

First-Time Class A CDL

A driver obtaining a Class A CDL for the first time must complete the applicable Class A theory and behind-the-wheel curriculum before taking the state skills test.

First-Time Class B CDL

A first-time Class B applicant must complete the applicable Class B theory and behind-the-wheel curriculum before the skills test.

Class B to Class A Upgrade

If you already hold a Class B CDL and want to upgrade to Class A, ELDT applies to that upgrade.

First-Time Hazmat Endorsement

If you are getting a hazardous materials H endorsement for the first time, ELDT applies to the Hazmat theory portion before the state-administered Hazmat knowledge test.

Passenger and School Bus Endorsements

First-time Passenger P and School Bus S endorsements are also covered by ELDT.

True North CDL is not currently advertising P or S endorsement training.

ELDT took effect on February 7, 2022, and the rule is not retroactive.

Drivers who already held the applicable CDL or endorsement before that date generally do not have to go back and complete ELDT for that same credential.

There are also specific federal exceptions and transitional situations.

This is one of the most important distinctions in ELDT.

Yes.

FMCSA allows the theory portion and behind-the-wheel portion to be completed with different registered providers.

Both providers must be listed on the Training Provider Registry for the training they provide.

However, the range and public-road portions of behind-the-wheel training must be provided by the same behind-the-wheel provider.

For a first-time Class A applicant, ELDT includes both theory and behind-the-wheel training.

Class A Theory

The federal Class A curriculum covers areas including:

• basic vehicle operation
• safe operating procedures
• advanced operating practices
• vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions
• non-driving activities such as hours-of-service requirements

The complete curriculum is contained in Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 380.

Class A Behind-the-Wheel Training

The hands-on portion includes range and public-road instruction.

The student must operate a representative Class A commercial motor vehicle and demonstrate the required skills.

Class B follows the same basic structure:

Theory training + Behind-the-wheel range and road training

The federal Class B curriculum is contained in Appendix B to 49 CFR Part 380.

Behind-the-wheel instruction covers the practical vehicle-control and road-driving skills required for Class B operation.

There is no single federal hour requirement for every Class B student.

Hazmat is where many drivers get confused.

For a first-time H endorsement, ELDT requires the applicable Hazmat theory training.

There is no ELDT behind-the-wheel requirement for the H endorsement.

The theory training must be completed before the state can administer the Hazmat knowledge test.

The Training Provider Registry, commonly called the TPR, is the federal system that connects ELDT providers, student training records and state licensing agencies.

Only providers listed on the TPR can provide training that counts toward the federal ELDT requirement.

After a student successfully completes the applicable training, the provider submits completion information to FMCSA.

The state licensing agency uses that record before administering the applicable CDL skills test or Hazmat knowledge test.

Before Choosing a Provider

Check the Training Provider Registry.

Make sure the provider is listed for the specific type of training you need.

A provider may be registered for one type of training without offering every ELDT program.

Class A or Class B

Once the required theory and behind-the-wheel portions have been completed and reported, your state can verify those records before administering the applicable CDL skills test.

Training completion is not the CDL itself.

You still must complete the applicable state licensing and testing process.

Hazmat

Once the required Hazmat theory training has been completed and properly reported, you can continue through the remaining Hazmat endorsement process.

ELDT completion is a training requirement, not automatic issuance of a CDL or endorsement.

Federal ELDT rules do not require theory training to be completed before obtaining a commercial learner’s permit.

However, the required training must be completed before the applicable CDL skills or Hazmat knowledge test.

States can impose additional procedural requirements.

Yes.

ELDT theory may be delivered online or through other computer-based instruction by an appropriate provider.

The provider still has to cover the required curriculum and administer the applicable theory assessment.

Online does not remove the training standard.

It simply changes how the theory portion is delivered.

Behind-the-wheel training is different because it requires actual operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

Not at the federal level.

There is no federal minimum number of theory hours.

There is also no universal federal minimum number of Class A or Class B behind-the-wheel hours.

For theory, the required curriculum must be covered and the student must earn at least 80% on the applicable assessment.

For behind-the-wheel training, the instructor determines whether the student has demonstrated proficiency in the required skills.

States or individual providers may impose additional requirements.