DPS Reminds CDL Applicants about Entry Level Driver Training

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding applicants for a commercial driver's license (CDL) or certain endorsements that the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements begin Feb. 7, 2022. Recent inclement weather has closed some driver's license offices; however, the federal requirement has not been delayed as a result of these closures.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees the ELDT regulations, which are designed to improve highway safety by ensuring entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles complete minimum federal training requirements before being permitted to take certain CDL tests.

Anyone who is either applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading an existing CDL to a Class A or B, or obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time must meet ELDT requirements. Each state must electronically verify that an applicant completed the required training and certification process before administering a CDL skills test or prior to the knowledge test for an ‘H’ endorsement.

Commercial driving schools can become an approved ELDT provider by registering with FMCSA through its Training Provider Registry (TPR).

For more information about how the federal program works, how to become a certified Training Registry Provider and what schools are registered to provide ELDT training, visit the TPR site.