Final Rule · FR 2016-28012
Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators
Published Dec 8, 2016 at 81 FR 88732. A plain-English summary, key dates and a link to the official text.
Data as of: Oct 16, 2026 5:00 PM PDT
02 / In plain English · CDL & training
What this rule does.
Set minimum entry-level driver training (ELDT) standards. People getting a CDL for the first time, upgrading (for example Class B to Class A), or adding a hazmat, passenger or school bus endorsement for the first time must finish training from a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry before the state will test them.
- Applies to first-time CDLs, upgrades, and first-time H, P or S endorsements.
- Training must come from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
- States check the training record before giving the skills test (or the H knowledge test).
Official summary from the Federal Register
FMCSA establishes new minimum training standards for certain individuals applying for their commercial driver's license (CDL) for the first time; an upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time. These individuals are subject to the entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements and must complete a prescribed program of instruction provided by an entity that is listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). FMCSA will submit training certification information to State driver licensing agencies (SDLAs), who may only administer CDL skills tests to applicants for the Class A and B CDL, and/or the P or S endorsements, or knowledge test for the H endorsement, after verifying the certification information is present in the driver's record.
Our summary restates the rule’s official abstract. It is not legal advice; the rule text (81 FR 88732) and any later amendments control.
03 / Key dates
Dates to know.
- Published
- Dec 8, 2016
- Effective
- Feb 6, 2017
04 / The record
Document details.
- Federal Register document number
- 2016-28012
- Document type
- Final Rule
- Docket IDs
- FMCSA-2007-27748
- Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
- 2126-AB66
05 / Official source
Read the original.
Read the full text and details of this final rule at the Federal Register.
View on FederalRegister.gov (opens in a new tab)06 / Calendar
Keep the dates in view.
Important dates from this document are included in the regulatory calendar and iCalendar feed.
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