DPS Reminds CDL Applicants About Entry Level Driver Training

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding applicants for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or specific endorsements that the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements begin Feb. 7, 2022. Recent inclement weather has closed some driver’s license offices; however, they have not delayed the federal requirement due to these closures.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees the ELDT regulations. They designed them to improve highway safety by ensuring entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles complete minimum federal training requirements before being permitted to take specific CDL tests.

If applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading an existing CDL to a Class A or B, or obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time must meet ELDT requirements. In addition, each state must electronically verify that an applicant completed the required training and certification process before administering a CDL skills test or before the knowledge test for an ‘H’ endorsement.

Commercial driving schools can become approved ELDT providers by registering with FMCSA through its Training Provider Registry (TPR).

For more information about how the federal program works, becoming a certified Training Registry Provider, and what schools provide ELDT training, visit the TPR site.

Schedule an appointment

Customers wishing to obtain or upgrade to a CDL will need to book an appointment. To schedule an appointment or check availability, visit the online appointment scheduler. You must make an appointment online. Upon arrival at the driver’s license office, customers can check-in at the kiosk inside or from their mobile device. As a reminder, customers can only check-in up to 30 minutes before their appointment time.

The department reminds customers who have existing appointments but will not keep them to please cancel as soon as possible. While the department is working to serve as many customers as possible, people not showing up for their appointments continues to be a significant obstacle. The current no-show rate for meetings is 28%, negatively impacting our ability to get Texans the services they need.

Driver license offices will remain open Monday through Friday during regular operating hours to assist customers with commercial and non-commercial driver license needs. Appointments may be booked up to six months in advance for a specific day and time.

The department has information about the ELDT requirements on our website, which you can find here.