How ELDT works
Five steps from permit to skills test
- 1
Hold a CLP
Get your commercial learner's permit from your state before behind-the-wheel training on public roads.
- 2
Complete theory
Learn every theory unit. The provider's assessment requires an overall score of at least 80 percent.
- 3
Train behind the wheel
Practice range skills and public-road driving. Your instructor evaluates and documents proficiency; there is no federal hour minimum.
- 4
Provider reports
A registered provider sends your completion to FMCSA's Training Provider Registry by midnight of the second business day.
- 5
Take the state test
Your state confirms the record before the skills test, or before the knowledge test for the hazardous materials endorsement.
Curriculum map
Every unit, and where to study it
Behind-the-wheel: range
Performed on a range with a qualified instructor, who must evaluate and document proficiency in each skill.
Lessons here explain the skill and common mistakes. Only real practice with a qualified instructor builds and proves the skill.
7 of 7 range skills have a dedicated on-site lesson
- Dedicated lesson7
Behind-the-Wheel—Range
7 units- A2.1Dedicated lesson
Vehicle Inspection: Pre-Trip, Enroute, and Post-Trip
Perform a complete pre-trip, enroute, and post-trip inspection on the training vehicle.
- In-cab and brake checks
- External inspection routine
- Reporting what you find
- A2.2Dedicated lesson
Straight-Line Backing
Back in a straight line within a lane while controlling drift with small corrections.
- Reference points and mirrors
- Small, early corrections
- Stopping to reset
- A2.3Dedicated lesson
Alley Dock Backing (45/90 Degree)
Back into an alley dock from a 45 or 90 degree approach without striking boundaries.
- Setup and approach
- Watching both sides of the trailer
- Pull-ups and getting out to look
- A2.4Dedicated lesson
Offset Backing
Back into an offset lane to the left or right while tracking the trailer's path.
- Reading trailer direction
- Offset to the left and right
- Correcting before the path is lost
- A2.5Dedicated lesson
Parallel Parking—Blind Side
Parallel park on the blind side, where the space is hardest to see from the driver's seat.
- Setup on the blind side
- Using mirrors and a helper
- Checking the far-side boundary
- A2.6Dedicated lesson
Parallel Parking—Sight Side
Parallel park on the sight side while still watching the harder-to-see parts of the vehicle.
- Setup on the sight side
- Front swing and rear clearance
- Finishing inside the space
- A2.7Dedicated lesson
Coupling and Uncoupling
Couple and uncouple the tractor and trailer on the range and prove the connection is secure.
- Coupling sequence
- Tug test and visual lock check
- Uncoupling and securing
Other ELDT pathways
Class B and endorsements have their own curricula
Each pathway has its own federal appendix. Training for one does not complete another.
- Appendix B
Class B
Theory and behind-the-wheel training for straight trucks and buses. Coupling and uncoupling are not part of Class B.
General Knowledge practice - Appendix C
Passenger (P)
Theory plus behind-the-wheel training in a passenger vehicle, covering loading, emergencies, and passenger safety.
Passenger practice - Appendix D
School bus (S)
Theory plus behind-the-wheel training covering danger zones, loading and unloading, and railroad crossings.
School Bus practice - Appendix E
Hazardous materials (H)
Theory only, followed by the state knowledge test. No behind-the-wheel portion is required.
Hazardous Materials practice