If you're new to trucking, you've probably heard about ELDT. So, what is it?

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is the rulebook for anyone starting out as a commercial driver. It’s a set of safety rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The goal is simple: make sure every new driver learns the same core skills to keep our roads safe.

Before ELDT, training was all over the place. What you learned in Texas could be totally different from what you learned in Maine. Now, the FMCSA makes sure every new driver in the country gets the same solid training.

This isn't just another hoop to jump through. It's about building a strong foundation for your career. When you finish your ELDT, you've met a national safety standard. This makes you a more qualified and prepared driver from day one.

Who Needs ELDT Training?

So, who do these new rules apply to? Let’s break it down.

This table shows if you need ELDT.

Basically, if you're new to the CDL world or moving up to a higher class or special endorsement, you need ELDT. You must finish your training with an approved school before you can take your skills test.

The good news is this rule has made the first part of your training simple. With lots of jobs for qualified drivers, finishing an approved theory course is your ticket to getting started. If you're ready to go, it helps to know what to look for before you enroll in the best online ELDT courses.

The Three Core Parts of Your ELDT Journey

Your ELDT training has three main parts. You have to finish all of them to get certified. It’s like learning any new skill: first you learn the rules, then you practice in a safe space, and finally you do it for real.

This setup makes sure every new driver learns the same important info and skills before they try to pass their CDL test. Let's look at each part.

Part 1: Theory Training

This is your classroom learning. It covers everything you need to know before you get in a truck. This includes safety rules, hours-of-service, basic controls, and pre-trip inspections. You'll also learn how to spot hazards and handle cargo safely.

The best part? You can do this whole part of your ELDT training online. This lets you study from home and on your own time. To pass, you must score at least 80% on the final test.

Part 2: Behind-the-Wheel Range Training

Once you pass the theory part, it’s time to get hands-on. Range training happens in a big, open area away from traffic, like a huge parking lot or practice yard.

This is your practice field. It’s where you'll master basic truck moves without the stress of other cars around.

Here, a certified instructor will teach you key skills like:

• Vehicle inspections (pre-trip and post-trip)
• Straight-line backing
• Alley dock backing
• Offset backing
• Parallel parking

Part 3: Behind-the-Wheel Public Road Training

Finally, you'll take what you've learned onto public roads. This is where your theory and range practice come together. You'll drive in real traffic with an instructor right there to help you.

This last stage covers everything from making turns and changing lanes to handling intersections and railroad crossings. It's the final step to make sure you're a safe, confident driver, ready to ace your CDL test and start your career.

How to Find a Registered ELDT Provider

For your ELDT training, you can't just pick any school you find online. To make sure your training counts, your school must be on the official FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Think of the TPR as the government’s approved list of schools. If a school isn't on it, your training won't count, and you can’t take your CDL skills test. It’s that simple. This is the most important step to find real training and avoid scams. Check the TPR before you pay anyone.

Using the Training Provider Registry

The good news is the FMCSA made the TPR easy to use. It’s a public website that helps you find certified schools anywhere in the country.

You can search the registry to find schools that work for you. The search filters let you look by:

• Location: Find schools near you.
• Provider Name: If you have a school in mind, check if it's on the list.
• Training Type: You can search for schools that offer theory, range, or road training.

The TPR is your single source of truth. If a provider is listed, the FMCSA has approved them. You can trust that your certificate will be accepted.

This registry is your best way to avoid wasting time and money on bad courses. As you look, you'll find many great schools offer the theory part online, which is very convenient. For more tips on what to look for, check out our guide on choosing an ELDT course online. It's a great way to start your training from home.

Understanding the Costs of ELDT Training

Let's get straight to it: how much will this cost? When you look into ELDT training, you'll see prices vary a lot. The total cost depends on the path you choose, so it's smart to know your options before you pay.

Many new drivers go to a traditional truck driving school for a full CDL program. These packages include everything: ELDT theory, range practice, and road instruction. It's convenient, but the price can be anywhere from $4,000 to over $10,000.

