What is Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and how does it affect my agency?Â
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations that set baseline training requirements for entry-level drivers. This rule impacts any individual wishing to obtain for the first time (or to upgrade to) a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License and/or to obtain a Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time. Compliance for this new regulation began on February 7, 2022. It does apply to public transit. For a more detailed explanation, see the ELDT one-pager.Â
Download the ELDT FAQ here. If you have a question not listed there, please email support@mnrtap.net.Â
Start Here:
Click here to download the printable ELDT checklist that walks you through all the steps to make sure you are in compliance.
Contacts
- If you have questions or concerns about any of the resources listed on this page, please contact support@mnrtap.net.
- If you have questions for FMCSA, please contact Matthew Marrin, Division Administrator, FMCSA Minnesota Division Office, Matthew.Marrin@dot.gov.Â
- If you’re having trouble scheduling a road test, this number for DVS might help: 651-297-3298
Training Provider Registry
If you plan to do your own training, before you do anything, you must register your agency with FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. Once you complete training, you must certify that your driver has completed the training by midnight of the second business day after they complete the training.
If you’re not sure if the state licensing agency has received the ELDT record from the TPR, you can check here, using your CLP number: https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/?Link=CredentialStatusÂ
Who Is Eligible to Train the ELDT Curriculum?
Your trainer must meet these requirements:
Your trainer must hold a current license or endorsement for the license or endorsement their driver is seeking.Â
AND at least one of the following two options:Â
- At least 2 years of experience driving vehicle requiring the same license or endorsement their driver is seeking.Â
ORÂ
- At least 2 years of experience as a behind-the-wheel CMV instructorÂ
Exception: If your trainer previously held a CDL or endorsement of the same (or higher) class as their driver is seeking, and meets all other listed requirements above, they may do the training.
Assistance for Agencies without Trainers: If you do not have the capability or capacity to do the ELDT training on your own, please contact RTAP at support@mnrtap.net. We can coordinate with you to have your driver take the theory training virtually with another agency that does have a certified trainer. For behind-the-wheel training, we can send out an RTAP trainer.
Training Materials
The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory Curriculum, tests and other supporting documents featured on this website were created by a multi-agency working group within the state of Minnesota for the Minnesota Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP). The team leading the effort is funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). All material was created based on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements specified by 49 CFR Part 380, as they pertain to public transit in Minnesota. Please note that the training materials, tests, and other supporting documents may contain additional information specific to Minnesota public transit agencies. For more information about ELDT training requirements, please visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/. Requests for the test answer key will be honored for all public transit, non-profit or government agencies via a formal request process. If you are a for-profit organization requesting materials on behalf of a non-profit agency/client, please direct the agency/client to complete the request form. If you are a Minnesota public transit agency, you may request the answer key by emailing RTAP at support@mnrtap.net.
Click the links below to download the training materials.
PowerPoints:Â
There is overlap in content for these trainings. Class A with Passenger Endorsement includes everything available and would be useful to someone who is training multiple class licenses.
Class A with Passenger Endorsement PowerPoint (439 slides) PDF version
Class B with Passenger Endorsement PowerPoint (437 slides) PDF version
Passenger Endorsement Only PowerPoint (246 slides) PDF version
Tests:Â
Your driver must pass their test with a score of 80% or higher.Â
Class A with Passenger Endorsement PDF
Class B with Passenger Endorsement PDF
Passenger Endorsement Only PDF
If you are a trainer, please request the test answer key(s) by completing the request form.
Behind-the-Wheel Checklists
If your driver is seeking a Class A or Class B license with Passenger Endorsement, they must complete both the Class B or A checklist and the Passenger Endorsement checklist.Â
*Note: there is no behind-the-wheel training required by FMCSA when a driver is moving from a Class B to a Class A CDL, only the theory test.Â
What records do you need to retain?Â
You must retain these records for a minimum of three (3) years after the date your driver receives Entry-Level Driver Training.Â
- Self-certifications by all accepted driver-trainees for BTW training attesting that they will comply with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations in parts 40, 382, 383, and 391, as well as State and/or local laws, related to controlled substances testing, age, medical certification, licensing, and driving record. Download a sample self-certification form here.
- A copy of the driver-trainee’s commercial learner’s permit(s) (CLP(s)) and CDL
- Instructor qualification documentation: RTAP recommends you include a scanned copy of your CDL and a document attesting to your work history of 2+ years as either a driver of the vehicle you are training on or 2+ years of experience as a behind-the-wheel instructor.Â
- Lesson plans for theory and BTW (range and public road) training curricula: Keep a copy on file of the RTAP ELDT PowerPoint and Test for this purpose.Â
- Records of individual entry-level driver training assessments. Keep each driver’s ELDT knowledge test showing a score of 80% or higher.Â
ELDT Working GroupÂ
The ELDT Working Group meets quarterly to assess how training is going and if any additional resources are needed from RTAP. To attend any of the following working group meetings, click the links below to register or email support@mnrtap.net indicating your interest and you will be invited to that virtual meeting. Registering for one meeting registers you for future meetings as well.
Resources
One-Page ELDT Handout from MnDOTÂ (PDF)
Brief from the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) (PDF)
FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) (Link to website)
Recorded ELDT Webinar, Hosted by MnRTAP on February 2, 2022 (YouTube link)