Compliance & Certifications

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety nationwide. Among many responsibilities, FMCSA sets the minimum training standards every new commercial driver must meet before they can earn a CDL.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) — 49 CFR Part 380

Since February 7, 2022, federal law (49 CFR Part 380, Subpart F) requires Entry-Level Driver Training for anyone who is:

• Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL
• Obtaining a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time

This training must be completed with a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) before a student takes the CDL skills or knowledge test.

Theory and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training

ELDT is split into two parts, and both must cover every topic in the applicable appendices of Part 380:

• Theory instruction — classroom and knowledge training on CMV operation, safety, regulations, and trip planning, delivered through lectures, demonstrations, and online or computer-based instruction.
• Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) instruction — hands-on range and public-road training, including pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, backing maneuvers, and on-road driving.

ELDT is proficiency-based, not hours-based: there is no federal minimum number of training hours. Instead, the driver-trainee must demonstrate proficiency in each required theory and BTW skill before the provider can certify completion to FMCSA.

Why You Must Train With an FMCSA-Registered Provider

Florida and every other state are required to verify ELDT completion in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before scheduling a CDL skills test. Training from a school that is not listed on the TPR will not count — the state cannot issue your CDL. Choosing a registered provider like TruckMaster protects your time, your money, and your path to the road.

In Florida, commercial licensing is governed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV / DHSMV). Federal ELDT requirements apply on top of these state rules, so first-time applicants must satisfy both.

Florida CDL Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old (21+ for interstate driving and certain endorsements)
• Hold a valid Florida driver license and present proof of identity and Florida residency
• Pass the required knowledge exam(s) — the CDL General Knowledge exam must be passed first to receive a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
• Complete FMCSA ELDT with a registered provider (verified in the TPR) before the skills test

The Florida CDL Testing Process

Once you hold your Commercial Learner's Permit, Florida requires you to:

• Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before attempting the skills test
• Pass the three-part CDL skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving

Skills tests are administered at approved Florida testing sites, including DHSMV offices, participating county tax collector offices, and authorized third-party CDL examiners. TruckMaster trains students specifically for this Florida testing format.

Re-Entry & Workforce Development

TruckMaster believes a CDL can change the trajectory of a life. Through our partnership with Empower All Inc, we support re-entry and workforce-development students in Apopka, Orlando, and across Central Florida who are building a new career path behind the wheel.