ELDT Entry-Level Driver Training Minimum Federal Curricula Requirements - Theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) Training Curriculum

Oct 10, 2026

Summarizes the minimum Federal curriculum requirements for Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) under federal regulations, effective for training providers beginning February 7, 2022. Covers mandatory topic coverage for theory instruction with assessment requirements, including an 80 percent minimum overall score. Details behind-the-wheel (BTW) range and public road training expectations, including instructor documentation of clock hours, proficiency confirmation, communication practices, and skill topics such as inspections, driving operations, advanced practices, maintenance, cargo handling, and safety procedures, with references to 49 CFR sections.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

ELDT Entry-Level Driver Training Minimum Federal Curricula Requirements

Training Curriculum for Class A CDL

Theory Instruction Standard Curriculum

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Range

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Public Road

ELDT Entry-Level Driver Training Minimum Federal Curricula Requirements This document summarizes the minimum Federal curricula requirements as set forth in the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. Training providers must comply with these regulations beginning February 7, 2022. Use the table of contents on the next page to navigate to the respective section to learn more about the theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training requirements for each type of entry-level driver training. ELDT Minimum Federal Curricula Requirements Theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training requirements for: Class A Class B to Class A Upgrade Class B Passenger Endorsement School Bus Endorsement Hazardous Materials Endorsement Class A CDL Training Curriculum This is a summary of the minimum Federal curriculum requirements for entry-level driver applicants seeking a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) . Training providers must also comply with any applicable State requirements. The curriculum for Class A applicants pertains to combination vehicles (Group A) as defined in § 383.91(a)(1) . To learn more about each unit in the curriculum, see the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 380, Appendix A) . PAGE 1 OF 14 | March 2021 CLASS A CDL Theory Instruction Standard Curriculum There are no required minimum instruction hours for theory training, but the instructor must cover all the topics in the curriculum. Training providers must use assessments (in written or electronic format) to determine if trainees are proficient in all units of the theory curriculum. Students must earn a minimum overall score of 80 percent on the theory assessment(s) . | A1.1
1.1.1
1.1.2 | Basic Operation
Orientation
Control Systems/Dashboard | | --- | --- | | 1.1.3 | Pre-and Post-Trip Inspections | | 1.1.4 | Basic Control | | 1.1.5 | Shifting/Operating Transmissions | | 1.1.6 | Backing and Docking | | 1.1.7
A1.2
1.2.1 | Coupling and Uncoupling
Safe Operating Procedures
Visual Search | | 1.2.2 | Communication | | 1.2.3 | Distracted Driving | | 1.2.4 | Speed Management | 1.2.5 Space Management Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Range There are no required minimum instruction hours for BTW range training, but the instructor must cover all topics set forth in the BTW curriculum. The instructor must document the total number of clock hours (one clock hour for each 60 minutes of instruction) each trainee takes to complete the BTW range curriculum. The instructor must document that each trainee is proficient in all elements of the BTW range curriculum for the trainee to successfully complete this module. | 1.2.6 | Night Operation | | --- | --- | | 1.2.7 | Extreme Driving Conditions | | A1.3 | Advanced Operating Practices | | 1.3.1 | Hazard Perception | | 1.3.2 | Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies | | 1.3.3
A1.4 | Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions | | 1.4.1 | Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions | | 1.4.2 | Roadside Inspections | | 1.4.3
A1.5 | Maintenance
Non-Driving Activities | | 1.5.1 | Handling and Documenting Cargo | | 1.5.2 | Environmental Compliance Issues | | 1.5.3 | Hours of Service Requirements | | 1.5.4 | Fatigue and Wellness Awareness | | 1.5.5 | Post-Crash Procedures | | 1.5.6 | External Communications | | 1.5.7 | Whistleblower/Coercion | | 1.5.8 | Trip Planning | | 1.5.9 | Drugs/Alcohol | | 1.5.10 Medical Requirements
BTW range training must teach driving exercises related to basic vehicle control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers, as covered in 49 CFR §§ 383.111 and 383.113. The training providers must teach this unit on a driving range as defined in § 380.605. The training provider must teach “Get Out and Look”(GOAL) to the trainee as it applies to units A2.2-2.6 . | | | A2.1 | Vehicle Inspection Pre-Trip/ Enroute/Post-Trip | | A2.2 | Straight Line Backing | | A2.3 | Alley Dock Backing (45/90 Degree)

FAQs

When do ELDT training providers need to comply with the minimum Federal curricula requirements?

Training providers must comply with the ELDT regulations beginning February 7, 2022.

What are the theory instruction requirements and how is learner proficiency assessed?

There are no required minimum instruction hours for theory training, but the instructor must cover all curriculum topics. Providers must use assessments to determine proficiency, and students must earn at least an 80 percent overall score on the theory assessment(s).

What documentation and proficiency requirements apply to BTW range training?

The instructor must document total clock hours for each trainee (one clock hour per 60 minutes) and must document that each trainee is proficient in all elements of the BTW range curriculum to complete the module.

Oct 10, 2026

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