ELDT Resources & Guides Hazmat, CDL, Passenger & School Bus
Everything you need to complete your FMCSA-approved ELDT — requirements, DMV steps, cost breakdowns, and $20 online courses accepted in 49 states.
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 an FMCSA-approved provider before your DMV test. This hub pulls together every requirement, cost breakdown, state guide, and $20 course in one place. Not sure what you need? Take the 60-second course finder.
Browse ELDT Courses — All $20
Every DLA Academy ELDT course is FMCSA-approved, 100% online, self-paced, and auto-submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours of completion.
Not sure which one you need? Take the 60-second course finder → Studying for a written test? Add the CDL Permit Practice Test ($15).
ELDT at a Glance
How to Get Your Hazmat Endorsement — Step by Step
Adding the Hazmat (H) endorsement to your CDL takes four steps. The whole process runs 6–10 weeks — but your part (the ELDT) is done in under 2 hours.
Finish Hazmat ELDT theory with an FMCSA-approved provider before your DMV knowledge test. DLA Academy's Hazmat ELDT is $20, fully online, self-paced, and auto-submitted to the FMCSA TPR within 24 hours. What is Hazmat ELDT? →
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 of your DMV test. How the TSA background check works →
Once your ELDT is in the FMCSA TPR, take the 30-question Hazmat written test at your state DMV (24 correct to pass). See what's on the test → Find your state's process →
Once you pass the knowledge test and TSA approves your background check, your state adds the Hazmat (H) endorsement to your CDL. Full timeline breakdown →
What Is ELDT? FMCSA Requirements Explained
The FMCSA requires all new CDL drivers — and existing CDL holders adding endorsements — to complete Entry-Level Driver Training before their state test. There are 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 Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus applicants — regardless of how long you've held your CDL. The February 7, 2022 exemption applies to license classes, not new endorsements.
Fastest Way to Complete Your ELDT in 2026
Drivers ask how to finish ELDT quickly. Here's the fastest legitimate path:
Online ELDT is faster than in-person classes. DLA Academy offers every ELDT course for $20, accepted in 49 states.
Most drivers finish Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus ELDT in under 2 hours, and CDL A or B Theory ELDT in 1–2 hours. Self-paced — log in and out as needed.
DLA Academy auto-submits your completion to the Training Provider Registry within 24 hours. Need it faster? A same-day submission add-on is available at checkout.
Once the FMCSA shows your ELDT record, your state clears you to test. See why $20 is the cheapest route →
Ready to Start? ELDT from $20
FMCSA-approved · Auto-submitted to TPR within 24 hours · Accepted in 49 states · Under 2 hours
3-Endorsement Bundle — Best Value
Need Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus ELDT? Get all three for one low price.
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 DMV details, fees, TSA fingerprinting steps, and knowledge-test info for your state.