CDL Entry Level Driver Training
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires the successful completion of the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations which set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This includes those applying to:
- Obtain a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time;
- Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
- Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022 are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement.
If an applicant who obtains a Commercial Learner’s Permit prior to February 7, 2022, obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements.
The FMCSA compulsory Entry Level Driver’s Training is broken up into two stages. Those two stages prepare you for the Skills Tests and a lifetime of safe vehicle operation.
Stage One: Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory. The training topics will, at a minimum, include basic commercial vehicle operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operation procedures, commercial vehicle systems, malfunction reporting, and non-driving activities such as hours of service, etc. The student will be tested on the material and must score a minimum of 80 percent.
Stage Two: Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Road and Range. The ELDT BTW range training will include vehicle inspections (Pre-trip, Enroute, and Post-Trip), straight-line backing, alley dock backing (45/90 degree), off-set backing, parallel parking (blind and sight side), and coupling and uncoupling. To complete the BTW stage, the student must demonstrate they have basic vehicle control skills and a mastery of basic maneuvers on the road. Only after the successful completion of Stage Two can the student move on to formally complete the Skills Tests required for their Commercial Driver’s License.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Basic Skills Tests.
Once you have successfully completed both stages of ELDT, you can move on to the formalized, grades Basic Skills Tests. The formal Skills Tests are the last steps in completing the requirements for gaining a commercial driver’s license. There are three separate tests that must be completed in the following order: Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Controls (backing), and the Road Course. Since 1993, SMG, Inc., our parent company, has been a registered third party CDL testing organization. You can use your own equipment, or they will provide it at no additional cost. The Pre-Trip and Basic Controls tests are completed at the new Interstate Commercial Driving School (ICDS) campus. The Road Course begins and finishes at the ICDS campus.
To ensure the best possible outcome, in addition to the classroom and hands-on experience provided by our school, it is highly recommended that you watch the relevant CDL license training videos to help reinforce what you have learned before taking your skills tests.
Interstate Commercial Driving School (ICDS) offers both stages of the Entry Level Driver Training required for the Class A and Class B Commercial Driver’s License, and for those seeking employment driving a passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle, we offer the CDL Passenger Endorsement ELDT.
Tractor/Trailer Class A Applicants:
For Tractor/Trailer (with air brakes with 5th Wheel coupling system), all three stages: Stage One (ELDT Theory), Stage Two (Behind-the-Wheel), and the CDL Skills Tests**, of the required Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) are included in the Interstate Commercial Truck Driving School’s Commercial Driving Program pipeline. Full tuition: $4,300.
Class A Applicant Accelerated Programs:
Our commercial driver’s license (CDL) accelerated program classes begin regularly and can often be completed within just a few days from start to finish. Call Chris at (352)794-6080 for more information and scheduling. A CDL permit is not required to start the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory portion of the training, but one MUST have a CDL permit to begin the Behind the Wheel Road and Range portions of ELDT.
For those experienced with backing maneuvers and manual shifting seeking a Tractor/Trailer Class A CDL (with air brakes with 5th Wheel coupling system), all three stages: Stage One (ELDT Theory), Stage Two (Behind-the-Wheel), and the CDL Skills Tests** are a total of $3,200. You can use your own equipment, or we will provide it at no additional cost.
For those with a current Class B CDL who are seeking an upgrade to a Tractor/Trailer Class A CDL (with air brakes with 5th Wheel coupling system), all three stages: Stage One (ELDT Theory), Two (Behind-the-Wheel), and the CDL Skills Tests** are a total of $2,100. You can use your own equipment, or we will provide it at no additional cost.
For Truck/Trailer (with air brakes with pintle hitch coupling system), all three stages: Stage One (ELDT Theory), Stage Two (Behind-the-Wheel), and the CDL Skills Tests** are a total of $2,100. You can use your own equipment, or we will provide it at no additional cost.
For Hotshot (truck/trailer without air brakes with pintle hitch), all three stages: Stage One (ELDT Theory), Stage Two (Behind-the-Wheel), and the CDL Skills Tests** are a total of $2,100. You can use your own equipment, or we will provide it at no additional cost.
CDL Skills Tests** If you fail a section of the CDL Basic Skills tests and require a retest, the cost of the retest for the portion failed is as follows:
- Pre-trip Inspection: $150.00
- Basic Controls: $150.00
- Road Course: $150.00
Class B Applicant Accelerated Program:
For Class B commercial vehicles, all three stages: Stage One (ELDT Theory), Stage Two (Behind-the-Wheel), and the CDL Skills Tests** are a total of $2,100. You can use your own equipment, or we will provide it at no additional cost.
CDL Skills Tests** If you fail a section of the CDL Basic Skills tests and require a retest, the cost of the retest for the portion failed is as follows:
- Pre-trip Inspection: $150.00
- Basic Controls: $150.00
- Road Course: $150.00
Passenger Endorsement Applicants
For the Passenger Endorsement, all three stages: Stage One (ELDT Theory), Stage Two (Behind-the-Wheel), and the CDL Skills Tests** are a total of $2,100. You can use your own equipment, or they will provide it at no additional cost.
For the School Bus Endorsement, all three stages: Stage One (ELDT Theory), Stage Two (Behind-the-Wheel), and the CDL Skills Tests** are a total of $2,100. You can use your own equipment, or they will provide it at no additional cost.
CDL Skills Tests** If you fail a section of the CDL Endorsement Basic Skills tests and require a retest, the cost of the retest for the portion failed is as follows:
- Pre-trip Inspection: $150.00
- Basic Controls: $150.00
- Road Course: $150.00
Current Class A, B, C, and Passenger Endorsement Convening Date Schedules
The Class A Tractor/Trailer full CDL driver program schedule:
- Monday, May 6, 2024
- Tuesday, May 28, 2024
- Monday, June 17, 2024
- Monday, July 8, 2024
The Class A, B, C, and Passenger Endorsement Entry Level Driver Training Program Schedule:
Classes begin daily, call now!
