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Can you do ELDT training online?
Anyone getting a first Class A or B CDL, or a first S, P, or H endorsement, can do the theory part online, but the driving part must be in person, except H, which is theory only. ELDT means entry-level driver training. An upgrade from Class B to Class A needs it too. Your provider must be on FMCSA's list, the Training Provider Registry. Some people are exempt.
By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.
The steps, in order
Check your case
A first Class A or B CDL, a Class B to Class A upgrade, or a first S, P, or H endorsement
Find a listed provider
It must be on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry
Take the theory part
Online training is one of the ways the rule allows
Do the driving part
On a range or a public road. An H endorsement has no driving part
Steps in order: check that ELDT applies to your license or endorsement, find a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, take the theory part, which can be online, then do the driving part with actual control of the vehicle on a range or a public road. An H endorsement has the theory part only.
What the rule says
What is ELDT training?
Entry-level driver training. FMCSA's ELDT rules cover the training requirements for entry-level drivers.
Who has to take it?
People getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
What if I am upgrading?
Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL is covered too.
Does it cover endorsements?
Yes, for a first school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement.
Do I need it if I already have a CDL?
Not for the respective CDL or S, P, or H endorsement you were issued before February 7, 2022. FMCSA says the rules are not retroactive. A Class B to Class A upgrade still needs ELDT. So does a first S, P, or H.
What if I got my learner's permit before that date?
FMCSA says that if you got a CLP before February 7, 2022 and get your CDL before that CLP or its renewal expires, you are not subject to the ELDT requirements.
Is anyone else exempt?
Yes. FMCSA says anyone who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 is also exempt.
Who can give the training for a CDL?
A provider listed on the Training Provider Registry. A first-time Class A or Class B applicant, or someone upgrading to Class A or B, must complete driver training from a listed provider.
Who can give the training for an endorsement?
Also a listed provider. For a first passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement, the rule says to complete the related training from a provider listed on the registry.
What does the registry do?
It keeps a record of which CDL applicants completed the ELDT training and certification process.
Can the theory part be online?
Yes. The rule says theory instruction can be given through computer-based instruction, driving simulation devices, online training, or similar means.
Does an online course still need an instructor?
The rule says a provider offering online training must make sure a theory instructor prepares or delivers the content.
What is behind-the-wheel training?
Driving lessons in which you have actual control of the power unit. The rule defines range training and public road training separately. Range training is a driving lesson on a range.
What happens in a public road lesson?
You have actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson on a public road.
Does passenger (P) training have a driving part?
Yes. Its curriculum has a behind-the-wheel unit on a driving range or a public road.
Does school bus (S) training have a driving part?
Yes. Its curriculum has a behind-the-wheel unit on a driving range or a public road.
What does an H applicant complete?
The hazardous materials curriculum, in order to take the State knowledge test for H.
Does H training have a driving part?
No. FMCSA says a driver seeking the H endorsement must complete ELDT, theory only, before taking the State knowledge test.
Can two schools split the training?
Different providers may give the theory and the driving parts. But the range and public road driving must come from the same provider.
How long do I have to finish both parts?
Within one year of finishing the first part. H is the exception.
Does the provider check my permit?
Yes. Before driving training, or Class A theory upgrade training, the provider must verify that you hold a valid commercial learner's permit or CDL, as applicable.
Where people go wrong
- You pay for an online course before you look the provider up. The rule says training has to come from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
- You expect to finish the driving part on a screen. The rule defines driving lessons as actual control of the power unit on a range or a public road.
- You split the training between schools before you ask. Different providers may give theory and driving, but the range and public road driving must come from one provider. Ask the provider you plan to use.
- You skip a course you needed, or take one you did not. The rules are not retroactive, but the exempt part is only the respective CDL or endorsement issued before February 7, 2022. A Class B to Class A upgrade still needs ELDT. So does a first S, P, or H. Some other people are exempt too.
Questions
How many hours of theory does ELDT require?
FMCSA sets none. It says there is no minimum number of hours for theory training. You do have to score at least 80 percent on the provider's theory assessment.
How many driving hours does ELDT require?
FMCSA sets none. It says there is no minimum number of hours for behind-the-wheel training. Your instructor decides when you are proficient, based on how you do the required elements on the range and public road. The vehicle has to be representative of the class or endorsement you want.
Can my state add its own ELDT rules?
Yes. FMCSA says its rules generally do not replace state rules that go further. A state may also set stricter rules for who can be a provider or instructor. But a provider that offers only online content does not have to meet state rules on how its theory instructors qualify. Ask your state licensing agency what applies.
Is there a free ELDT course?
We haven't confirmed a free course. Ask a listed provider what it charges before you pay.
Your next step
Before you pay for a course, look the provider up on the Training Provider Registry. To read who is covered and who is exempt, see FMCSA's ELDT page.
Sources we read
- www.fmcsa.dot.gov › FMCSA, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.govinfo.gov › 49 CFR Part 380, Subparts F and G (2025 edition) · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.fmcsa.dot.gov › FMCSA, ELDT Q&A, question 20 (theory hours) · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.fmcsa.dot.gov › FMCSA, ELDT Q&A, question 19 (behind-the-wheel hours) · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.fmcsa.dot.gov › FMCSA, ELDT and State-based training · read Nov 13, 2026
Who publishes this guide
State Cert Guide is an independent guide to what each state requires. If a fact on this page is wrong, tell us and we fix it.