Online Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Entry-Level Driver Training | Mississippi State University, Center for Continuing Education

Online Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Prepare to Earn Your CDL Online

Individuals with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are an essential part of the U.S. economy— moving over 72% of the goods transported in the U.S. in 2021 alone, equating to 10.93 billion tons of total freight transported. Demand for qualified drivers is high, with the trucking industry representing 80.8% of the nation’s freight bill.

Our 100% online Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate programs help you meet the knowledge requirements listed in The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements, and other related knowledge criteria.

Depending upon your specific goals, each course can help you begin an in-demand career with competitive salaries and opportunities.

Job Outlook for Professionals with a CDL

  • • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects jobs for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers to grow by 4% between now and 2031. This equates to around 259,900 new jobs each year throughout the next decade!
  • • According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $77,812 as of November 2022. With experience and higher-level commercial driving licenses, professionals in this field can earn as much as $116,543 per year.

Courses Offered

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class A

 

Prepare to meet all theory (knowledge) requirements listed in The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements as you work to obtain your Class A CDL. This online, self-paced course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).

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Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class B

 

Meet all theory (knowledge) requirements listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements and prepare to obtain your Class B CDL. This online, self-paced course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).

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Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class B to A

 

Upgrade your Class B CDL to a Class A CDL to take on more opportunities and earn a higher salary. This self-paced, online course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) and meets all FMCSA training requirements.

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Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Hazardous Materials

 

Earn your specialized hazardous materials (H) endorsement for your CDL, which can result in increased opportunities and higher pay. This self-paced online course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) that meets FMCSA training requirements.

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Entry-Level Driver Training FAQs

According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $77,812 as of November 2022. Your location and level of CDL will impact how much you are able to earn annually. States with the highest truck driver salaries include North Dakota, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, with top earners in the field making over $116,000 per year.

Demand for entry-level truck drivers is extremely high, whether you have a Class B, Class A, or even a specialized H endorsement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2,094,000 jobs posted for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in 2021 alone. These jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 4% through 2031, equating to 259,900 new jobs each year.

Our ELDT certificate programs meet the knowledge requirements listed in 49 CFR Part 380 and can help you begin an in-demand career. You will learn basic operation, safe procedures, advanced practices, vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions, post-crash procedures, trip planning, cargo handling, environmental issues, driver hours of service, and drug/alcohol policies.

These self-paced programs can be completed in three months or less, with support provided via email, forums, and phone.