ELDT for school districts and bus contractors
What a brand-new driver needs
| Credential | ELDT theory | ELDT behind-the-wheel |
|---|---|---|
| Class B CDL (most full-size buses) | Yes | Range and public road |
| Passenger (P) | Yes | Range or public road |
| School Bus (S) | Yes | Range or public road |
The School Bus endorsement requires the Passenger endorsement, so new drivers do both. A driver who already holds a Class B and only needs P and S skips the Class B training. See how to get a School Bus endorsement for the driver's side of the steps.
Public districts and contractors follow the CDL rules
School bus operations by a district are excepted from most federal motor carrier rules, and contractors are excepted for home to school trips. But FMCSA is clear that the CDL rules in Part 383 and drug and alcohol testing in Part 382 can still apply. ELDT is part of the CDL rules, so it applies to districts and contractors alike. Contractors should also know that extracurricular trips for hire are treated as for-hire transportation.
What you deliver and what you buy
School districts are one of the provider types FMCSA lists, and many districts and contractors are registered for behind-the-wheel training in their own buses. Registration has no fee, each yard or location is registered separately, and you must register even if you only train your own drivers.
Theory is the part that eats trainer hours, and it can be bought online from any provider on the registry. Federal rules exempt online-only theory from state instructor licensing rules.
Your state certificate is a separate layer
FMCSA lets each state add its own requirements for the School Bus endorsement, such as a state school bus certificate, CPR or first aid, or extra training hours or topics. ELDT does not replace any of it. Our bus driver pages for districts list what each covered state adds.
Drivers you already have
A driver who held the Passenger or School Bus endorsement before February 7, 2022 does not need ELDT for it. A driver who got a CLP before that date and gets the CDL before the permit (or its renewal) expires is also exempt. Everyone else adding P or S for the first time needs ELDT.
How districts buy theory from ELDT365
We are registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for Class B, Passenger and School Bus theory. Each course is $20 per driver, filed the same day the driver passes, with a full Spanish version. Put a card on the account, buy seat codes your trainers can hand out, or get an invoice for your purchase order. More on our fleets page.
Questions drivers ask
Does a substitute driver who got the S endorsement in 2019 need ELDT?
No. Endorsements issued before February 7, 2022 are not subject to ELDT. They only need it for a new class or endorsement they never held.
Can our own trainers do behind-the-wheel?
Yes, if the district or contractor is registered as a provider for it and the trainers meet the federal instructor qualifications. Instructors hired by a registered provider do not register individually.
Is there a minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours?
Not federally. The trainer decides when the driver is proficient. Some states add hours or topics for school bus drivers, so check your state requirements.
Can a new driver do theory before getting a permit?
Yes. Federal rules do not require theory before the commercial learner's permit. Many districts have new hires start theory during onboarding.
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