News Department

New federal training requirement for entry-level CDL drivers begins Feb. 7

NEW JERSEY – Effective February 7, drivers interested in obtaining or upgrading a commercial driver license (CDL) in New Jersey will be required to complete additional federally-mandated training.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued regulations requiring CDL applicants complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-approved training provider before taking the CDL skills test. The list of approved training providers can be found on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. A link to the registry is also available on the NJMVC website in the CDL section.

The new ELDT regulations set minimum standards for training requirements for entry-level commercial drivers applying to:

  • Obtain a first-time Class A or Class B CDL
  • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
  • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time

The requirements only apply to individuals who obtain a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement on or after Feb. 7, 2022. The ELDT requirement is not retroactive. Drivers holding a valid commercial learner permit (CLP) issued prior to Feb. 7 may obtain a CDL without completing the ELDT requirement.

FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry has a list of approved training providers that CDL applicants will have to search to identify and secure training from a certified provider. To issue or upgrade a CDL, the NJMVC will need to validate that an applicant has completed the new entry-level training with an approved provider from the registry.

Visit the NJMVC.gov website to read extensive guidance on how to get a CDL in New Jersey. For more information about the new ELDT requirement, visit the website of the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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