Entry Level Driver Training

What is ELDT?

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a set of 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 an existing CDL (Class B CDL to Class A CDL, or Class C CDL to Class A or B CDL); or
• Adding the following endorsements: hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S).

How does it work?

State driver licensing agencies are required to verify CDL applicants’ ELDT completion prior to allowing applicants to take a skills test for a:

• Class A or Class B CDL, or
• Passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement, or
• Knowledge test prior to obtaining the hazardous materials (H) endorsement.

Training providers are required to upload driver training certification to the Training Provider Registry, and the Iowa DOT is required to confirm driver applicants have met the ELDT requirements prior to administering CDL tests.

ELDT is a FMCSA program and is not administered by the Iowa DOT. For more information please select the link below or call the FMCSA information line at 1-800-832-5660 or the FMCSA Iowa Field Office at 515-233-7400.

• Get more information about ELDT
• View the listing of approved training providers

FMCSA has released a video to help answer questions on which drivers are required to take entry-level driver training. View the FMCSA video.

Receive Financial Assistance for CDL Training

The Iowa DOT, Iowa Workforce Development, and Iowa Department of Education are working together to identify financial assistance programs that may help cover the cost of entry-level driver training (ELDT) or full CDL training with Iowa training providers including community colleges.

FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This applies to those seeking to:

• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL;
• Upgrade an existing Class C CDL to a Class A or B CDL; or
• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

Programs Offering Financial Assistance

• Gap Tuition Assistance Program (GAP)

  Helps to cover, or fill in the GAP for short-term, non-credit training that Federal dollars can’t cover. Eligibility is based on financial need.

  How to apply: Contact your local Community College
   

• Pathways for Academic Career & Employment | Department of Education

  Assists in funding GAP non-credit programs and can also help to fund credit programs.

  How to apply: Contact your local Community College
   

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): Title I Programs

  Provides funding for training costs and supportive services (like transportation or childcare) for individuals that meet specific program eligibility requirements.

  How to apply: Contact your local IowaWORKS Center
   

• Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

  Services individuals with disabilities, focused on preparation for employment or based on an individualized employment plan

  How to apply: Complete in-person application or download form online and mail/email completed application.
   

• Check with your employer for other financial resources for training.