Drivers who are seeking certain commercial privileges for the first time, or seeking certain CDL upgrades, must complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program with an approved training provider prior to taking the corresponding skills test or hazardous materials knowledge test. ELDT is required for drivers 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 Class B CDL
- Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time
ELDT applies to anyone seeking the above-listed commercial license class and/or endorsements and who obtained their CLP (or are seeking the endorsement or class upgrade) on or after February 7, 2022. ELDT applies regardless of a driver’s self-certification as interstate or intrastate, excepted, or non-excepted.
Important: The ELDT requirements set a national baseline for entry-level driver training. Iowa does not have any additional training requirements beyond ELDT. States may have their own training requirements that exceed this baseline.
Who Does ELDT Impact?
ELDT applies to anyone seeking the below commercial license class and/or endorsements and who obtained their CLP (or are seeking the endorsement or class upgrade) on or after February 7, 2022.
The ELDT regulations establish new minimum training standards for entry-level drivers. This includes individuals applying for:
- A Class A or Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) for the first time
- An upgrade of an existing Class B CDL or to a Class A CDL
- An upgrade from Class C CDL to a Class B CDL or a Class A CDL
- A hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time.
ELDT applies regardless of a driver’s self-certification as interstate or intrastate, excepted, or non-excepted.
Schedulers should ensure the ELDT requirement has been fulfilled before the customer arrives for their appointment.
Exceptions
The federal regulations in 49 CFR 380.603 provide for some exceptions to the ELDT requirements.
- Drivers who were issued a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, or a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement prior to February 7, 2022:
- These drivers do not need to complete ELDT pertaining to the class/endorsements they held prior to February 7, 2022, but any subsequent upgrade would require ELDT.
- Drivers who obtain a CLP before February 7, 2022, if they obtain a CDL before the CLP expires (or, in the case of states that allow CLP renewal, before the renewed CLP expires).
- Drivers who are applying for a removal of an airbrake restriction or manual transmission restriction.
- Drivers applying for a restricted CDL.
- Military personnel who qualify for the military knowledge or skills test waiver program under Iowa administrative rules 607.27(5) and 607.28(6).
- Drivers excepted from the CDL requirements under federal and state regulations (active duty military, farmers, firefighters, emergency response vehicle drivers, certain drivers removing snow and ice, and covered farm vehicle operators).