Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

ELDT a federal rule, which establishes minimum training requirements for individuals who are applying for a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL), an upgrade of their CDL or a hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for their license for the first time. ELDT contains two parts, Theory and Behind the Wheel (BTW) training. ELDT is separate from CDL testing and must be completed prior to the individual taking their CDL skills test.

The federal rule does not require a minimum number of instruction hours for Behind the Wheel training, however Kansas school bus regulation KAR 91-38-6 requires a minimum of 12 hours. The training instructor must cover all topics set forth in the BTW curriculum. BTW training must be conducted in a School Bus for which a Class B CDL is required. The instructor must determine and document that each driver-trainee has demonstrated proficiency in all elements of the BTW curriculum unless otherwise noted. A simulation device cannot be used to conduct such training or to demonstrate proficiency. Training instructors* must document the total number of clock hours each driver-trainee spends to complete the BTW curriculum. Please note, federal law 49 CFR 383.25 prohibits a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) holder from transporting students.

There is a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding ELDT. To help simplify this process we have put together some frequently asked questions which are available upon request from the School Transportation Unit. Remember in most cases if the school district trained new drivers in the past you can continue to do so and comply with ELDT if:

  1. The district has a trainer (someone who has had a valid CDL with a P & S endorsement for at least 2 years)
  2. The district sets up an account in the TPR (Training Provider Registry)
  3. The district trainer administers the Theory portion of ELDT
  4. The district trainer documents the Behind the Wheel training

Instructor requirements: Minimum Class B CDL plus appropriate endorsements, 2 years CMV driving experience, No CMV driving convictions during the two years prior. Instructors self-certify.

See the School Transportation Safety Unit's Frequently Asked Questions document for some questions and answers on ELDT.

Contact the School Transportation Safety Unit for more information on Theory Training options.

ELDT Documentation Forms & Information

Courtesy forms which can be used to document the BTW (Behind The Wheel) training portion of ELDT.

Class B CDL plus P & S Endorsement (PDF) - ELDT Behind the Wheel documentation form
P & S Only Endorsement (PDF) - ELDT Behind the Wheel documentation form

S Endorsement Only (PDF) - ELDT Behind the Wheel documentation form

KSDE ELDT Flow Chart (PDF) showing the ELDT process.

Training Provider Registry (TPR)

School districts providing ELDT to an activity or school bus driver intending to obtain a CDL must be registered and listed on FMCSA’s TPR. ELDT includes training any driver applying for a Class B CDL for the first time, or applying for a school bus (S), passenger (P) endorsement for the first time.

Training Provider Registry Login (external link) FMCSA webpage

Guide and Directions (external link) for how to register for the Training Provider Registry FMCSA webpage

For more information, contact:

Keith Dreiling, State Director
(785) 296-4567
(785) 296-6659 - fax

Mitch Mellick, Transportation Specialist
(785) 296-4545