Dallas, TX — On February 7, 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rolled out new entry‑level driver training (ELDT) requirements that force every first‑time CDL applicant to complete a certified course before sitting for the skills or knowledge test. Trucker Training, a FMCSA‑approved online provider, has already stocked a full slate of courses to meet the new rules.

For drivers eyeing a Class A or Class B license, the upgrade from a Class B to a Class A, or the first‑time acquisition of a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement, the new regulations mean a mandatory online training block. The move was designed to tighten safety standards by ensuring that every new driver has a baseline knowledge of truck safety, regulations, and hazardous materials handling before they hit the road.

Trucker Training’s catalog includes four ELDT‑compliant programs. The Class A driver course costs $79.95, while the Class B driver course is priced at $59.95. A combined Class B School/Bus Driver package runs at $79.95, and the Hazardous Material Endorsement is also $79.95. All courses require completion of the general knowledge module, and the entire training can be finished on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, giving drivers the flexibility to study on the go.

What This Means for Drivers

First‑time CDL‑A holders will now need to enroll in the ELDT Class A course before they can book the state test. Owner‑operators upgrading from Class B to Class A face the same requirement, adding a few weeks to their licensing timeline. Drivers pursuing a hazardous materials endorsement must complete the ELDT Hazardous Materials course, which covers DOT regulations, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures. OTR truck drivers and regional operators will find the mobile‑friendly format useful when training during layovers.

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