ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) is the federal training FMCSA requires before you can get a first-time Class A or B CDL, or add a Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus endorsement. It is delivered by a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and must be completed before your state knowledge or skills test.

How long does ELDT take to complete?

Hazmat, CDL A, CDL B and Passenger each take under 2 hours. School Bus is the fastest at 30 to 45 minutes. All courses are 100% online and self-paced, so you can log in and out as needed.

ELDT Resources & Guides — Hazmat, CDL, Bus | DLA Academy

DLA Academy — ELDT Resource Hub

ELDT Resources & Guides Hazmat, CDL, Passenger & School Bus

Q: Which ELDT course do I need?

First-time Class A applicants need CDL A Theory ELDT. First-time Class B applicants need CDL B Theory ELDT. Drivers adding a Hazmat endorsement need Hazmat ELDT, a Passenger endorsement need Passenger ELDT, and a School Bus endorsement need School Bus ELDT. There is no ELDT requirement for Tanker or Doubles/Triples. Each DLA Academy course is $20.

Q: How much does ELDT cost at DLA Academy?

Every DLA Academy ELDT course is $20. Bundles save more: Hazmat ELDT plus test prep is $30, the 3-Endorsement bundle covering Hazmat, Passenger and School Bus is $50, and School Bus Complete covering CDL B plus Passenger plus School Bus is $50.

Q: Is DLA Academy on the FMCSA registry?

Yes, for all five theory courses. Verify DLA Academy at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov, and check any provider the same way before you pay. Through 2026 FMCSA removed thousands of providers from the registry, and training conducted after a provider's removal date is considered invalid.

Q: How fast is my ELDT reported to the FMCSA?

Your completion is submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours. A same-day submission add-on is available at checkout if you need your record on file faster to schedule your state test.

Everything you need to complete your ELDT — requirements, state steps, cost breakdowns, and $20 online courses accepted in 49 states.

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Last checked September 18, 2026

ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) is the federal requirement for drivers getting a first-time Class A or B CDL, or adding a Hazmat (H), Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement. It must be completed with a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before your state test. This hub pulls together every requirement, cost breakdown, state guide and $20 course in one place.

Browse ELDT Courses — All $20

Every DLA Academy ELDT course is FMCSA-registered, 100% online, self-paced, and submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours of completion.

No ELDT needed for Tanker or Doubles/Triples. Those are knowledge-test only. If a provider is trying to sell you tanker ELDT, you don't need it. Tanker practice test — $15 →

ELDT at a Glance

$20Per Course

2 hrOr Less

24 hrRegistry Upload

49States Accepted

How to Get Your Hazmat Endorsement — Step by Step

Adding the Hazmat (H) endorsement takes four steps. The whole process runs 6–10 weeks — but your part, the ELDT, is done in under 2 hours.

Complete Hazmat ELDT

Finish Hazmat ELDT theory with a registered provider before your state knowledge test. DLA Academy's Hazmat ELDT is $20, fully online, and submitted to the registry within 24 hours. What is Hazmat ELDT? →

Complete the TSA background check & fingerprinting

Apply for the TSA Security Threat Assessment and schedule fingerprinting. Start this the same day you finish ELDT — it takes 4–8 weeks and runs independently. How the TSA check works →

Pass the hazmat knowledge test

Once your ELDT is in the registry, take the 30-question hazmat test at your state licensing office. What's on the test → Find your state →

Your H endorsement is added

Passed test plus TSA clearance, and your state adds the endorsement. Full timeline → The complete process guide →

What Is ELDT? The Two Kinds

1. CDL Theory ELDT

Required before your skills test for a first-time Class A or B CDL. Covers safe driving, federal regulations and vehicle operation. Do you need ELDT? →

2. Endorsement ELDT (Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus)

Required before the endorsement knowledge test for first-time applicants — regardless of how long you've held your CDL. The February 7, 2022 exemption applies to licence classes, not new endorsements. Already have a CDL? →

Verify any provider before you pay. Your ELDT only counts if the provider is listed on the FMCSA registry. Through 2026 FMCSA removed thousands of providers — and training conducted after a provider's removal date is considered invalid under 49 CFR Part 380 Subpart G. How to check, and what to do if yours is gone →

Ready to Start? ELDT from $20

FMCSA-registered · Submitted to the registry within 24 hours · Accepted in 49 states · Under 2 hours

Start Hazmat ELDT — $20 Compare All Bundles

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Bundles — Every One Saves $5 to $10

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Hazmat ELDT + Test Prep

Hazmat & Tanker Complete

Hazmat Guides & Requirements

Everything about adding a hazmat endorsement — what's required, what it costs, and what to expect at every step.

Hazmat ELDT by State

State-specific licensing office details, fees, TSA fingerprinting steps and knowledge-test info.

What DLA Academy Drivers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ELDT?+

ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) is the federal training FMCSA requires before you can get a first-time Class A or B CDL, or add a Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus endorsement. It must be completed with a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry before your state test. Do you need ELDT? →

Which ELDT course do I need?+

First-time Class A applicants need CDL A Theory ELDT; first-time Class B applicants need CDL B Theory ELDT. Drivers adding a Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus endorsement need that specific endorsement ELDT. There is no ELDT requirement for Tanker or Doubles/Triples. Each course is $20. Full breakdown →

How long does ELDT take?+

Hazmat, CDL A, CDL B and Passenger each take under 2 hours. School Bus is our fastest at 30–45 minutes. All courses are 100% online and self-paced, so you can log in and out as needed.

How much does ELDT cost at DLA Academy?+

Every ELDT course is $20. Bundles save more — Hazmat ELDT plus test prep is $30, the 3-Endorsement bundle is $50, and School Bus Complete is $50. See the 2026 price comparison →

Is DLA Academy on the FMCSA registry?+

Yes — for all five theory courses. Verify us at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov, and check any provider the same way before you pay. Completions are submitted within 24 hours. Accepted in 49 states; Washington is not served.

How fast is my ELDT reported to the FMCSA?+

Within 24 hours. A same-day submission add-on is available at checkout if you need your record on file faster to schedule your state test.

How do I check whether my provider is still registered?+

Search the provider name at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov using the name exactly as it appears on your certificate. If they don't appear, they're not currently registered. What to do if your provider was removed →

Training 10 or more drivers? Fleet accounts start at $20 a seat with same-day registry submission, invoicing and completion records included. See fleet accounts →

Want to earn from ELDT? Affiliate pays 25% and is free to join. Reseller seats start at $20. See partner programs →

ELDT from $20 — FMCSA-RegisteredUnder 2 hrs · Submitted to the registry

Start — $20