Do I Need ELDT Training?
Find out if ELDT is required for your situation — CDL A, CDL B, Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, or upgrade — plus who's exempt and which course to take.
Short answer: If you're getting your CDL for the first time, or adding a Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement for the first time after February 7, 2022 — yes, you need ELDT. If you already held your CDL or that endorsement before that date, you're exempt for that specific class. Keep reading to confirm your exact situation, or take the 60-second quiz.
Quick Reference — Do You Need ELDT?
- Getting a Class A CDL for the first time
- Getting a Class B CDL for the first time
- Upgrading Class B CDL to Class A
- Adding Hazmat endorsement for the first time
- Adding Passenger endorsement for the first time
- Adding School Bus endorsement for the first time
- CDL held before February 7, 2022
- Endorsement held before February 7, 2022
- Renewing an existing endorsement
- Renewing a CDL (same class)
- Transferring a CDL from another state
Who Is Exempt From ELDT?
ELDT exemptions are narrow and specific. You are exempt only if one of these applies:
- You held the CDL or endorsement before February 7, 2022. The rule is not retroactive — drivers credentialed before that date are grandfathered for that class or endorsement.
- You're renewing. Renewing an existing CDL or endorsement does not trigger ELDT, even at a Hazmat renewal (you redo the TSA background check, but not the training).
- You're transferring a CDL between states. Moving your existing CDL to a new state does not require ELDT.
- Certain military-skills-test waivers may apply for qualifying service members — check with your state DMV.
If none of those describe you and you're pursuing a new license class or endorsement, ELDT is required — there is no income-based, experience-based, or “I already know how to drive” exemption.
Which ELDT Course Do You Need?
Each ELDT course maps to one license class or endorsement. Find your situation below, then enroll from the matching card.
Rather not read a table? The finder routes you in two taps.
Take the 60-Second ELDT Course Finder →| Your Situation | Course Required | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time Class A CDL applicant | CDL A Theory ELDT | $20 | Required |
| First-time Class B CDL applicant | CDL B Theory ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Upgrading Class B CDL to Class A | CDL A Theory ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Adding Hazmat (H) endorsement | Hazmat ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Adding Passenger (P) endorsement | Passenger ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Adding School Bus (S) endorsement | School Bus ELDT | $20 | Required |
| CDL held before Feb 7, 2022 (same class) | None | — | Exempt |
| Renewing an existing endorsement | None | — | Exempt |
Enroll in the Right Course — All $20
Required before adding Hazmat. Theory only — no BTW. Auto-submitted to FMCSA TPR within 24 hours.
Required for first-time Class A applicants and Class B to Class A upgrades. Auto-submitted to TPR.
Required for first-time Class B applicants. Straight trucks, buses, large delivery vehicles.
Required for first-time Passenger endorsement. Charter, transit, and bus drivers.
Required for first-time School Bus endorsement. FMCSA-approved theory training.
Hazmat ELDT plus DMV knowledge test prep. Practice questions and placard rules included.
What Is ELDT and Why Is It Required?
ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training. Since February 7, 2022, the FMCSA has required all entry-level CDL drivers and first-time endorsement seekers to complete theory training from an FMCSA-approved provider before taking the state CDL skills or knowledge test.
Every provider must be listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). When you finish an approved course, your results are auto-submitted to the TPR and your state DMV verifies your training before clearing you to test. Verify any provider at our FMCSA TPR guide or directly at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Check.
How Long Does ELDT Take?
The training itself is short — most drivers finish DLA Academy's theory courses in under 2 hours, and completion reports to the FMCSA TPR within 24 hours. The training is not the long part; for endorsements like Hazmat, the TSA background check is. See the full timeline in How Long Does a Hazmat Endorsement Take?
How Much Does ELDT Cost?
Every DLA Academy ELDT course is $20 — the lowest price available for FMCSA-approved training. Other providers charge $23 to $119+ for the identical federally mandated curriculum. For the full provider-by-provider breakdown, see Cheapest FMCSA-Approved ELDT 2026.
Ready to Get Your ELDT Done?
All courses $20 · FMCSA-approved · Auto-submitted to TPR · Under 2 hours · 49 states · 5.0 stars · 3,500+ graduates
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