ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training)

Attention all CDL Drivers and Schools- Effective 02/07/2022

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a set of new 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 existing CDL's (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 are required to verify CDL applicant's 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 for the first time.

FMCSA has a compliance date of February 7, 2022, for training providers to upload driver training certification to the Training Provider Registry, and for the state, driver licensing agencies to confirm driver applicants have met the ELDT requirements.

ELDT is a FMCSA program and is not administered by the Rhode Island DMV. For more information please select one of the links below or call the FMCSA information line at 1-800-832-5660 or the FMCSA Rhode Island Field Office at 401-431-6010.

Entry-level driver training information 



Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Notice from FMCSA Regarding Training Provider Registry

FMCSA updated the Entry-Level Driver Training Provider Registry website to enable training provider registration. Training providers can visit here.

The Training Provider Registry will:

  • Provide a list of training providers who have registered with FMCSA and self-certified that they meet the Federal requirements in the Entry-Level Driver Training (EDLT) final rule.
  • Retain information about which CDL applicants have successfully completed entry-level driver training so that States can verify completion of entry-level driver training prior to administering a CDL skills or knowledge test.

Only training providers that register with FMCSA through the Training Provider Registry, and certify their compliance with Federal and State regulations, will appear on the public list and be able to submit information certifying a driver's successful completion of training.

Resources for Training Providers

Training providers can access the following resources on the TPR website:

Resources for Enforcement

  • Download registration talking points for responding to training provider questions.
  • Enforcement personnel and SDLA staff can access additional resources here.  

The ELDT regulations will improve safety by ensuring that all entry-level drivers receive and successfully complete comprehensive training from a self-certified training provider prior to obtaining a CDL, upgrade, or endorsement.

For more information about the ELDT requirements or the Training Provider Registry, FMCSA personnel can contact Joshua Jones, FMCSA CDL Division, at Joshua.Jones@dot.gov.

All CDL transactions are done at the DMV headquarters in Cranston.

State Requirements for Certification as an ELDT Provider

In addition to meeting the federal requirements set forth in the FMCSRs, applicants wishing to become certified to provide ELDT training and be listed in the Training Provider Registry must comply with state regulatory provisions. ELDT training encompasses both theory (classroom) training, as well as behind the wheel (practical) training. The requirements that must be met and the agencies that provide oversight are different depending on the type of training offered.

Classroom/Theory Training

In order to provide classroom/theory training for compensation, a Training Provider must obtain a proprietary school license through the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner. If you wish to apply for a proprietary school license, please email DMV.ELDT@DMV.RI.GOV.

In the event that the training is being performed by an employer or state/municipal body for the benefit of its employees and no funding is received for the training, the Training Provider may apply for an exemption from the proprietary school requirement. Please complete the OPC Exemption Application below and email it to DMV.ELDT@DMV.RI.GOV.

Behind the Wheel Training

In order to provide behind the wheel training for compensation, a Training Provider must obtain a commercial driving school license and/or an instructor’s license, both of which are issued by the DMV. Please complete the appropriate application below and email it to DMV.ELDT@DMV.RI.GOV.

In the event that the training is being performed by an employer or state/municipal body for the benefit of its employees and no funding is received for the training, the Training Provider must submit an affidavit attesting to the fact that the training program is not open to the public and funding is not received for the training. Under the conditions set forth in the affidavit, a commercial school and/or instructor’s license is not required. Please complete the DMV ELDT Affidavit below and email it to DMV.ELDT@DMV.RI.GOV .

Resources

ELDT File list