If you want to get into trucking, you’ve probably heard about Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). So, what is it? Think of it as the basic safety training required by the government. Every new driver has to finish it before they can hit the road.

This rule comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It makes sure every new trucker starts out with the same solid safety skills.

What Is ELDT and Why It Matters for New Truckers

The ELDT rule isn't meant to make getting your CDL harder. It’s actually a good thing. It sets one single, nationwide standard for what a new driver needs to know. Before this rule, training was different in every state.

Now, it’s simple. Every new driver in the U.S. has to complete ELDT from an approved school. This makes sure you have the key skills to drive a big rig safely from day one. It's your first big step to a long and safe career.

Who Needs to Complete ELDT

So, who has to do this? It’s not just for people who've never touched a truck before. This quick guide will tell you if the rule applies to you.

Quick Guide: Who Needs ELDT

This table shows you exactly when you need to finish ELDT before you can take your CDL skills test.

If you got your CDL before the rule started on February 7, 2022, you're good to go. You don't need to do the training unless you upgrade your license or add one of those special endorsements for the first time.

Here's the bottom line: ELDT isn't just a box to check. It's about making our roads safer by training better drivers right from the start.

Remember, you must finish ELDT with a provider from the official Training Provider Registry (TPR). This is how you get permission to schedule your state CDL test. If you take a course from a school that isn't on that list, it won't count. You’ll be wasting your time and money. The TPR makes sure the training you pay for is the real deal and meets all the federal rules.

The Two Core Parts of ELDT Training

Your ELDT training is broken into two main parts. You can think of it like this: First, you learn the rules of the road in a classroom. That’s your theory training. Then, you get in a real truck with an instructor to practice driving. That’s your behind-the-wheel training.

You have to finish both parts to meet the federal rules. The most important thing is to pick a provider from the FMCSA's official Training Provider Registry (TPR) for both. If they aren't on that list, your training is worthless.

Theory: The Classroom Part

This is where you learn the basics. Before you can get behind the wheel, you have to know the rules, safety checks, and regulations that keep everyone safe. This part of your training covers things like truck systems, how to do inspections, and basic driving knowledge.

A lot of drivers do this part online. It's easy and you can learn on your own time. Our Class A CDL Theory course is a great example. Once you finish the material, you have to pass a final test with a score of 80% or higher to prove you know your stuff.

Behind-the-Wheel: The Hands-On Part

This is where you actually drive. You’ll take what you learned in the classroom and use it in a real truck with a certified instructor. You'll practice driving skills on a practice range first, and then on public roads.

A lot of people think you need a certain number of hours for BTW training. That's not true. There is no minimum number of hours. Your instructor decides when you're ready. They have to confirm you can do all the required skills well, no matter how long it takes.

This mix of online and in-person learning is becoming popular everywhere. For example, the global English Language Training market was worth about $83.55 billion in 2024, mostly because of online learning. A report from The Business Research Company shows how common and effective online learning has become in many fields.

How to Find an Approved ELDT Provider

Picking the right school for your ELDT is a big deal. You must choose a provider that is officially approved by the FMCSA. If you don't, your training won't count, and you will have wasted your time and money.

When you're checking a school, only one list matters: the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). This is the government's official list, and it's the only one you should trust.

Using the Training Provider Registry

The TPR website helps you find schools or instructors near you. You can search for the type of training you need, like Class A theory or behind-the-wheel practice.

Here’s what the search page looks like. You can enter your state, what training you need, and the school's name if you know it.

This tool is the best way to avoid scams and make sure you sign up for a real ELDT training program.

When you look at a provider on the TPR, check what they offer. Some schools have both theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. Others might only do one. For example, many drivers do their theory part online because it's more flexible. You can learn more by reading our guide on what to look for in the best online ELDT courses before you sign up.

The bottom line is this: the registry is a sure way to check if a provider is legit. Always, always check the TPR before you pay anyone for training.

This move to standard, verifiable training isn't just in trucking. For instance, the global English Language Training market is expected to grow from $101.29 billion in 2024 to over $180.65 billion by 2032. This shows how important certified training is in all kinds of jobs.

Is Online ELDT Training a Good Option for You?

So, can you just do your ELDT training online? The short answer is yes—but only the theory part. Let's be very clear: the behind-the-wheel part must be done in person, in a real truck, with a certified instructor.

You just can't replace real driving experience. But doing the classroom stuff online has some big benefits, especially for your schedule and your wallet.

