What Is ELDT?
ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training. It is a federal requirement set by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) that applies to first-time Class A and Class B CDL applicants, Class B-to-Class A upgrades, and first-time Passenger, School Bus, and Hazmat endorsement applicants.
The rule went into effect on February 7, 2022. Before that, there was no federal minimum training standard for CDL applicants. Drivers who already held a CDL before that date and are not upgrading or adding endorsements are not subject to ELDT.
ELDT is not optional. It is required by federal law. Texas DPS must verify your ELDT completion before you can take the required CDL test — the skills test for Class A and Class B applicants, or the knowledge test for first-time Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus endorsement applicants.
What Does ELDT Cover?
ELDT includes both theory (classroom or online) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction from an FMCSA-registered provider. The curriculum covers:
- Basic vehicle control and operation
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection procedures
- Shifting, backing, and basic maneuvers
- Coupling and uncoupling (Class A)
- Safe driving practices and hours of service awareness
- Cargo securement fundamentals
Who Needs ELDT?
| Situation | ELDT Required? |
|---|---|
| Getting a Class A CDL for the first time | ✓ Yes |
| Getting a Class B CDL for the first time | ✓ Yes |
| Upgrading from Class B to Class A CDL | ✓ Yes |
| Adding a Passenger (P) endorsement | ✓ Yes |
| Adding a School Bus (S) endorsement | ✓ Yes |
| Adding a Hazmat (H) endorsement | ✓ Yes |
| Renewing an existing CDL (no changes) | ✗ Not required |
| Already held CDL before Feb 7, 2022 (no upgrades) | ✗ Not required |
How to Complete ELDT
ELDT must be completed through a provider listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). You can search the registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You cannot complete ELDT independently — it must go through a registered provider.
The Practical Reality
If you enroll in a legitimate CDL training program in Texas, ELDT is almost always included. Reputable schools are already registered with the FMCSA, and their curriculum automatically satisfies the ELDT requirement. When your training is complete, your school reports your completion directly to the FMCSA database, which Texas DPS can verify when you apply for your CDL.
- Enroll in an FMCSA Training Provider Registry-listed school
- Complete the theory portion (can be online at some providers)
- Complete behind-the-wheel training hours (must be in person)
- School reports your completion to the FMCSA database
- Texas DPS verifies your ELDT status when you apply
Not every school is FMCSA-approved. Before paying any tuition, confirm the school is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. If they are not listed, your ELDT will not be recognized.
Theory vs. Behind-the-Wheel
ELDT has two required components:
- Theory instruction — Covers regulations, rules, and knowledge content. Some FMCSA-registered providers offer this online. Others deliver it in a classroom.
- Behind-the-wheel (BTW) — Must be completed in person at a training facility with a qualified instructor. This is where you practice driving and maneuvers.
Cost of ELDT
In most cases, ELDT is not a separate charge. When you pay for a CDL program at an approved school, the ELDT curriculum is included in your tuition. There is no federal fee for ELDT itself.
Some standalone ELDT theory providers exist for endorsement-only training, but for new CDL students a full program that bundles everything together is the standard and most efficient path. See our CDL training cost guide for full pricing detail.
How to Get Started
- Get your CDL learner’s permit (CLP) — Pass the CDL knowledge test at a Texas DPS office. You need this before starting behind-the-wheel training. Our CDL permit test guide can help you prepare.
- Enroll in an FMCSA-approved school — Confirm the school is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. All schools in our matching network are pre-vetted.
- Complete theory training — In-person or online, depending on the provider.
- Complete behind-the-wheel hours — Drive with a qualified instructor and complete required maneuvers.
- School reports completion — Your school submits your training data to the FMCSA database automatically.
- Schedule your CDL skills test — Once ELDT is verified, schedule your test at a Texas DPS testing location.
Most Texas CDL students complete their full training — including ELDT — in 3 to 8 weeks. See how long CDL training typically takes in Texas.
Ready to find an FMCSA-approved school near you? Get matched free or browse schools in your area.
Also see: How to Get Your CDL in Texas | Best CDL Schools Texas | CDL Training Near Me
Frequently Asked Questions
ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training. It’s a federal requirement set by the FMCSA in 2022 that applies to first-time Class A and Class B CDL applicants, Class B-to-Class A upgrades, and first-time Passenger, School Bus, and Hazmat endorsement applicants. It requires completing both theory and behind-the-wheel training at an FMCSA-registered provider.
You need ELDT if you are: applying for a Class A CDL for the first time, applying for a Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or adding a Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazmat (H) endorsement for the first time. Drivers who already held a CDL before February 7, 2022 and are not making changes do not need ELDT.
The theory (knowledge) component of ELDT can be completed online at some FMCSA-registered providers. However, the behind-the-wheel (BTW) component must be completed in person at a registered training facility with a qualified instructor. Not all schools offer online theory — confirm with the school before enrolling.
In most cases, no. If you enroll in a full CDL program at an FMCSA-approved school, the ELDT curriculum is typically included in tuition. Standalone ELDT courses are available for endorsement-only applicants, but for new CDL students the standard approach is a bundled program that covers everything.
ELDT is typically completed as part of a standard CDL program, which runs 3 to 8 weeks for most full-time Texas students. There is no federal minimum number of theory hours; FMCSA also sets no minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours. Completion is based on the instructor’s assessment of your proficiency, not a fixed hour count.