CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – Passenger (P) Endorsement

To operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), you must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A CMV includes vehicles used for commerce that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (excluding the driver).

To earn a CDL, applicants must pass the General Knowledge Test outlined in 49 CFR Part 374. After passing the knowledge tests, applicants must complete the CDL skills tests, which include:

• Vehicle inspection
• Basic vehicle control
• On-road driving

These tests must be taken in the same type of vehicle you plan to be licensed for. Note that vehicles with components that are marked or labeled cannot be used during the Vehicle Inspection Test.

The CDL ELDT Passenger Endorsement course holds significant importance for various reasons.

• It equips drivers with the knowledge and skills to safely transport passengers, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting themselves, the public, and the environment.
• It ensures drivers comply with Federal regulations governing the transport of passengers, avoiding fines and potential license suspension.
• It qualifies drivers to transport passengers, opening doors to new job opportunities.
• Passengers feel more secure knowing the driver has received specialized training in passenger safety and regulations because completing the course demonstrates a driver's commitment to passenger safety and staying up to date on industry best practices.

The course meets and exceeds the compliance requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the United States Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Regulations defined in 49 CFR Part 374.

According to the rules of the FMCSA, there is no need to take refresher training for this CDL Entry Level Driver Training for Passenger Endorsement as it is aimed at first-time entry-level drivers.

Passenger ELDT certification typically requires a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and a clean driving record before pursuing the certification.

Generally, individuals must be at least 21 years old to obtain a CDL with a passenger endorsement, though minimum age requirements can vary by State. Some States may have different age requirements for various types of CDLs or endorsements. Therefore, it is essential to check with your State's licensing agency for specific age requirements and other regulations.

Yes! As an FMCSA-approved training provider for ELDT online courses, our courses are accepted in every State except Washington. The State of Washington requires classroom instruction by a registered Washington Training Provider for all types of CDL certifications and endorsements. These requirements apply only to drivers who hold a Washington license or are obtaining a Washington CDL.

Various professionals across industries would gain valuable knowledge and skills by enrolling in this CDL ELDT Passenger Endorsement course. They include:

• Commercial drivers who may be tasked with transporting passengers;
• Bus Drivers – public transport, tour, motor coaches;
• Shuttle drivers - airport, hotel, hospitality;
• Luxury bus service drivers;
• Party bus drivers;
• Private bus drivers - estate management, security; and
• Individuals seeking career flexibility.

Once you complete this ELDT P Endorsement training for your CDL, we will report your completion to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through the Training Provider Registry (TPR). This ensures that your training records are updated and accessible to the FMCSA, verifying that you have met the necessary requirements.

Once this is done, you are eligible to take your State's passenger bus knowledge test. Successfully passing the knowledge test will qualify you to receive the P endorsement.

No. You must pass a medical exam to ensure you are physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle. This test must be conducted by a professional listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

You must also complete this online CDL ELDT Passenger Endorsement theory course before taking the State Passenger Endorsement Knowledge Exam, which is typically administered at the state motor vehicle office. Upon finishing this ELDT passenger endorsement training course, our system will automatically upload your ELDT records to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Training Provider Registry (TPR). Once this is done, you are eligible to take your State's passenger knowledge test. Following the knowledge test, you must pass a skills test that includes both a pre-trip inspection and a driving test.

Obtaining a Passenger (P) Endorsement on your CDL may also require you to pass a federally required background check. It is essential to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Motor Vehicles Division office if this is necessary.

In addition to the standard CDL requirements, such as a written exam and a skills test, drivers who wish to obtain a passenger endorsement may need to pass additional exams or training programs focusing on passenger transportation. These may include courses on customer service, emergency evacuation procedures, and wheelchair accessibility.

Drivers with a CDL and a passenger endorsement may be required to adhere to additional regulations, such as wearing a uniform while on duty and maintaining a professional appearance.

Certificate of Completion: Immediately after passing the final exam, you can download, save, or print your certificate in PDF format.

Validity: This ELDT Passenger Endorsement certificate does not expire. However, by federal law, individuals must go through the CDL renewal process to renew the (P) endorsement on their CDL.

Renewal: Some States may require more frequent assessments based on shorter CDL renewal cycles. For instance, in the State of Florida, CDL renewals must be done every four years. Please check with your state DOT for renewal cycles.