Entry Level Driver Training

Beginning February 7, 2022 all first time applicants who obtain their CLP, must fulfill the ELDT training requirements before they are permitted to take their CDL skills test. The following documents were put together by industry, FMCSA and the MN State Patrol to help you transition to the new training requirements.

• Per 49 CFR § 380.603(c)(1), an applicant who obtains a CLP before this Monday, February 7, 2022 is not required to complete the entry-level driver training for obtaining a CDL, so long as, the applicant obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires.
• If an applicant who obtains a CLP prior to February 7, 2022, obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements.
• The ELDT must complete before being permitted to take certain commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills tests on or after February 7, 2022.
  • Who is considered an entry-level driver? Individuals applying to
    • Obtain a Class A CDL or Class B CDL for the first time;
    • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL;
    • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
• ELDT Regulations: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt
• FMCSA Online Regulations: eCFR :: 49 CFR Chapter III Subchapter B -- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
• For more information about the ELDT regulations and the Training Provider registry, visit https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov

MN School Bus Driver's Handbook

ELDT Training Guide will provide references for you to use to cover the required curriculum for someone looking to obtain a Class "B" license with "P" and "S" endorsements. The guide is broken down into three tables, one for each category. An applicant will only need to complete the training curriculum for what they are looking to upgrade to. Examples; a class D driver will have to complete all 3 sections while someone with a Class "B" and "P" will only need to complete the training for the "S" curriculum.

Per the ELDT regulation an applicant is required to pass a written assessment with a score of 80% or higher for the theory portion.

School Bus Only Exam

School Bus Only Key

Class B + Passenger + School Bus Endorsement Exam

Class B + P + S Answer Key

There is no requirement for number of test questions, only that they pass at a rate of 80% or higher.

Informational: Clarification due to the large amount of inquires and misunderstandings on obtaining a Commercial Drivers’ License

• Effective February 7, 2022, there are three (3) distinctive steps to obtain a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL)
• “NEW” Federally Mandated Requirement: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) – See attached federal regulation Part 380
  • FMCSA Link: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/
  • Register to become an ELDT Training Provider: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Provider

Step #1: Knowledge Testing

• Minnesota CDL Manual: Study the Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License Requirements manual
  • Minnesota CDL Manual Link: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Pages/default.aspx
• Knowledge Tests. An individual will take one or more CDL knowledge tests, described in Minnesota State CDL manual, depending on class of license and endorsements
  • Note: Minnesota allows one attempt for each knowledge test once per day (see attached CDL manual)
• Knowledge Testing chart: It will determine which knowledge test(s) are needed when obtaining or upgrading your CDL (see manual)

Upon successful completion of Knowledge Testing: A driver will have obtained the Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)

Once Knowledge Testing is completed: Move onto Step #2

Step #2: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) – “NEW” Federally Mandated Requirement Effective February 7, 2022

• First: The Driver will need to enroll in an approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Program:
  • For anyone seeking a Class A or Class B CDL,
  • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL, or
  • Anyone obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement , for the first time.
• To enroll: A driver will access the Training Provider Registry (TRP) to locate an approved training provider
  • TRP Provider List: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Provider
  • TRP Training Provider Search Link: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Search
• Complete ELDT Training (two primary sections – see Part 380 attached):
  1. Classroom Theory Training, and
  2. Behind-the Wheel (BTW) training.

Once ELDT is successfully completed: Move onto Step #3

Step #3: Skills Test

• Upon successful completion of the ELDT program, which includes theory and behind-the-wheel training, a driver must successfully pass a skills test examination
• The Skills Test Examination – is broken into three phases:
  1. The pre-trip inspection;
  2. The basic control skills, and
  3. The road test.
  You must take all three (3) tests in a representative vehicle for which you wish to be licensed

Upon successful completion a driver will be able to apply for a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL)