Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Q&A

Q. Who is required to be compliant with ELDT?

A. Anyone with a permit dated Feb 7th 2022 or later. If your permit is dated prior to that date then you are exempt

Q. What are the new requirements for ELDT?

A. New applicants as of Feb 7th 2022 must meet the minimum ELDT training curriculum requirements for training which includes Theory (classroom) training and Hands-On Training. We utilize an ELDT online theory course that is registered and compliant with ELDT to satisfy the Theory training. Work though the online ELDT training course at your own pace on your own schedule: cdlonline.com. This is an ELDT training online provider. All of our Behind the Wheel training courses are also compliant with ELDT. CDL Online also has a cdl practice test online you can try. Have questions about the online ELDT courses? Contact us!

Q. Is it harder to get a ELDT CDL with the new requirements?

A. Prior to Feb 7th 2022 an individual could do the written testing for their permit and do the skills testing for their license without formal training. Many people learned on the job or got training from a friend. Moving forward, the institution doing the training must be listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). You’ll need to find an official ELDT training provider. Completing these programs through a registered provider certifies your readiness to test at the DMV. Skills tests can’t be scheduled if you have not completed a Theory course and Behind the Wheel course through a registered provider. Your completion results in an official ELDT certification.

Q. Do you need to complete your ELDT Theory Course before obtaining your CLP?

A. No, you do not need to complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory Course before obtaining your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) federally. However, some states may require it as a prerequisite of the ELDT curriculum. The ELDT Theory Course is mandatory before the skills testing and helps prepare for the permit test, but it can be completed after obtaining the permit.

Q. Is there a minimum time requirement for behind-the-wheel training?

A. No, there is no federally mandated minimum time requirement for behind-the-wheel training. The requirement is based on proficiency that meets federal standards. However, some states may have their own minimum hours requirements for behind-the-wheel training.

Q. How much does ELDT training (Entry-Level Driver Training) cost?

A. ELDT training costs can vary. Prices can change depending on whether it’s an in-person or ELDT online course. If you’re interested in a convenient option, our ELDT online CDL course meets federal requirements at a competitive cost. You can reach out to us if you’re looking for an exact price for the training you require. How long is ELDT training online? You can work at your own pace by going the ELDT training online route, with automatic reporting. Visit CDLonline.com for more information and online ELDT training cost details.

Q. How long is ELDT training? 

A. ELDT is proficiency based, so there’s not an answer to this question that fits everyone. On the federal level there is no minimum requirement for hours. Some states require minimum hours like CA and WA. Idaho does not. Our personalized programs allow students to do more hands-on hours in less days than a traditional school. Contact us if you have more questions about how long our training might take you. 

Q. Does this behind-the-wheel training program follow federal requirements for the ELDT curriculum? 

A. This training program fulfills your requirements to complete behind-the-wheel training and prepares you for your skills test. It adheres to the ELDT training curriculum set by federal regulations. However, you are still required to complete ELDT theory courses. 

Q. Is there an online ELDT course available? 

A. You are allowed to take your ELDT theory courses online. That is why we partner with CDLOnline.com, which offers online ELDT courses. Their ELDT online course provides ELDT training online to get yourself an ELDT certificate. Visit www.cdlonline.com to explore the online ELDT training options and learn about the ELDT online training cost.

Q. Should I take the courses for ELDT training online or in-person? 

A. Either one. You can take your ELDT theory courses in person in a classroom or you can take them online, as long as they’re part of a compliant school. Both in-person and online programs cover the ELDT training curriculum, as long as they meet FMCSA standards. There are several factors to consider. Online ELDT courses offer more flexibility, since ELDT CDL online programs can be taken at your own pace from any location. With online ELDT courses, you’ll be able to balance your other responsibilities while taking them. The ELDT online training cost can vary depending on the school. Our online CDL course meets federal requirements at a competitive cost. It’s also important to consider how long is ELDT CDL training in person versus online. This can also vary depending on the school. In Idaho there is no minimum requirement for hours, but our personalized programs allow students to do more hands-on hours in less days than a traditional school. Overall, ELDT online training suits self-paced learners and offers more flexibility, while in-person offers face-to-face instruction. You can choose our online ELDT training courses for flexibility, paired with our behind the wheel training program, or you can do it all in person at a local trucking school.  

Q. Is Idaho CDL Training on the list of registered ELDT training providers? 

A. Yes, Idaho CDL Training is on the list of registered ELDT training providers with FMCSA on the Training Provider Registry. 

Q. What is the required CDL ELDT curriculum? 

A. The ELDT curriculum varies depending on whether you need a Class A or Class B license, and whether you need a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement. Each curriculum has different theory and behind-the-wheel requirements. FMCSA stipulates what is taught and included in the curriculum. Our courses follow the required ELDT curriculum as stipulated by the FMCSA.  

Q. Will my CDL ELDT certificate expire? 

A. No, your ELDT certificate does not expire once your training is completed and your ELDT certificate has been issued. Your ELDT training, however, does expire if not completed within a certain time period. Your Theory and Behind the Wheel training have to be completed within 1 year of each other. If not then you will have to redo your Theory training before you can receive your ELDT certificate. 

Q. How much does ELDT CDL online training cost? 

A. The cost of online ELDT training can vary depending on the provider. Online ELDT courses can range from $25 to $600. Some ELDT training providers offer bundled packages or free training with other ELDT courses. 

Not all ELDT courses are created equal. We vetted online programs in order to offer a quality product with excellent customer service and no nickel and dime games. As a result, we’ve partnered with CDLOnline.com, which offers affordable ELDT CDL online courses for as low as $60, with some free courses available. Visit https://www.cdlonline.com/ to learn more about how much their ELDT online training costs.  

Q. Have more questions about entry level driving training?

A. If you have more questions for us about ELDT training and ELDT curriculum, please reach out to us! We’re a registered ELDT training provider, and our team would love to answer your online ELDT course questions.

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