ELDT Theory Study Guide and Practice Test
The entry-level driver training theory assessment needs an 80% score. Here is what it covers, where to study each part, and 15 practice questions on the rules new drivers most often miss.
Pick an answer for each question. You’ll see right away if it’s correct and why.
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Answer: C. 80% Training providers use written assessments, and the driver-trainee needs an overall minimum score of 80 percent (380.715(a)).
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Answer: A. There is no minimum; every topic must be covered There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory or behind-the-wheel, but the instructor must cover all topics (Appendix A to part 380).
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Answer: B. By midnight of the second business day The provider must transmit the training certification through the TPR by midnight of the second business day after completion (380.717).
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Answer: C. No, a simulator cannot be used for behind-the-wheel training A simulation device cannot be used to conduct behind-the-wheel range or public road training or to show proficiency (Appendix A to part 380).
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Answer: A. The same training provider Theory and behind-the-wheel can come from different providers, but both the range and public road portions must come from the same provider (380.707(c)).
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Answer: C. No, a temporary stop for traffic or a signal still counts as driving Driving includes being temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device or other momentary delays (392.80(c)). Pull off the road to a safe place first.
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Answer: B. Never, except to contact law enforcement or emergency services Hand-held phone use while driving is banned for drivers and carriers, with an exception only to communicate with law enforcement or emergency services (392.82).
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Answer: C. 0.04 or greater No driver may report for or stay on duty in a safety-sensitive function with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater (382.201).
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Answer: B. The driver is off safety-sensitive work for at least 24 hours A result of 0.02 or more but under 0.04 removes the driver from safety-sensitive functions until the next regular duty period, and not less than 24 hours after the test (382.505(a)).
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Answer: C. 4 hours A driver may not use alcohol or be under its influence within 4 hours before going on duty or operating a CMV (392.5(a)(1)).
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Answer: B. 24 months A driver must be re-examined if not certified during the preceding 24 months. The examiner can certify for less, and some conditions require yearly exams (391.45).
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Answer: A. As soon as possible, and within 10 minutes Turn on the hazard flashers immediately, then place the warning devices as soon as possible and in any event within 10 minutes (392.22(a) and (b)).
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Answer: B. One 10 feet behind, one 100 feet behind and one 100 feet ahead One about 10 feet (4 paces) from the truck on the traffic side toward approaching traffic, and one about 100 feet (40 paces) behind and ahead in the center of the lane or shoulder used by the truck (392.22(b)(1)).
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Answer: C. Coercing a driver to break the safety rules is prohibited, and the driver can file a complaint with FMCSA Motor carriers, shippers, receivers and brokers may not coerce a driver to violate the safety rules, and the driver can file a written complaint with FMCSA (390.6).
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Answer: C. 180 days A retaliation complaint under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act must be filed within 180 days of the violation, orally or in writing, in any language (29 CFR 1978.103).
About this test
Entry-level driver training (ELDT) is required before your first Class A or B CDL, a B-to-A upgrade, or a first H, P or S endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). The theory part ends with a written assessment from your training provider, and you need an overall score of at least 80 percent (380.715). There is no minimum number of hours: the provider must cover every topic in the curriculum. For who needs ELDT and how to check a school, read ELDT basics.
These are practice questions, not your provider's assessment. They focus on the non-driving rules in the theory curriculum, which are the questions new drivers miss most. Use the study plan below to work through every section.
Study plan: the Class A theory curriculum
Appendix A to part 380 splits Class A theory into five sections. This table lists what each one covers and where to study it for free on this site.
| Section | Units it must cover | Study here |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Basic operation | Orientation, controls and dashboard, pre- and post-trip inspections, basic control, shifting, backing and docking, coupling and uncoupling | Pre-trip test, combination vehicles test, air brakes test, pre-trip checklist |
| 2. Safe operating procedures | Visual search, communication, distracted driving, speed and space management, night operation, extreme driving conditions | General knowledge test, winter driving and chain laws |
| 3. Advanced operating practices | Hazard perception, skid control and jackknifing, other emergencies, railroad-highway grade crossings | General knowledge test, doubles and triples test |
| 4. Vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions | Identifying malfunctions, roadside inspections, maintenance | DOT roadside inspection, out-of-service criteria, maintenance schedule |
| 5. Non-driving activities | Handling and documenting cargo, environmental compliance, hours of service, fatigue and wellness, post-crash procedures, external communications, whistleblower and coercion, trip planning, drugs and alcohol, medical requirements | hours of service test, cargo securement test, drug and alcohol checklist, medical certificate guide, truck parking and trip planning |
Behind-the-wheel training (range and public road) is separate, can't be done on a simulator, and both parts must come from the same provider (380.707 and Appendix A). Your provider reports your completion to FMCSA's Training Provider Registry by midnight of the second business day (380.717).
More CDL practice tests
- General knowledge
- Air brakes
- Combination vehicles
- Pre-trip inspection
- Hazmat
- Tanker
- Doubles & triples
- Hours of service
- Cargo securement
- eCFR: 49 CFR 380.609 Who must complete ELDT
- eCFR: 49 CFR 380.707 Entry-level training provider
- eCFR: 49 CFR 380.715 Assessments (80% minimum)
- eCFR: 49 CFR 380.717 Training certification
- eCFR: Appendix A to part 380, Class A curriculum
- eCFR: 49 CFR 392.80 and 392.82 (texting and hand-held phones)
- eCFR: 49 CFR 382.201 and 382.505 (alcohol concentration)
- eCFR: 49 CFR 392.22 Emergency signals
- eCFR: 49 CFR 391.45 Medical examination
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1978.103 Filing STAA retaliation complaints
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with FMCSA, the IRS or your state before you file.
Questions carriers ask
What score do I need on the ELDT theory assessment?
An overall minimum score of 80 percent on the written theory assessment (49 CFR 380.715).
How many hours is ELDT theory?
There is no required minimum number of hours. The instructor must cover every topic in the curriculum (Appendix A to part 380 for Class A).
Can I take ELDT theory online?
Yes, if the provider is on the Training Provider Registry and the content is prepared or delivered by a theory instructor (49 CFR 380.707(b)). Behind-the-wheel training must be in a real truck.