Class Definitions and Entry Level Drivers Training (ELDT)

Since April 1, 1992, when this Act became law, all drivers have been required to have a CDL in order to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed testing standards for licensing drivers. U.S. states are able to issue CDLs only after a written and practical test have been given by the State or approved testing facility.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) The entry-level driver training rule went into compliance on February 7, 2022. The standards established in this rule address the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe operation of commercial vehicles and also establish minimum qualifications for entities and individuals who provide entry-level training. Under the final rule, applicants seeking a CDL will be required to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge training and behind-the-wheel training on a driving range and on a public road, with training obtained from an instructional program that meets FMCSA standards. For details refer to Colorado Commercial drivers manual , (See page 133) ELDT

A driver needs a CDL if the vehicle meets one of the following definitions of a CMV:

  • Class A combination vehicle: – Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds (11,793 kg) provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds (4536 kg).
  • Class B heavy straight vehicles: – Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds (11,793 kg), or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds (4536 kg) GVWR.
  • Class C small vehicles: – Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.
  • CDL Endorsements & Restrictions
    • T – Double / Triple Trailers – a knowledge test
    • P – Passenger – knowledge and skills test
    • N – Tank Vehicle – a knowledge test
    • H – Hazardous Material – a knowledge test
    • S – School Bus – knowledge and skills test
    • X – Hazmat / Combination hazardous materials and Tank vehicle

Restrictions: Restrictions may be added a Commercial Driver Licenses/Permits based upon the type of vehicle and equipment that the driver uses for the skills test. There are Ten (10) standardized restriction codes.

(E) No manual transmission, (K) Intrastate only, (L) No Air brake equipped CMV, (M) No Class A passenger vehicle, (N) No Class A&B passenger vehicle, (O)No tractor trailer CMV, (P) No passengers in CMV, (V) Medical Variance, (X) No cargo in CMV tank vehicle. (Z) No full air brake equipped CMV

The minimum age to apply for a CDL is usually 21, as required by the United States Department of Transportation, although some states allow drivers who are 18 to 20 to apply for a CDL that is valid only within the driver’s state of residence. A single state CDL only restricts driving of CMVs within the holder’s state (not non-commercial vehicles), and automatically converts to a 50 state CDL at the age of 21