Frequently Asked Questions

 ELDT is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training rule, which sets minimum training standards for new commercial drivers. You need to complete ELDT if you are seeking to obtain a Class A or B CDL for the first time, to upgrade from a Class B to a Class A CDL, or to obtain a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement. Beginning February 7, 2022, completing training from an FMCSA-registered provider is required to be eligible to take the CDL skills and knowledge tests. 

The regulation can be found here: FMCSA ELDT RULE

 What ELDT Entails

• Minimum Training Standards: ELDT provides a consistent training baseline across the United States, ensuring new drivers meet safety standards before operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). 
• Registered Providers: You must complete your training from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. (Luckily you have already found the right one!)
• Curriculum Components: The training covers theoretical knowledge, including orientation and control systems, as well as practical skills like pre-trip inspections, backing, and road driving. 

Why It's Required

• Safety: The primary goal is to improve safety for drivers and the public by ensuring new CDL holders are properly trained. 
• Federal Mandate: This is a federal requirement, not just a state-specific rule, and began on February 7, 2022. 
• Eligibility for Testing: You cannot take the required CDL knowledge or skills tests without completing the applicable ELDT from a registered provider. 

In summary, if you are pursuing a new CDL or specific endorsements for the first time, you are subject to the ELDT rule and must complete training from an approved provider.  

In general, you will need a commercial license if you want to drive:

1. A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001#'s or more.
2. A Power Unit combined with a trailer which has a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001#'s or more, provided the trailer being towed has a GVWR of 10,001#'s or more.
3. A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
4. Any vehicle required to display placards for hazardous materials.

There is a CDL flow chart on page 1.4 of the CDL driver's manual. You can also scan this QR code to obtain the flowchart from the manual.

 Once your license has been surrendered or expired more than one (1) year or your DOT physical has expired for more than three (3) years then you must start all over by getting a new physical, take the appropriate written tests, obtain a new CDL learners permit, and successfully complete a CDL Skills Test. 

In general, you will need a commercial license if you want to drive:

1. A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001#'s or more.
2. A Power Unit combined with a trailer which has a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001#'s or more, provided the trailer being towed has a GVWR of 10,001#'s or more.
3. A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
4. Any vehicle required to display placards for hazardous materials.

There is a CDL flow chart on page 1.4 of the CDL driver's manual. You can also scan this QR code to obtain the flowchart from the manual.

In general, you will need a commercial license if you want to drive:

1. A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001#'s or more.
2. A Power Unit combined with a trailer which has a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001#'s or more, provided the trailer being towed has a GVWR of 10,001#'s or more.
3. A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
4. Any vehicle required to display placards for hazardous materials.

There is a CDL flow chart on page 1.4 of the CDL driver's manual. You can also scan this QR code to obtain the flowchart from the manual.

 Obtain a CDL manual from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles web site at www.IN.gov/bmv
Look through the preface for all requirements to obtain a CDL License.