Another option is to split up your training. You can do the ELDT theory part online for a much lower price—often just a few hundred dollars. Then, you can find a local school for your behind-the-wheel training. This approach can save you a lot of money and give you more flexibility.

What’s Included in the Price

When you compare schools, you need to know exactly what you’re paying for. A good school will be upfront about the costs.

Tuition for a full CDL program usually includes:

• ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training
• Use of the school’s truck for training and the final skills test
• An instructor’s time for practice

Always ask what isn't included. Hidden fees can pop up. Find out if you have to pay extra for your CDL permit, the skills test fee, or your medical exam.

Is Company-Sponsored Training a Good Deal?

You’ve probably seen ads for "free" CDL training. This is when a trucking company pays for your school costs. Sounds good, right?

Here’s the catch: you have to sign a contract to work for that company for a set time, usually a year or more. It’s a great way to start with no money down, but read the contract carefully. If you leave before your contract is up, you’ll likely have to pay back the full tuition. You trade a "free" start for being tied to one company.

This kind of sponsored training happens in other fields, too. For instance, global English language training is a huge market, expected to reach $115.29 billion by 2029. You can learn more about these educational market trends from industry reports.

Completing Your ELDT Theory Training Online

One of the best things about the ELDT rules is you can do all your theory training online. This gives you the freedom to study whenever and wherever you want.

You can go through the course at your own speed. You can study early in the morning or late at night. This flexibility is a big help if you're balancing training with a job or family. Plus, online courses are often much cheaper than full school programs.

What to Expect from an Online Course

A good online ELDT training course is simple and clear. You’ll go through lessons with videos, reading, and short quizzes to help you learn. These cover all the required topics, from basic truck operation to safety rules.

To pass the theory part of your ELDT, you must score at least 80% on the final test. This is a federal rule, so pick a good program that will prepare you.

Once you pass, the school automatically reports it to the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). That official report means you are clear to start your behind-the-wheel training.

Choosing a Quality Online Provider

Online training is flexible, but you must pick a real, quality school from the TPR. A good program will be easy to use and fully certified. For a list of courses that meet federal rules, you can check out options like our Class A CDL Theory course.

This move to online learning isn't just in trucking. The global market for English Language Training was worth about $83.55 billion in 2024, thanks to the growth of online learning. You can read more about these educational market trends to see how much learning is changing.

Just remember: while the theory part is online, your driving practice must be in person with a certified instructor.

Common Questions About ELDT Training

Starting in trucking means learning a lot of new rules. It's normal to have questions about your ELDT training. Let’s clear up some of the most common ones so you can get on the road.

We'll skip the jargon and get right to the point.

How Long Does ELDT Training Take?

This is a big question. The honest answer is: it depends on you. The online theory part is self-paced. You can finish it in a few days or take a few weeks if you need to.

For the driving part, there’s no set number of hours. It’s all about skill. You’re done when your instructor says you've mastered all the moves. In total, most people finish a full CDL program—theory and driving—in about three to seven weeks.

Do I Need ELDT If I Already Have a CDL?

This confuses a lot of people, but the rule is simple. If you got your CDL or an endorsement (like Hazmat) before February 7, 2022, you’re all set. You don't need to do anything for that license.

But, here's the catch: if you're upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL, or adding a new S, P, or H endorsement after that date, you'll need to complete ELDT for that upgrade.

The key thing to remember is ELDT is for entry-level drivers. It’s for anyone getting a new license, upgrading, or adding certain endorsements after the 2022 deadline.

Can I Fail ELDT Training?

Yes, you can fail, but you can try again. For the theory part, you need to score at least 80% on the final test. If you don't pass the first time, a good online school will let you review and retake the test.

For the driving part, you don't really "fail." You just keep practicing with your instructor until you can do all the moves safely. You won't get your certificate until your instructor is confident in your skills.

Ready to start your journey with a trusted, FMCSA-approved provider? At ELDT Nation, we make your theory training straightforward and affordable, with self-paced online courses you can start today. Get your ELDT certification with ELDT Nation.