DLA Academy

If you're adding a Passenger (P) endorsement to your CDL for the first time, federal law requires you to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory before you can take your state endorsement knowledge test. DLA Academy's Passenger ELDT course fulfills that requirement — fully online, self-paced, and accepted in all 50 states.

At just $20, it's one of the most affordable FMCSA-approved Passenger ELDT courses available anywhere. Complete it in under an hour and get your results submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry automatically.

Who Needs This Course?

You need this Passenger ELDT course if you are:

• A CDL driver adding a Passenger (P) endorsement for the first time
• A charter bus, coach bus, or tour bus driver required to carry the P endorsement
• A city transit or public bus driver needing endorsement compliance before starting work
• A school bus driver — most states require both the Passenger and School Bus endorsements together
• A driver employed by a transportation company, staffing agency, or logistics firm that requires the P endorsement for passenger-carrying vehicles

You do not need this course if you already held a valid Passenger endorsement before February 7, 2022.

What You'll Learn

This course covers all 20 FMCSA-mandated theory modules for the Passenger (P) endorsement, including:

• Vehicle orientation and pre- and post-trip inspections
• Passenger safety awareness and passenger management
• Emergency procedures and post-crash protocols
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance
• Hours of Service (HOS) requirements for passenger carriers
• Baggage and cargo management
• Distracted driving prevention
• Railroad-highway grade crossings and drawbridge procedures
• Safety belt safety and enforcement
• Weight stations, roadside inspections, and penalties
• Security and crime awareness
• Final assessment

Once you pass with a score of 80% or higher, your results are automatically submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry — no extra steps required on your end.

Who Employs Passenger Endorsement Drivers?

The Passenger (P) endorsement is required across a wide range of industries and employers, including:

• Public transit agencies — city and regional bus operators requiring CDL P endorsement for all drivers
• Charter and tour bus companies — carrying groups for events, tourism, and corporate travel
• School districts and contractors — school bus drivers typically need both P and S endorsements
• Airport shuttle and hotel transport services — operating passenger vans and buses over 15 passengers
• Intercity and coach bus carriers — including Greyhound-style long-distance passenger routes
• Paratransit and special needs transportation — operating under strict ADA and passenger safety standards

If your employer requires your Passenger endorsement before your first day, this course is the fastest and most affordable way to complete your FMCSA theory requirement.

A Note on ADA Compliance Training

One of the standout modules in this course is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance — a topic that many passenger carriers specifically require their drivers to understand. This module covers your legal obligations when transporting passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, proper boarding procedures, and accommodation requirements. This training is increasingly important for transit, paratransit, and charter operators nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a Passenger (P) endorsement?Any CDL driver operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, must hold a valid Passenger endorsement. This includes city buses, charter buses, school buses, and airport shuttles that meet the vehicle threshold. If you are adding this endorsement for the first time, ELDT theory training is required before your state knowledge test.

How long does the Passenger ELDT course take?Most drivers complete this course in under an hour. With 20 focused modules, it is self-paced and mobile-friendly — you can stop and resume at any time from any device.

Is this course accepted in my state?Yes. DLA Academy is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and our Passenger ELDT course is valid and accepted at DMVs in all 50 states.

How quickly are my results submitted to the FMCSA?Your completion is submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24–48 hours. Once submitted, your state DMV can verify your training and you're cleared to schedule your endorsement knowledge test.

Do I need both a Passenger and School Bus endorsement to drive a school bus?In most states, yes. School bus drivers are typically required to hold both the School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements. DLA Academy offers both ELDT theory courses at just $20 each — complete both and you'll have everything you need to meet your state's endorsement requirements.

What score do I need to pass?You need a minimum score of 80% on the final theory assessment to receive your certification and have your results submitted to the FMCSA TPR.

Do I need any behind-the-wheel training in addition to this course?This course covers the theory portion of ELDT only. Depending on your state and employer, you may also need to complete behind-the-wheel training with an approved provider. Check with your state DMV or employer for specific requirements.

Is this course really only $20?Yes — one flat $20 payment with no subscriptions or hidden fees. We believe every driver deserves an affordable path to their endorsement, and we've built our entire course catalog around that principle.