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.
State Compliance Requirements
Online Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) courses do not meet state requirements in Virginia or Washington. If you reside in either state, this online course will not be accepted by state authorities and cannot be used to fulfill ELDT training requirements. Learners in these states must complete an approved in-person program to satisfy compliance standards.
Instructor(s):This is not an instructor-facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 10 or later.
- Mac: macOS 12 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.
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Lesson 1
- Basic Operation
- Orientation
- Control Systems/Dashboard
- Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
- Basic Control
- Shifting/Operating Transmissions
- Backing and Docking
- Coupling and Uncoupling
- Safe Operating Procedures
- Visual Search
- Communication
- Distracted Driving
- Speed Management
- Space Management
- Night Operation
- Extreme Driving Conditions
- Advanced Operating Practices
- Hazard Perception
- Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies
- Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
- Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
- Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions
- Roadside Inspections
- Maintenance
- Non-Driving Activities
- Handling and Documenting Cargo
- Environmental Compliance Issues
- Hours of Service Requirements
- Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
- Post-Crash Procedures
- External Communications
- Whistleblower/Coercion
- Trip Planning
- Drugs/Alcohol
- Medical Requirements
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