Passenger Endorsement Online ELDT Theory Course

What this course covers

The course follows the passenger endorsement theory curriculum in Appendix C to 49 CFR Part 380. Its 18 units cover what is specific to carrying people in a bus, motorcoach or large van rather than freight. The curriculum is the same whether you will drive transit, charter, tour, shuttle or school buses, because the school bus (S) endorsement builds on top of it.

• Post-crash procedures and other emergency procedures, including evacuating passengers.
• Vehicle orientation and pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection of emergency exits, interiors, seat belts and accessibility lifts.
• Fueling and idling rules, and baggage and cargo management, including checking for prohibited items.
• The passenger safety awareness briefing, passenger management and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
• Hours of service for passenger carriers, safety belt use and distracted driving.
• Railroad-highway grade crossings and drawbridges, weigh stations, security and crime, roadside inspections, and penalties and fines.

There is no federal minimum number of hours. You complete every unit and pass each module quiz at 80% or higher, with retakes allowed.

Who needs it and who is exempt

Under 49 CFR 380.603, anyone adding the passenger (P) endorsement for the first time on or after February 7, 2022 must complete passenger theory and passenger behind-the-wheel training with registered providers, whether they hold a new CLP or a CDL they have had for years. If you will drive a school bus you need P and S, so plan on both ELDT courses; the school bus endorsement course is the second one.

You are exempt if you held the P endorsement before February 7, 2022, or held a CLP with a P endorsement issued before that date and added the endorsement before the CLP or its renewal expired. The Part 383 exceptions in 380.603(a), such as certain military drivers under 383.3(c), also apply. Renewing a P endorsement you already hold does not trigger ELDT. The passenger and school bus guide goes through each case.

Steps from permit to the P endorsement

ELDT is one step in the state licensing process. The order is the same in the 49 states that accept our course; your state agency sets fees and test dates.

1. 1Pass the passenger knowledge test at your state licensing agency so the P endorsement is on your CLP or CDL. New drivers also need the Class A or Class B permit first; the CLP requirements guide explains the order.
2. 2Complete this theory course online and pass each module quiz at 80% or higher.
3. 3Your record is sent to the Training Provider Registry automatically, usually within minutes. Confirm it with how to check your ELDT record.
4. 4Complete passenger behind-the-wheel training in person, in a bus of the vehicle group you will drive, with a provider registered for passenger training. Schools set their own prices; many transit and coach operators train their own hires. The CDL school finder lists registered providers by state.
5. 5Take the state passenger skills test in a bus. Theory and behind-the-wheel must be completed within one year of each other.

The theory versus behind-the-wheel guide explains why the two halves can come from different providers.

What is included

The course costs $20 and includes all 18 units, the quizzes, your certificate of completion and the registry submission.

After your last quiz we send the record to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry automatically, usually within minutes, once your permit or CDL number is in your profile.