Pros and Cons of Online Theory Training

Choosing an online course for your theory training can be a smart move. You can study from home, on your own schedule, and go at your own speed. You don't have to sit in a boring classroom for hours if you can learn the material faster yourself.

But let's be honest—online learning isn't for everybody. You have to be disciplined to get the work done when there's no teacher around.

Here’s a quick list to help you decide:

• Pro: Learn Anywhere, Anytime. You can do lessons after work, on weekends, or whenever you have free time. This is a huge plus if you're already working another job.
• Pro: Often Cheaper. Online theory courses usually cost less than the all-in-one programs at a big trucking school.
• Con: You Have to Be a Self-Starter. There's no teacher looking over your shoulder. It's up to you to log in, study, and finish the work.
• Con: Less Direct Help. You can’t just raise your hand to ask a question. Most programs offer support, but it's not as quick as talking to someone in person.

In the end, it comes down to how you learn and what you can afford. If you're disciplined and want to save some money, an online theory course is a great way to start your ELDT training.

The move to online learning is a big deal. A report from For insights Consultancy shows how well digital learning works. Some online training markets are expected to grow from $93.2 billion to nearly $157.9 billion in the next ten years. It’s clear that good online training is here to stay.

To see if it's right for you, check out our guide on how ELDT training online can work for you.

Your ELDT Journey From Start to Finish

Getting through the ELDT process might seem like a lot at first, but it’s just a few simple steps. Think of it like a checklist for getting your CDL. If you follow it in order, you’ll be on your way to a new career.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to the whole ELDT training journey. This roadmap breaks it all down so it's easier to handle.

Your Step-by-Step ELDT Roadmap

1. Choose a Certified Provider: First, you have to pick a school or instructor from the official FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). You can't skip this. Any training from a provider that isn't on this list won't count.

2. Complete Your Theory Training: Next is the "classroom" part. You can do it online or in person, but you have to finish all the theory lessons. To pass, you need to get at least an 80% on the final exam.

3. Provider Reports Your Theory Completion: Once you pass, your school takes care of the paperwork. They have to report that you finished to the FMCSA. This is an important step that lets you move on.

4. Complete Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training: Now it's time to practice driving. You’ll get in a truck with a certified instructor to master your skills, first on a closed course and then on public roads.

5. Instructor Certifies Your Skills: There's no minimum number of hours for BTW training. It’s all about your skills. Your instructor must see that you can safely do all the required maneuvers before you can pass.

Remember, both parts of ELDT training—theory and behind-the-wheel—must be reported to the FMCSA. You can't skip a step or use a school that's not approved for either part.

6. Provider Reports BTW Completion: Just like with the theory part, your instructor will report your BTW completion to the FMCSA once they're sure you have the skills.

7. You Are Cleared for Your CDL Test: With both theory and BTW training officially recorded, you are now cleared to schedule your state CDL skills test. This is the final step between you and your new Commercial Driver's License.

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Common Questions About ELDT Training

If you're new to trucking, the whole Entry-Level Driver Training process can be confusing. Let's answer some of the most common questions new drivers have.

How Much Does ELDT Training Cost?

The cost of ELDT training changes depending on how you do it. If you just need the theory part, a good online course can cost a few hundred dollars. It's a cheap way to get started.

If you want the full package—theory and all the hands-on driving at a big trucking school—it will cost more. Usually between $3,000 and $10,000. Before you pay, always ask for a list of what's included in the price.

How Long Does ELDT Take to Complete?

There's no one answer. For the theory part, you could finish an online course in just a few days if you work hard at it. You can go at your own pace.

The behind-the-wheel (BTW) part is different. It depends on how quickly you learn the driving skills. Most full-time programs at truck driving schools take about three to seven weeks.

The key thing to remember is there's no minimum number of hours for BTW training. It’s not about sitting in a truck for a set time. It’s about proving you are a safe driver. Your instructor decides when you are ready for the test.

Do I Need ELDT If I Already Have a CDL?

We get this question a lot. If you got your CDL before February 7, 2022, you're fine. You don't need to do the full ELDT program.

But, you will need to do the right ELDT training if you want to:

• Upgrade from a Class B to a Class A license.
• Add a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazmat (H) endorsement for the first time.

What Happens After I Finish My ELDT Training?

Once your school says you’ve passed both the theory and BTW parts, they send your records to the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. This is the official go-ahead that lets you schedule your state CDL skills test.

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Ready to take the first step? ELDT Nation offers an FMCSA-approved online theory course that you can complete on your own schedule to get closer to your CDL. Get started today at https://www.eldtnation.com.