Question 1

Do I need a DOT #

Accepted Answer

No. A DOT # is not necessary

Question 2

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 2 weeks after payment is made

Question 3

Who is required to comply with the ELDT mandates

Accepted Answer

The ELDT regulations establish minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators in interstate and intrastate commerce who are applying for:
 • A Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time;
 • An upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or
 • A hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time.
The requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an H, P, or S endorsement issued prior to February 7, 2022. Individuals who obtained a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022 are not subject to ELDT requirements as long as they obtain a CDL before the expiration date of the CLP or renewed CLP.

Question 4

What training must a student complete before they can test?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible to take the Class A or Class B CDL skills test, the S or P skills test, or the H knowledge test, commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider. The type of training required depends on the type of license or endorsement for which the driver is applying. Below is a summary:

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Question 5

Are there specific hours required for theory training?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no minimum number of hours that driver-trainees must spend on the theory (i.e., knowledge) portions of any of the individual curricula. The regulations prescribe specific topics for each of the five theory curricula, requiring the training provider to cover all topics, and requiring that driver-trainees demonstrate their understanding of the material by achieving an overall minimum score of 80 percent on the written (or electronic) theory assessment.

The state of North Dakota does have a minimum hour requirement for commercial driving schools which does not apply to private training provided by an employer, family member, or friend at no cost to the trainee.

Question 6

Can the theory and BTW Behind the wheel training be provided by separate training providers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Theory (knowledge) and BTW training may be delivered by separate training providers. Both types of training providers must be listed on the Training Provider Registry, and both would submit driver-specific training certification information (i.e., proof of training) to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Question 7

Are there specific hours requirements for behind the wheel training?

Accepted Answer

No. The entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations do not require a minimum number of hours for the completion of BTW training (e.g., Class A, Class B and the passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements). The proficient completion of the BTW portions of the various curricula is based solely on the training instructor’s assessment of each driver trainee’s individual performance of the required elements of BTW training on the range and public road. All BTW training must be conducted in a representative vehicle for the commercial driver’s license (CDL) class or endorsement being sought.

The state of North Dakota does have a minimum hour requirement for commercial driving schools which does not apply to private training provided by an employer, family member, or friend at no cost to the trainee.

Question 8

Can I train my friend, family member, coworker, or employee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. if you have the proper equipment or access to it, call us and we will help you get started.

Question 9

Future drivers looking for companies who provide training

Accepted Answer

We have built a list updated every month with every company in North Dakota registered to provide employee training. These companies are not allowed to charge for training. Some are just names, and others have full contact information. This is a great starting point for the opportunity to get free CDL training. We can't promise that they will hire or train you. Go down and take your CDL permit tests (general knowledge, combination, airbrakes) at the DMV as they may help you and are required anyway.

Question 10

What qualifies as an instructor?

Accepted Answer

Holds a CDL of the same (or higher) class and with all endorsements necessary to operate the CMV for which training is to be  provided and has at least 2 years of experience driving a CMV requiring a CDL of the same or higher class and/or the same  endorsement and meets all applicable State qualification requirements for CMV instructors

If an instructor's CDL has been canceled, suspended, or revoked due to any of the disqualifying offenses identified in § 383.51  of this subchapter, the instructor is prohibited from engaging in BTW instruction for 2 years following the date his or her CDL  is reinstated.

Disqualifying Offenses
Administrative per se (probable cause) for operating a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration  at or above .04.  
• Administrative per se (probable cause) for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol con centration at or above .08.  
• Operating a CMV while your blood alcohol concentration is .04 or higher.  
• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. 
• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance.  
• Refusal to take an alcohol test.  
• Leaving the scene of an accident.  
• Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony (not a traffic offense).

Question 11

Endorsements

Accepted Answer

T Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge Test only)
P Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests)
N Tank Vehicle (Knowledge Test only)
H Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test only)
X Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials endorsements (Knowledge Test only)
S School Bus (Knowledge and Skills Tests)

Question 12

How long do I have to complete the training?

Accepted Answer

Except for individuals seeking the H endorsement, individuals must complete the theory and BTW (range and public road) portions of entry-level driver training within one year of completing the first portion.