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Stay Safe

A VETS First, Inc. nonprofit program

ELDT provider registration in progress

Entry-Level Driver Training

The Class A ELDT curriculum, unit by unit

See every unit in the federal Class A curriculum in plain language, what each one asks of you, and where to study it on this site.

  • 30 theory units
  • 7 range skills
  • 12 public-road topics
  • 80% theory standard

ELDT provider registration in progress. Stay Safe Transportation is not yet listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry and cannot certify ELDT completion. This map is a study guide. Using it does not count as training time or an ELDT assessment.

How ELDT works

Five steps from permit to skills test

  1. 1

    Hold a CLP

    Get your commercial learner's permit from your state before behind-the-wheel training on public roads.

  2. 2

    Complete theory

    Learn every theory unit. The provider's assessment requires an overall score of at least 80 percent.

  3. 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. 4

    Provider reports

    A registered provider sends your completion to FMCSA's Training Provider Registry by midnight of the second business day.

  5. 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: public road

Performed on public roads with a qualified instructor. Five topics are discussed on the road without a required performance.

Lessons here explain the skill and common mistakes. Only real practice with a qualified instructor builds and proves the skill.

4 of 7 performed road skills have a dedicated on-site lesson

  • Dedicated lesson4
  • Related lesson3

Behind-the-Wheel—Public Road

12 units

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

Keep going

Study now. Train with a registered provider.

Use the lessons and practice to build understanding before and during training. Join the interest list to hear when Stay Safe Transportation training becomes available.

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