CDL B Theory ELDT — First-Time Class B CDL
Complete your CDL B theory training online in under 2 hours. Required for first-time Class B CDL applicants. FMCSA-registered, accepted in 49 states, submitted to the registry within 24 hours.
Federal law requires all drivers getting a Class B CDL for the first time to complete CDL B Theory ELDT before their skills test. DLA Academy's FMCSA-registered course covers every federally mandated theory topic — $20 flat, under 2 hours, accepted in 49 states and submitted to the FMCSA registry within 24 hours.
CDL B Theory ELDT — Choose Your Option
Same FMCSA-registered course either way. The bundle adds 119 DMV practice questions and saves you $5.
Who Needs CDL B Theory ELDT?
Any driver applying for a Class B CDL for the first time after February 7, 2022 must complete CDL B Theory ELDT before the skills test.
City buses, coach buses, and transit vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR require a Class B CDL. Carrying passengers? You will also need the Passenger endorsement.
Straight trucks and box trucks over 26,001 lbs GVWR — including large delivery routes — require a Class B CDL.
Dump trucks, tow trucks, and other large single-unit vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR require a Class B CDL. Hiring a crew? See fleet accounts.
CDL A vs CDL B — Which Do You Need?
- Straight trucks over 26,001 lbs GVWR
- City buses & transit vehicles
- Large box trucks & delivery vehicles
- Tow trucks & dump trucks (single unit)
- Semi-trucks & tractor-trailers
- 18-wheelers & combination vehicles
- Any towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs GVWR
What CDL B Theory ELDT Covers
The FMCSA sets the required theory curriculum for Class B in 49 CFR Part 380, Appendix B. Our course covers every required unit:
Orientation, control systems and dashboard, pre- and post-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, shifting, and backing and docking.
Visual search and personal security, communication, distracted driving, speed and space management, night operation, and extreme driving conditions.
Hazard perception, skid control and recovery, emergencies, and railroad-highway grade crossings.
Diagnosing malfunctions, roadside inspections, maintenance, cargo handling, hours of service, fatigue, post-crash procedures, drugs and alcohol, and medical requirements.
ELDT vs. the DMV Knowledge Tests
These are two separate requirements and mixing them up costs drivers time. ELDT is the federal training requirement. The knowledge tests are state exams you take to get your commercial learner's permit. Class B applicants typically face two:
| Knowledge test | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 80% — 40 correct |
| Air Brakes (if your vehicle has them) | 25 | 80% — 20 correct |
The Combination Vehicles test applies only to Class A. Question counts follow the federal model — confirm specifics with your state licensing agency.
Covers General Knowledge and Air Brakes — the two tests Class B drivers take — plus Combination Vehicles if you later upgrade to Class A. Explanation on every answer, unlimited retakes. Bundled with this course for $30.
CDL B ELDT Requirements by State
Find your state's exact Class B requirements, licensing process, and step-by-step instructions:
CDL B Theory ELDT — $20 Flat
FMCSA-registered · Submitted to the registry within 24 hours · Accepted in 49 states · Under 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting your CDL B means two separate hurdles — the federal ELDT requirement, and your state's permit knowledge tests. This bundle covers both for $30, saving $5. Class B applicants take General Knowledge and Air Brakes; the Combination Vehicles section is included for when you upgrade.
Driving a Bus? You May Need an Endorsement Too
A Class B CDL lets you drive the vehicle — but carrying passengers or students requires endorsements on top of it. Most school bus drivers need both Passenger and School Bus, since S usually requires P as a prerequisite.
School buses are Class B. This covers CDL B Theory ELDT plus Passenger and School Bus ELDT — and most states require the Passenger endorsement before they will issue School Bus. All three submitted to the registry as separate entries. Saves $10.
Hazmat + Passenger + School Bus ELDT together. Covers both endorsements school bus drivers need, plus Hazmat, and saves $10 versus buying the three separately.