Which ELDT course fits your CDL goal?
Your current license and the credential you want determine the theory path to review. Compare all six paths, understand what online theory covers, and plan the steps that follow.
Compare CDL classes and endorsement theory
Start with your license goal. Passenger and School Bus endorsements are separate from the underlying CDL class; some drivers need more than one training path. Confirm your requirements before choosing official training.
| Your goal | Theory course | Draft modules |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing for your first Class A CDL | Class A ELDT Theory | 30 |
| Preparing for your first Class B CDL | Class B ELDT Theory | 29 |
| Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to Class A | Class B-to-A Upgrade Theory | 22 |
| Adding a first Passenger (P) endorsement | Passenger Endorsement Theory | 18 |
| Adding a first School Bus (S) endorsement | School Bus Endorsement Theory | 11 |
| Adding a first Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement | HazMat Endorsement Theory | 13 |
Every course has 30-day access, saved progress and module assessments. These are course-design details, not a required number of training hours.
What online theory covers—and what comes next
Theory develops the knowledge behind safe commercial driving: vehicle operation, hazard recognition and the responsibilities associated with your license or endorsement. Behind-the-wheel training develops and evaluates practical driving skills.
When ELDT applies to Class A, Class B, Passenger or School Bus, applicable theory and behind-the-wheel instruction must be completed through registered providers before the relevant skills test. The federal HazMat ELDT requirement is theory-only, followed by the separate endorsement knowledge test and other applicable requirements.
Theory and behind-the-wheel instruction can come from different registered providers. For in-person range and road in Texas, ELDT Theory Now recommends Get Your CDL Quick! in the Royse City / Poetry area. Explore our recommended services and free ELDT offer and call Jamie to confirm eligibility and availability.
Questions to answer before choosing ELDT training
What is ELDT, and who needs it?
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) sets federal training standards for drivers obtaining their first Class A or Class B CDL, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or obtaining a first Passenger, School Bus or HazMat endorsement. Exceptions apply. Check FMCSA’s applicability guidance for your license history and intended credential.
Can I complete ELDT online?
Theory instruction can be delivered online. When ELDT applies, Class A, Class B, Passenger and School Bus paths also require applicable behind-the-wheel training with a registered provider. The federal HazMat ELDT curriculum is theory-only; the state knowledge test and other endorsement requirements remain separate. This website’s private preview does not count as official completion.
How long does online ELDT theory take?
Study time depends on your experience, reading pace and the course. Federal ELDT rules do not set a minimum number of theory hours, but they require coverage of the curriculum and an overall assessment score of at least 80%. Our preview provides 30 days of access and requires 80% on each module assessment. The access period is not a promised completion time.
Is ELDT the same as the CDL permit test?
No. ELDT is training; permit and license tests are administered through your state’s licensing process. Federal ELDT rules do not require theory completion before obtaining a commercial learner’s permit. When ELDT applies, the required training must be completed before the applicable CDL or Passenger/School Bus skills test, or the HazMat knowledge test.
Understand completion records and state testing
A course certificate and a CDL are different documents. Your state issues the license or endorsement. For official ELDT, the licensing agency checks the required training record in FMCSA’s registry before administering the applicable test.
Ask your training provider how completion is reported and how to correct a name or license-detail mismatch. Confirm the record is available before relying on it for a test appointment. Your dashboard shows reporting status. Earlier preview certificates do not certify official training.
State requirements can add to the federal minimum. Texas drivers can review Texas DPS’s ELDT guidance; drivers in other states should consult their own licensing agency.
Explore the learning experience
Choose a course page to review its audience, topics and module count. Once access is activated, you can read lessons, check saved progress and take module assessments. Passing a module with at least 80% unlocks the next one.
Explore all six theory courses or contact student support for help with course access.
Official resources
- FMCSA: ELDT applicability and exceptions
- FMCSA: training requirements, hours and assessments
- Texas DPS: Entry-Level Driver Training
Guidance reviewed October 5, 2026. Check the official sources for current requirements and exceptions.