Enroll Now
CDL A Theory ELDT — Choose Your Option
Same FMCSA-registered course either way. The bundle adds 119 DMV practice questions and saves you $5.
Need it filed faster? Same-day registry submission is offered as an add-on at checkout for $15 — your completion goes to the FMCSA registry the same business day you finish instead of within 24 hours.
Who Needs CDL A Theory ELDT?
🚛First-Time Class A CDL Applicants
Any driver applying for a Class A CDL for the first time after February 7, 2022 must complete CDL A Theory ELDT before the skills test.
⬆Class B to Class A Upgrades
Upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A requires CDL A Theory ELDT — regardless of when you got your Class B or how long you have been driving.
💼New Trucking Industry Entrants
Drivers entering the industry for the first time. CDL A ELDT theory is step one before getting your CLP and starting skills training.
🏢Employer-Required Drivers
Companies requiring CDL A ELDT before hiring. Complete theory online today and keep your start date on track. Hiring several? See fleet accounts.
Already have a Class A CDL? If you obtained it before February 7, 2022, you are exempt from CDL A Theory ELDT for that license class. However, if you are adding a
Hazmat,
Passenger, or
School Bus endorsement for the first time, that endorsement's ELDT is still required.
What CDL A Theory ELDT Covers
Basic vehicle control & operation
Shifting & backing maneuvers
Coupling & uncoupling procedures
Pre-trip vehicle inspection
Hours of Service regulations
Hazard recognition & safe driving
Cargo handling & weight limits
Drug & alcohol awareness
Non-driving activities & paperwork
All FMCSA Appendix A to Part 380 topics
Final assessment — 80% to pass
Theory only. DLA Academy covers the ELDT theory portion. Class A applicants also need behind-the-wheel training with a local provider listed on the FMCSA registry for behind-the-wheel — both are required for a first-time Class A CDL. Check with your state licensing agency for providers near you.
ELDT vs. the DMV Knowledge Tests
These are two different things, and mixing them up costs drivers time. ELDT is the federal training requirement. The knowledge tests are separate state exams you take to get your commercial learner's permit. Class A applicants typically face three:
| Knowledge test |
Questions |
To pass |
| General Knowledge |
50 |
80% — 40 correct |
| Air Brakes |
25 |
80% — 20 correct |
| Combination Vehicles |
20 |
80% — 16 correct |
Question counts follow the federal model; confirm the specifics with your state licensing agency.
Recommended add-on
CDL Permit Prep — 119 Practice Questions — $15
All three knowledge tests covered in DMV-style practice questions — General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles — with an explanation on every answer and unlimited retakes. Bundled with this course for $30.
Get Permit Prep — $15
CDL A ELDT Requirements by State
Find your state's exact CDL A requirements, licensing process, and step-by-step instructions:
View all 49 states →
CDL A Theory ELDT — $20 Flat
FMCSA-registered · Submitted to the registry within 24 hours · Accepted in 49 states · Under 2 hours
FMCSA-Registered 4.9 Stars · 447+ Reviews 6,500+ Graduates 49 States
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ELDT to get my Class A CDL?+
Yes. All drivers applying for a Class A CDL for the first time after February 7, 2022 must complete CDL A Theory ELDT from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking the skills test. This applies in all 49 states DLA Academy serves.
Do I need ELDT if I am upgrading from Class B to Class A?+
Yes. Upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A requires completing CDL A Theory ELDT regardless of when you obtained your Class B license or how long you have been driving commercially.
Is ELDT the same as the DMV permit test?+
No, and this is the most common mix-up. ELDT is the federally required
training you complete before your skills test. The DMV knowledge tests are separate state
exams. This course fulfills the federal requirement; our
CDL Permit Prep with 119 practice questions is what helps you pass the exams.
Does DLA Academy provide behind-the-wheel training?+
No — DLA Academy covers ELDT theory only. Class A applicants also need behind-the-wheel training with a local provider listed on the FMCSA registry for behind-the-wheel training. Both are required for a first-time Class A CDL. Contact your state licensing agency for providers near you.
How long does CDL A Theory ELDT take?+
Most drivers finish in under 2 hours. It is fully self-paced and works on any device, so you can complete it in one sitting or across several. Your completion is submitted to the FMCSA registry within 24 hours — or the same business day with the same-day add-on at checkout.
Is DLA Academy on the FMCSA registry?+
Yes — for all five theory courses: Hazmat, CDL A, CDL B, Passenger and School Bus. Verify us at
tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov, and check any provider the same way before you pay. If a provider is not listed, your state will not accept the completion. Washington State is not served.
What the registry is →
I already have a Class A CDL — do I still need this?+
If you obtained your Class A CDL before February 7, 2022, you are exempt for that license class. But adding a
Hazmat,
Passenger, or
School Bus endorsement for the first time still requires that endorsement's ELDT. Adding all three? The
3-Endorsement Bundle is $50.
How do I check my completion on the FMCSA registry?+
Your completion is submitted within 24 hours of passing. You can verify your status directly at
tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. Your state licensing agency checks the same registry before scheduling your test.
Best Value — Save $5
Getting Your Class A? Add Permit Prep and Save
Getting your CDL A means two separate hurdles — the federal ELDT requirement, and your state's three permit knowledge tests. This bundle covers both for $30, saving $5 versus buying them apart. General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles, with an explanation on every answer.
$30
Save $5 vs buying separately ($35)
Heading into fuel or chemical work?
Fuel Hauler CDL A — $50
CDL A ELDT plus Hazmat ELDT plus 42 tanker practice questions. Both ELDT courses are submitted to the registry as separate entries. Together, hazmat and tanker make your X endorsement — and tanker needs no ELDT at all.
$50
Save $5 vs buying separately ($55)
Also Adding a Hazmat Endorsement?
Many Class A drivers add Hazmat for better-paying freight. Hazmat ELDT is also $20 and can be completed back to back with your CDL A ELDT. Keep in mind the Hazmat endorsement also requires a TSA background check that takes 4–8 weeks — see the full timeline.
Popular pairing
Hazmat ELDT + DMV Test Prep — $30
Hazmat ELDT plus 100 Hazmat practice questions including a full 30-question exam simulation. Saves $5 versus buying both separately.
Get Bundle — $30
Other Courses & Bundles
Know other drivers getting their CDL? Share your link and earn 25% on every course they buy. Free to join, paid weekly.
Join the affiliate program →
Related Resources
