Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class A   

Learn everything you need to prepare for your entry-level driver training (ELDT) necessary to obtain your Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

Additionally, once enrolled in an ELDT course, you will receive access to the following free and optional CDL Permit Prep courses:

• CDL Permit Prep: Air Brakes
• CDL Permit Prep: Combination Vehicles
• CDL Permit Prep: Hazardous Materials
• CDL Permit Preps: Doubles & Triples
• CDL Permit Prep: Tankers
• CDL Permit Prep: General Knowledge

The prep courses for the required CDL written exams taken through your local DMV are based on the CDL Class chosen and your state's requirements. Each state has different requirements for the CDL Class A, B, or Hazardous Materials, so obtaining the manual for your specific area is recommended. These can be found online, or a book may be picked up at your local DMV.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are projected to have 241,200 job openings annually, on average, by 2032. With the proper training and license, this profession can be a well-paying and high-demand occupation—making now a great time to enter this field. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established minimum training standards for individuals applying for their Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) for the first time. These individuals must complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements, which include both theoretical and behind-the-wheel (BTW) components.

This Class A CDL training course is designed to only meet all theory (knowledge) requirements listed in The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements. Your ELDT course includes sections covering basic operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operating practices, vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions, and non-driving activities—all essential to obtaining your Class A driver's license. This Class A CDL course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR).

After successfully completing this Class A CDL training, you will be better equipped to obtain your Class A CDL by fulfilling the FMCSA training standards. Our system will automatically upload your ELDT records to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) TPR once you pass the final exam. Once you fulfill other federal training requirements, such as behind-the-wheel training, you can take your state's CDL test. Once you successfully pass the CDL test, you will be issued a state CDL and may be eligible to work for companies that operate Class A trucks in commerce.

This CDL ELDT prep course is excluded from ed2go standard refund and transfer policies. Once access to your Class A CDL course is provided, no refunds or transfers will be allowed. This course includes the required ELDT theory exams for each of the units.; it does NOT include the behind-the-wheel training, cost of the CDL test, or other state exam charges.

Students in Virginia should be aware that online training for any of ELDT's offerings is not permitted in this state. This course will not be recognized for you.

1. Basic Operation
   1. Orientation
   2. Control Systems/Dashboard
   3. Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
   4. Basic Control
   5. Shifting/Operating Transmissions
   6. Backing and Docking
   7. Coupling and Uncoupling
2. Safe Operating Procedures
   1. Visual Search
   2. Communication
   3. Distracted Driving
   4. Speed Management
   5. Space Management
   6. Night Operation
   7. Extreme Driving Conditions
3. Advanced Operating Practices
   1. Hazard Perception
   2. Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies
   3. Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
4. Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
   1. Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions
   2. Roadside Inspections
   3. Maintenance
5. Non-Driving Activities
1. Handling and Documenting Cargo
2. Environmental Compliance Issues
3. Hours of Service Requirements
4. Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
5. Post-Crash Procedures
6. External Communications
7. Whistleblower/Coercion
8. Trip Planning
9. Drugs/Alcohol
10. Medical Requirements

What you will learn

• Understand the interaction between driver-trainees and the CMV
• Review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
• Exam the basic CMV instruments and controls, basic operating characteristics of a CMV, vehicle inspections
• How to control the motion of CMVs under various road and traffic conditions, employ shifting and backing techniques, and coupling-uncoupling CMVs
• Learn the practices required for the safe operation of the combination vehicle on the highway under various road, weather, and traffic conditions
• Gain the advanced skills necessary to recognize potential hazards and handle a CMV when faced with a hazard
• Review the vehicle and its systems and subsystems, vehicle inspection, operation, and maintenance, and the impact of those factors upon highway safety and operational efficiency
• Study activities such as cargo handling, environmental issues, driver hours of service, post-crash procedures, drugs and alcohol, and trip planning

How you will benefit

• Training satisfies ELDT requirements for obtaining the Class A CDL for individuals who obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) on or after February 7, 2022
• Prepares you to take the state-administered Class A CDL skills test
• Enables you to operate specialized CMVs upon issuance of the CDL
• Upon completing this ELDT course the results will be submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
• You have access and are invited to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions

This is not an instructor-facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.