Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a set of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) minimum training standards for commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants. ELDT is required for drivers applying the first time for a Class A or Class B CDL; upgrading an existing CDL (Class B CDL to Class A CDL); or adding the following endorsements: hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S).

State driver licensing agencies will be required to verify CDL applicants’ ELDT completion prior to allowing applicants to take a skills test for a Class A or Class B CDL, or a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement, or a knowledge test prior to obtaining the hazardous materials (H) endorsement.

Effective February 7, 2022, training providers will be required to upload driver training certification to the Training Provider Registry, and the Iowa DOT will be required to confirm driver applicants have met the ELDT requirements prior to administering CDL tests.

ELDT is a FMCSA program and is not administered by the Iowa DOT. For more information please select the link below or call the FMCSA information line at 1-800-832-5660 or the FMCSA Iowa Field Office at 515-233-7400.

Get more information about ELDT and view the listing of approved training providers

FMCSA has released a video to help answers questions on which driver’s are required to take entry-level driver training. View the FMCSA video