Do I Need ELDT Training If I Previously Had a CDL? Here’s What You Need to Know

You Might Be Closer to Getting Back on the Road Than You Think

The ELDT mandate was a big change for the industry—but it doesn’t apply to everyone. If you’ve held a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in the past, there’s a good chance you don’t need expensive training programs or to start from scratch.

One of the biggest questions we hear at CNS Driver Training Center is: Do I need to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) if I already had a CDL in the past?

In short: No, you do not need ELDT if you already had a CDL and were employed as a truck driver. Here’s why.

What Is ELDT and Who Needs It?

The ELDT regulations went into effect on February 7, 2022, and apply to:

• First-time applicants for a Class A or Class B CDL.
• Drivers upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL.
• Anyone seeking endorsements like H (Hazmat), P (Passenger), or S (School Bus).

Who Is Exempt?

You do not need to complete ELDT if:

• You obtained your CDL before February 7, 2022.
• You held a CDL in the past and are now looking to reinstate it.
• You are not applying for a new endorsement that requires ELDT.

The key point is this: ELDT is not retroactive. If you had your CDL before the rule change, you’re considered an experienced driver—even if your license has expired or was downgraded.

A Real-Life Example

In one of our free CDL permit prep classes, a gentleman arrived under the impression that he had to pay $7,000 for a full CDL course to re-enter the industry. He had held a Class A CDL for nearly 20 years before letting it lapse due to a job change that didn’t require driving.

After introducing himself and sharing his story, I told him the good news:
“You, my friend, don’t need ELDT because you’re not an entry-level driver.”

He was shocked. That simple clarification saved him thousands of dollars and opened the door for him to return to a career he missed. It’s moments like that that remind us why we do what we do.

So, What Are Your Next Steps?

If your CDL has expired or been downgraded, here’s what to do—starting with Pennsylvania (PA), but we’ve included general steps for other states as well.

How to Reinstate an Expired or Suspended CDL in Pennsylvania

If Your CDL Simply Expired:

1. Determine How Long It’s Been Expired
   If more than 60 days, you may need to retest.
2. Download Form DL-143CD
   This is the Application for Renewal of Commercial Driver’s License from PennDOT’s website.
3. Take any additional Preparation and Practice training, but not required
   If you are interested in some practice or preparation before your CDL test, CNS Driver Training Center can offer you 2+ hours to practice on our equipment before you take your CDL test. The cost will be $300 for 2 hours, $500 for 4 hours.

4. Visit a PennDOT Location
   Bring:
   • A current DOT physical (medical card)
   • Proof of identity and residency
   • Payment for renewal and endorsement fees
5. Retake Tests (if required)
   If your CDL has been expired for an extended period, expect to take the knowledge and/or skills test. Ready to take your CDL Test? Our CDL school is also a certified PennDOT 3rd party testing facility. In addition to having some of the best CDL training and trainers in the state of Pennsylvania, CNS Driver Training Center can now offer affordable, flexible, and convenient Class A and Class B CDL Testing using our equipment for your convenience.

If Your CDL Was Suspended:

1. Review Your Suspension Notice
   PennDOT will send a Restoration Requirements Letter outlining what you need to do.
2. Fulfill All Requirements
   • Wait out the suspension period.
   • Complete any court-ordered programs or courses.
   • Pay applicable restoration fees.
   • Retake knowledge and/or road tests if required.
3. Submit Reinstatement Application
   Include all required documentation (e.g., proof of insurance, court documents, new DOT physical).
4. Special Cases
   If you have a lifetime disqualification, you’ll need to file an appeal with the PA Board of Appeals.

What About Other States?

Every state handles reinstatement a little differently, but most follow a similar process. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Contact Your State DMV or Licensing Agency
   Walk in or call and say:

“I had a CDL until [date]. What do I need to do to reinstate or reactivate it?”

Tip: Don’t overexplain. Just ask for the process.

2. Bring a Valid DOT Medical Card
   In some states, that’s all you need to reinstate your CDL if it expired due to medical certification issues.
3. Check for Testing Requirements
   Some states may require you to retake written or skills tests based on how long your CDL has been inactive.

Need help getting back behind the wheel?

At CNS Driver Training Center, we’re here to help you navigate the process and make smart, cost-effective decisions for your future in trucking.

Reach out to CNS or join one of our free permit prep classes. You might just walk out with a clear path—and money saved. Give us a call at 717-496-9145 or email us at support@cnstrains.com.