Entry-level driver training (ELDT) has to be finished before certain CDL tests. But finishing the course is only half of it: the federal rules also say who reports the training, how fast, and what the State checks before it tests you. This explainer answers one question from the federal text: after you finish ELDT, who reports it, and what must the State confirm before your test? It does not cover State-specific procedures.
Who must train with a registered provider
Under 49 CFR 380.609, an individual who applies "for the first time, for a Class A or Class B CDL, or who upgrades to a Class A or B CDL" must complete training from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), and an individual seeking a "passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time" must complete the training for that endorsement from a TPR provider.
Section 380.603 lists who is outside the subpart:
- drivers excepted from the CDL requirements under 383.3(c), (d) and (h);
- drivers applying for a restricted CDL under 383.3(e) through (g);
- military personnel with military CMV experience who meet all the requirements and conditions of 383.77;
- drivers applying for a removal of a restriction under 383.135(b)(7);
- drivers issued a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, or a P, S or H endorsement before February 7, 2022, for that CDL or endorsement; and
- individuals who obtained a CLP before February 7, 2022, "if they obtain a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires." Individuals who obtain a CLP on or after February 7, 2022, "are required to comply with this subpart."
Training rules in Part 380, Subparts F and G
- Theory score. Providers must use written assessments for the theory portion, and under 380.715(a) "The driver-trainee must receive an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the theory assessment."
- Behind-the-wheel (BTW) skills. Under 380.715(b), instructors "must evaluate and document a driver-trainee's proficiency in BTW skills" in accordance with the curricula in appendices A through D of Part 380, as applicable.
- One-year window. Under 380.603(c)(3), "Except for individuals seeking the H endorsement, individuals must complete the theory and BTW (range and public road) portions of entry-level driver training within one year of completing the first portion."
- Same provider for both BTW parts. Section 380.707(c) says "Separate training providers may deliver the theory and BTW portions of the training, but both portions (range and public road) of the BTW training must be delivered by the same training provider."
Who reports completion, and by when
Section 380.717 puts the reporting duty on the training provider. After an individual completes training, the provider must, "by midnight of the second business day after the driver-trainee completes the training, electronically transmit training certification information through the TPR website." The record includes:
- the driver-trainee's name, driver's license, CLP or CDL number (as applicable), and State of licensure;
- the CDL class and/or endorsement, and the type of training completed (theory and/or BTW);
- the total clock hours spent to complete BTW training, as applicable;
- the provider's name and its unique TPR identification number; and
- the date(s) of successful training completion.
What the State checks before your test
Part 383 tells States what to do with that training before testing:
- Initial CDL. Under 383.73(b)(11), "Beginning on February 7, 2022," the State must "not conduct a skills test of an applicant for a Class A or Class B CDL, or a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement until the State verifies electronically that the applicant completed the training prescribed in subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter."
- Upgrades. Under 383.73(e)(9), beginning on February 7, 2022, the State must not conduct a skills test for an upgrade to a Class A or Class B CDL, or a P or S endorsement, "or administer the knowledge test to an applicant for the hazardous materials (H) endorsement, unless the applicant has completed the training required by subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter."
On the applicant's side, 383.71 says that beginning on February 7, 2022, a person must complete the Subpart F training before taking those tests for the first time, and that it "must be administered by a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry."
When training stops counting
The provider's listing matters. Under 380.721, "If FMCSA removes a provider from the TPR, any training conducted after the removal date will be considered invalid." In instances of fraud or other criminal behavior by a training provider in which driver-trainees "have knowingly participated," FMCSA "reserves the right, on a case-by-case basis, to retroactively invalidate training conducted under this subpart."
If FMCSA issues a notice of proposed removal, 380.723(b) says the provider "must notify current driver-trainees and driver-trainees scheduled for future training of the proposed removal," and FMCSA "will note on the TPR website that such notification has been issued."
What this means for exam study
These sections set out the reporting process. They do not list the questions on any State's CDL test. For the Part 383 rules on the commercial learner's permit, including the ELDT requirement in 383.71, read the CLP section of our CDL license standards study guide and try the CDL license standards practice test.