Effective February 7th, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established federal regulations requiring entry-level drivers to complete entry level driver training (ELDT) when they are seeking a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading to a Class A or B CDL or obtaining a passenger (P), school bus (S) or a hazardous material (H) endorsement for the first time. Entry-level driver applicants must obtain training from a training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an H, P, or S endorsement issued prior to February 7th, 2022. Individuals who obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before the compliance date of February 7th, 2022 are not subject to ELDT requirements as long as they obtain a CDL before the expiration date of the CLP or renewed CLP.

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1). Q: Who is an entry level driver?
A: An entry level driver is an applicant attempting to obtain a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrade to a Class A or B CDL or obtain a passenger (P), school bus (S) or a hazardous material (H) endorsement for the first time.

 

2), Q: What is the Training Provider Registry (TPR)?
A: The TPR is a system created and managed by FMCSA. The system will list all ELDT providers that are approved by FMCSA and allow ELDT providers to submit ELDT completion information to the TPR. The completion information maintained on the TPR serves as the proof that the entry-level driver applicant has completed the required ELDT.

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3), Q: Who can provide Entry-Level Driver Training?
A: Only training providers listed on the TPR can provide ELDT.

 

4), Q: What training must an entry-level driver complete to take a commercial driver license (CDL) skills test?
A: Entry-level drivers attempting to take a CDL skills test to receive a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, passenger (P) endorsement, or school bus (S) endorsement must successfully complete a mandatory theory (knowledge) and a behind-the-wheel (BTW) training provided by a training provider listed on the TPR.

 

5), Q: What training must an entry-level driver complete to obtain a Hazardous Material (H) endorsement?
Answer: To obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, the entry-level driver must complete mandatory theory (knowledge) training provided by a training provider listed on the TPR prior to taking the knowledge test for the Hazardous Material (H) endorsement.

 

6), Q: Will New York State accept ELDT completion from other states?
A: Yes. If the training provider is on the TPR, New York State will accept the ELDT completion.

 

7), Q: If I obtain a commercial driver license (CDL) before February 7, 2022, but have not obtained a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement before February 7, 2022, am I still subject to the ELDT requirements?
A: Yes. Any driver applying to obtain an S, P, or H endorsement for the first time is required to complete the ELDT.

 

8), Q: What role will the New York State DMV play in the ELDT regulations?
A: DMV will verify that an entry-level driver has completed the required training before allowing the driver to proceed with testing.

 

9), Q: How can I confirm that my training provider is on the TPR?
A: For the most updated list of training providers on the TPR, visit the FMCSA’s ELDT main page for details.

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10), Q: I hold a CDL that was issued before February 7, 2022. What if I apply for an upgrade to a higher class of CDL on or after February 7, 2022?

A: You must complete the required entry-level driver training for the class of CDL to which you are upgrading before you will be permitted to take the CDL skills test.

 

11), Q: My CLP was issued before February 7, 2022.

A: You are not required to complete entry-level driver training, as long as you obtain a CDL before the CLP, or renewed CLP, expires.

 

12), Q: I hold a CDL that was issued before February 7, 2022. What if I apply for an S, P, or H endorsement, for the first time, on or after February 7, 2022?

A: You must complete the required entry-level driver training for the endorsement(s) for which you are applying before you will be permitted to take the S or P skills test or H knowledge test.

 

13), Q: What if I obtain my CLP after February 7, 2022?

A: You must complete the required entry-level driver training before you will be permitted to take the CDL skills test, the S or P skills test, or the H knowledge test.

 

14), Q: I was issued a CDL before February 7, 2022.

A: You are not required to complete entry-level driver training to obtain a CDL, even if the previously issued CDL has since lapsed.

 

15), Q: I was issued an S, P, or H endorsement before February 7, 2022.

A: You are not required to complete entry-level driver training for the previously issued endorsement, even if it has since lapsed.

 

16), Q: I was issued a CLP before February 7, 2022, but the CLP expired before I applied for my CDL.

A: You must complete the required entry-level driver training before you will be permitted to take the CDL skills test.

 

 For the most updated information, check the FMCSA website.

 For more information regarding required training, visit the FMCSA’s ELDT Curriculum Summary.

 The information above is subject to change based on guidance from the FMCSA or any amendment to the federal rules and regulations.

 For questions or concerns please contact dmv.sm.ELDTSupport.dmv.ny.gov

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