DLA Academy

If you're getting your CDL or adding an endorsement in 2026, you already know you need to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory before you can take your skills test. What you might not know is how wildly different providers charge for the exact same federally required course.

Spoiler: you don't need to spend $100+ to check this box.

---

What Is ELDT and Why Is It Required?

Since February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has required all entry-level drivers to complete ELDT theory training before testing for their CDL or certain endorsements. This applies to anyone:

• Applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading a Class B CDL to a Class A
• Adding a Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time

Every ELDT provider must be listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). Once you complete an approved course, your results are submitted to the TPR and your state DMV can verify your training — clearing you to schedule your skills test.

Here's the key thing most drivers don't realize: every FMCSA-approved ELDT course covers the same federally mandated curriculum. The content requirements are set by the government, not the provider. That means a $109 course and a $20 course are teaching you the exact same material.

---

ELDT Price Comparison: What Providers Charge in 2026

Here's what you can expect to pay at some of the most commonly found ELDT providers online:

All of the above are FMCSA-approved and listed on the TPR. The difference is purely price — and at DLA Academy, we've made it our mission to keep that number as low as possible.

---

Why Is DLA Academy So Much Cheaper?

We're an online-only provider, which means we don't have the overhead of physical campuses, in-person instructors, or large administrative teams. We pass those savings directly to drivers.

Our courses are:

• 100% online and self-paced — complete them from your phone, tablet, or computer
• Finished in under an hour for most students
• Submitted to the FMCSA TPR within 24–48 hours of completion
• Valid in all 50 states — no exceptions

There are no subscriptions, no hidden fees, and no upsells. One flat payment of $20 and you're done.

---

Does Cheaper Mean Lower Quality?

Not when the curriculum is federally mandated. The FMCSA requires every approved provider to teach the same core topics — vehicle inspection, safe operations, hours of service, hazard recognition, drug and alcohol awareness, and more. A provider can't cut corners on content and stay on the TPR.

What varies between providers is the platform experience, support quality, and price. DLA Academy offers a clean, mobile-friendly course experience with dedicated email support — at the lowest price in the market.

---

Which DLA Academy ELDT Course Do You Need?

Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right course:

• Getting your Class A CDL for the first time? → CDL A Theory ELDT – $20
• Getting your Class B CDL for the first time? → CDL B Theory ELDT – $20
• Adding a Hazmat endorsement? → Hazmat ELDT – $20
• Adding a Passenger endorsement? → Passenger ELDT – $20
• Adding a School Bus endorsement? → School Bus ELDT – $20
• Want Hazmat ELDT + DMV Test Prep? → Hazmat Bundle – $30

Not sure which one applies to you? Visit our Do You Need ELDT? page for a quick breakdown.

---

The Bottom Line

In 2026, ELDT theory is a required step for every new CDL driver — but it doesn't have to be expensive. DLA Academy offers the same FMCSA-approved, TPR-listed training that other providers charge $100+ for, at just $20 per course.

Get it done fast, get it done right, and get on the road.

Enroll at DLA Academy for $20 →