Commercial Truck Driving Courses
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Commercial Truck Driving Courses
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations establish new Federal minimum training standards for entry-level drivers. (49 CFR 380, Appendix's A through E) This includes individuals applying for:
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A Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time
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An upgrade of an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
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A school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time
Beginning February 7, 2022, the ELDT compliance date, drivers must have completed the required entry-level driver training from a provider registered with FMCSA before taking a CDL skills or knowledge test to obtain one of the licenses or endorsements listed above.
How do the ELDT regulations impact current CDL holders?
Current CDL holders who apply for an S, P, or H endorsement on or after February 7, 2022 are subject to ELDT requirements for those endorsements.
The ELDT requirements for obtaining the S, P, or H endorsements also apply to drivers who obtain their CLP or CDL after February 7, 2022.
Note: ATESTT does not offer School bus (S) training courses.
FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Requirements
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Applicants are required to comply with the testing requirements for alcohol and/or controlled substances including:
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FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse query consent
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DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing (testing referral form will be provided by CEE) FEE: $70
Training Prerequisites
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Age 18 (intrastate license only)
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Age 21 (interstate license)
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Drivers license for a minimum 1 year and meet driver record eligibility requirements
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Must obtain Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) for the class of license that you will be training in with applicable endorsements (IA or IB).
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Must obtain Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) IB with P (Passenger endorsement) to attend Passenger Bus courses.
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Commercial Learners Permits (CLP) must be held for 14 days after date of issuance before road skills exam can be performed.
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DOT Medical Examiners Certificate from an approved facility listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
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Individuals who hold a Commercial Learners Permit or Commercial Driver License must be registered in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
Entry Level Driver Training Courses
Theory (Classroom) for Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)
ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) Theory Course CDL A and CDL B
This theory course is training to meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for new entry level drivers getting their commercial driver license, CDL A or CDL B. Curriculum topics include basic operation, safe operating practices, advanced operating practices, vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions, and non-driving activities, all are covered in detail, per 49 CFR 380, Appendix A & Appendix B.
This course requires an overall minimum score of 80% on the theory assessment. Individuals who do not meet the minimum score must seek additional training until a successful score is reached in order to attend Behind-the-Wheel skills training.
Prerequisites: Commercial Learners Permit (CLP IA or IB)
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In-person (7-day) course: Fees: Book: $60
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Online Independent Study course: Tuition included for eligible members
ELDT Passenger Bus Theory Course
This theory course is training to meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for new entry level drivers getting their commercial driver license CDL B with Passenger Endorsement. All required topics are covered in detail, per 49 CFR 380, Appendix C.
This course requires an overall minimum score of 80% on the theory assessment. Individuals who do not meet the minimum score must seek additional training until a successful score is reached in order to attend Behind-the-Wheel skills training.
Prerequisites: Commercial Learners Permit (CLP IB with Passenger Endorsement)
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In-Person (3-Day) Course: Fees: Book: $40
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Online Independent Study course: Tuition included for eligible members
Note: Individuals who do not currently hold a commercial driver license must attend the ELDT Theory and BTW for a CDL A/B with successful completion and verified in the FMCSR TPR database prior to enrollment.
ELDT Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) Theory Course
This theory course is training to meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for obtaining a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on a Commercial Driver License. This course requires an overall minimum score of 80% in order to take the written Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) test at DMV. All required topics are covered in detail, per 49 CFR 380, Appendix E.
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In-Person (1-Day) Course: Fees: Book: $40
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Online Independent Study course: Tuition included for eligible members
Passing this course is required before DMV will allow you take the written hazardous materials endorsement test.
Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) for Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)​​
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Prerequisites for all commercial driving hands-on skills courses:​
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Successful completion of the ELDT Theory course verified in the FMCSR TPR database.
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Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) for class of license that you will be training in with applicable endorsements (IA or IB)
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DOT drug screening $70.00 (scheduled by ATESTT prior to start of training)
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Verification from FMCSR Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse of no violations
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DOT Medical Examiners Certificate (by approved facility listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners)
ELDT CDL A Behind-the-Wheel Skills Training
This hands-on skills course covers both range and street driving activities that the entry-level driver training regulations specify for Class A vehicles. Range activities include pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, and coupling & uncoupling. Street driving activities include vehicle controls, shifting, communications, visual search, speed and space management, hazard perception, railroad crossing, hours of service, emergencies, and safe driver behavior.
This course requires a driver-trainee's proficiency in BTW skills in order to take the CDL road skills exam.
Prerequisites: see the above prerequisites for all commercial driving courses.
Road Skills Exam Fee: $25
DOT Substance Test: $70
ELDT CDL B Behind-the-Wheel Skills Training
This hands-on skills course covers both range and street driving activities that the entry-level driver training regulations specify for Class B vehicles. Range activities include pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, and coupling & uncoupling. Street driving activities include vehicle controls, shifting, communications, visual search, speed and space management, hazard perception, railroad crossing, hours of service, emergencies, and safe driver behavior.
This course requires a driver-trainee's proficiency in BTW skills in order to take the CDL road skills exam.
Prerequisites: see the above prerequisites for all commercial driving courses.
Road Skills Exam Fee: $25
DOT Substance Test: $70
ELDT CDL B Passenger Behind-the-Wheel Skills Training
This hands-on skills course covers both range and street driving activities that the entry-level driver training regulation specifies for Class B Passenger vehicles. Range activities include pre-trip inspections and backing maneuvers. Street driving activities include vehicle controls, shifting, communications, visual search, speed and space management, hazard perception, railroad crossing, hours of service, emergencies, and safe driver behavior. This course requires a driver-trainee's proficiency in BTW skills in order to take the CDL road skills exam.
Prerequisites: see the above prerequisites for all commercial driving courses.
Road Skills Exam Fee: $25
DOT Substance Test: $70
Note: ATESTT's bus is an automatic with airbrakes
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Road Skills Exam
The ELDT regulations require that a driver-trainee must pass the Theory Course with a minimum score of 80% and successfully demonstrate proficiency in BTW skills training both verified in the FMCSA TPR database, prior to being administered a CDL road skills exam.
Individuals who do not meet both requirements must participate in additional training as necessary to meet the requirements under entry-level-driver training regulations.
CDL Road Skills Exam Fee: $25