Do I Need ELDT If I Already Have a CDL?

Already holding a commercial license? Here's exactly when ELDT does — and doesn't — apply to current CDL holders.

The Short Answer

If your CDL was issued before February 7, 2022, you do not need ELDT — unless you're adding a Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time, or upgrading from Class B to Class A.

If your CDL was issued after February 7, 2022, you should have already completed ELDT as part of your original licensing. If somehow you didn't, contact your state DMV — you may need to complete it before your next renewal or endorsement addition.

Key date: February 7, 2022 is the ELDT compliance deadline. Licenses issued before that date are grandfathered. Licenses issued after require ELDT.

Scenario-by-Scenario Breakdown

You hold a Class A CDL (pre-Feb 2022), no new endorsements

Grandfathered. The ELDT mandate only applies to new CDLs and new endorsements obtained after the compliance date.

You hold a Class B CDL, adding Hazmat (H) for the first time

YES

New endorsement = ELDT required. You need the Hazmat Endorsement Theory course (8 hours). Plus TSA background check.

You hold any CDL, adding Passenger (P) for the first time

YES

Passenger endorsement requires the ELDT Passenger Theory course (6 hours). No behind-the-wheel required for endorsements.

You hold a Class B CDL, upgrading to Class A

YES

Upgrade = ELDT required. Theory (~10h) plus behind-the-wheel training for combination vehicles.

You hold a CDL with P endorsement, adding School Bus (S)

YES

School Bus endorsement requires ELDT theory (7 hours). You must already hold the P endorsement first.

You held a CDL that expired or was surrendered

MAYBE

Depends on your state's reinstatement rules and how long you've been unlicensed. If your state requires you to retest from scratch, ELDT likely applies. If it's a simple reinstatement within the grace period, probably not.

Your employer wants you to get a new endorsement

YES

Any new H, P, or S endorsement addition requires ELDT theory training, regardless of employment situation.

You have a military/CDL skills test waiver

MAYBE

Military drivers may qualify for a skills test waiver, but ELDT theory training is still required unless specifically exempted by your state. Check with your state DMV.

States May Have Additional Rules

ELDT is a federal minimum. Some states impose additional training requirements beyond FMCSA standards. Always confirm with your state DMV before assuming you're exempt.

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Last updated: May 10, 2026

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