Entry-Level Driver Training FAQs

The ELDT regulations defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 49 CFR 380 establish minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators in interstate and intrastate commerce who are applying for:

• A Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time;
• A Class C CDL with Passenger, School Bus or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time;
• An upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or
• A hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time.

The requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an H, P, or S endorsement issued prior to February 7, 2022. Individuals who obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before the compliance date of February 7, 2022 are not subject to ELDT requirements as long as they obtain a CDL before the expiration date of the CLP.

ELDT is required when upgrading the class of CDL and is required when adding hazmat, passenger, and school bus endorsements. ELDT is not required for a current CDL holder adding a motorcycle, tank or doubles and triples endorsement.

No. An individual who meets skill test waiver provisions defined in 49 CFR 383 is not subject to ELDT requirements.

Only certified providers approved by FMCSA and listed on the Training Provider Registry can provide the mandatory training. Training conducted by other entities, not listed in the registry or by providers who have since been removed from the registry will not meet the training provisions of the ELDT program for purposes of CDL issuance or upgrade.

For additional information about ELDT providers visit https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/

FMCSA will make the list of registered training providers available from the Training Provider website at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/

In Missouri you may schedule the CDL skills test prior to completing the ELDT program, however skills testing cannot be conducted if the ELDT completion cannot be verified when you appear for testing.

ELDT is required for a first time hazardous materials endorsement applicant. A hazardous materials endorsement requires completion of a knowledge test. The ELDT must be completed prior to appearing a Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Examination Station to be eligible for testing.

In order to become a training provider, you must meet the following minimum requirements set forth in 49 CFR § 380.703:

1. Follow a curriculum that meets the applicable criteria in Appendices A-E of Part 380;
2. Utilize facilities meeting the criteria in § 380.709;
3. Utilize vehicles meeting the criteria in § 380.711;
4. Utilize instructors meeting the criteria in § 380.713;
5. Meet recordkeeping requirements in § 380.725;
6. Be licensed, certified, registered, or authorized to provide training in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of any State where in-person training is conducted.

Training providers must register and submit their attestations of compliance through the Training Provider Registry at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Provider.

The Missouri Department of Revenue and the Missouri State Highway Patrol do not approve or deny ELDT providers or trainers. Any questions about eligibility or provider compliance must be directed to the Training Provider Registry Team through FMCSA’s provider information page at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Provider

No. A driver holding a valid, unexpired CLP that expires on our after February 7, 2022 are not required to complete ELDT prior to administration of the skills testing. If the CLP expires before skills testing is completed in full requiring you to retake the knowledge testing to obtain an additional CLP term, you will also be required to complete ELDT.

Both entities will use the Commercial Skills Test Information Management System (CSTIMS) to submit an inquiry to the Training Provider Registry to confirm the driver is listed has having completed an eligible ELDT program.

No, DOR does not approve or deny ELDT programs or training programs. Approved ELDT providers must be certified under FMCSA requirements and listed in the Federal Training Provider Registry.

Training programs that want to be listed as a certified Proprietary School or other program accreditation, in addition to their qualifications for the Federal Training Provider Registry, must apply for such certification through the Department of Higher Education. https://dhewd.mo.gov/psc/

ELDT programs are not required to have met state accreditation requirements, but must meet all FMCSA regulatory requirements for eligibility to be listed in the TPR.

ELDT providers are required per provisions of 49 CFR 380 to post the information to the registry within 48 hours of training completion. Once a provider posts the information, it will be available to state licensing agencies and other eligible CDL testing programs for verification.