NCDMV CDL Handbook

Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System

1.0 – Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

• The rule establishes minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators in interstate and intrastate commerce. This applies to those seeking to:

o Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;

o Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or

o Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

• An individual who receives a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022 and is issued a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires is not subject to the ELDT requirements.

• Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 is also exempt from the ELDT requirements.

• Individuals that have been issued these types of license or endorsements in the past are not subject to ELDT rqulations, even if the previously-issued license or endorsement is not longer valid.

• No “Entry - Level Driver” may take a commercial driver’s licens e (CDL) skills test to receive a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, Passenger (P) Bus endorsement, or School Bus (S) endorsement unless he/she has successfully completed a mandatory theory (knowledge) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training program provided by a train ing provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR), and (b) is appropriate to the license/endorsement for which that person is applying .

• A Driver seeking the Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time must successfully complete the entry-level driver training (theory only) prior to taking the State-administered knowledge test.

• The tupe of training required depends on the type of license or endorsement for which the driver is applying. Below is a summary: License/Endorsement Is Theory Training Rquired? Is Behind-the-Wheel Training Rquired? Class A CDL (new or upgrade) Yes Yes – Range and Public Road Class B CDL Yes Yes – Range and Public Road Passenger (P) endorsement Yes Yes – Range or Public Road School Bus (S) endorsement Yes Yes – Range or Public Road Hazardous materials (H) endorsement Yes No

• Theory training may be conducted in-per or online.

• Sudents must demonstrate proficiency in all subjects and score at least 80% on a training provider administered theory assessment.

• Theory (Knowledge) and BTW training may be delivered by separate training providers.

• Theory and BTW (range and public road) portions of entry-level driver training must be completed within one year of completing the first portion.

For more information about the ELDT regulations and the Training Provider registry, visit https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov .

Section 1 - Introduction

Page 1-5

Version: July 2017