FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…

FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This was established as of February 7, 2022:

• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;

• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or

• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022 are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement.

Click here for the FMCSA Training Regulations

• All applicants for a CDL in the state of Texas must have a Texas driver’s license.

• When you apply for your CDL, you must obtain and hold a Commercial Driver License Permit and hold it for at least 14 days, before applying for an ELDT class.

• Applicants must complete the CDL application before arriving at their local office.

• Applicants must be able to verify their identity and provide a Social Security Number.

• Applicants must pay the application fee.

• Applicants must pass a vision exam, have their pictures taken, and provide a thumbprint.

Yes, Dogwood CDL Services only accepts students who have held their CLP for 14 days and know how to drive on public roads.

Vehicle Inspection (pre-trip) Test: Knowledge of vehicle safety before operation.

Basic Vehicle Control Test: This tests drivers on their control skills in large commercial vehicles, including forward and backward movements, turns, and other maneuvers.

Road Test: This tests drivers on a variety of traffic situations to ensure their ability to perform safely and efficiently during common and uncommon driving scenarios.

We will book your skills test at the closest DPS location. This will mainly be at the Midland, Texas location. In an event that there aren’t any available appointment times during your ELDT enrollment, we may have to send you to Crane, Big Spring or Andrews, Texas. Dogwood will provide their CMVs for your skills testing and make sure it’s in proper working order before you get on the road.

Your Commercial License Permit is only valid for 180 days. If you aren’t able to pass your skills test in that time, you will have to start the process all over. In the event you fail the skills test at the DPS, Dogwood is able to reissue a CMV for you to use at your next appointment for a fee. You will need to arrange the appointment and then contact us. Contact us for more information.

Currently, the only endorsement we offer is H - HAZMAT.

In the future we plan to offer bus & passenger endorsements, as well.

Dogwood CDL Services can still train drivers with a CDL or CLP from out of state. Our entry level driver training is good for the entire U.S. However, we cannot schedule the state driving test or have a vehicle for you to use in another state. We can assist you in scheduling the test in your home state, but you will need to rent a CMV for use on your own.

https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/forms/dl-7c.pdf