Do I Need ELDT Training?
Find out whether ELDT is required for your situation — CDL A, CDL B, Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus or an upgrade — who’s exempt, and which endorsements need no ELDT at all.
Short answer: If you’re getting your CDL for the first time, or adding a Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus endorsement for the first time after February 7, 2022 — yes, you need ELDT. If you already held that CDL class or that endorsement before then, you’re exempt for it. And Tanker and Doubles/Triples need no ELDT at all, ever. Take the 60-second finder →
Quick Reference — Do You Need ELDT?
- Getting a Class A CDL for the first time
- Getting a Class B CDL for the first time
- Upgrading Class B CDL to Class A
- Adding Hazmat (H) for the first time
- Adding Passenger (P) for the first time
- Adding School Bus (S) for the first time
- CDL held before February 7, 2022
- Endorsement held before February 7, 2022
- Renewing an existing endorsement
- Renewing a CDL (same class)
- Transferring a CDL from another state
- Tanker (N) endorsement — knowledge test only, no course, nothing reported to the registry
- Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement — same: knowledge test only
This isn’t an exemption — these endorsements were never covered by the rule. The federal ELDT requirement applies to Class A, Class B, the Class B to A upgrade, and the Hazmat, Passenger and School Bus endorsements only. If a provider is trying to sell you tanker ELDT, you don’t need it. Tanker practice test — $15 →
Who Is Exempt From ELDT?
ELDT exemptions are narrow and specific. You’re exempt only if one of these applies:
- You held the CDL or endorsement before February 7, 2022. The rule isn’t retroactive — drivers credentialed before that date are grandfathered for that class or endorsement.
- You’re renewing. Renewing an existing CDL or endorsement doesn’t trigger ELDT, even at a hazmat renewal — you redo the TSA background check, but not the training.
- You’re transferring a CDL between states. Moving your existing CDL to a new state doesn’t require ELDT.
- Certain military skills-test waivers may apply for qualifying service members — check with your state licensing agency.
If none of those describe you and you’re pursuing a new licence class or a first-time Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus endorsement, ELDT is required. There’s no experience-based exemption and no “I already know how to drive” exemption.
Which ELDT Course Do You Need?
Each ELDT course maps to one licence class or endorsement. Find your situation below, then enroll from the matching card.
Rather not read a table? The finder routes you in two taps.
Take the 60-Second Finder →| Your Situation | Course Required | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time Class A CDL applicant | CDL A Theory ELDT | $20 | Required |
| First-time Class B CDL applicant | CDL B Theory ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Upgrading Class B CDL to Class A | CDL A Theory ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Adding Hazmat (H) endorsement | Hazmat ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Adding Passenger (P) endorsement | Passenger ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Adding School Bus (S) endorsement | School Bus ELDT | $20 | Required |
| Adding Tanker (N) endorsement | None — knowledge test only | — | No ELDT |
| Adding Doubles/Triples (T) | None — knowledge test only | — | No ELDT |
| CDL held before Feb 7, 2022 (same class) | None | — | Exempt |
| Renewing an existing endorsement | None | — | Exempt |
Enroll in the Right Course — All $20
Required before adding Hazmat. Theory only — no behind-the-wheel. Submitted to the registry within 24 hours.
Required for first-time Class A applicants and Class B to Class A upgrades.
Straight trucks, dump trucks, buses and large single-unit vehicles.
Charter, transit and bus drivers. Usually required before School Bus.
Our fastest course — 30 to 45 minutes. Most states require Passenger first.
Hazmat + test prep, 3-Endorsement, School Bus Complete, Fuel Hauler and the permit-prep bundles.
What Is ELDT and Why Is It Required?
ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training. Since February 7, 2022, FMCSA has required entry-level CDL drivers and first-time Hazmat, Passenger and School Bus applicants to complete theory training from a registered provider before the state skills or knowledge test.
Every provider must be listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. When you finish an approved course, your results are submitted to the registry and your state verifies your training before clearing you to test. What the registry is →
How Long Does ELDT Take?
The training is short — most drivers finish DLA Academy’s theory courses in under 2 hours, and School Bus in 30 to 45 minutes. Completion is submitted to the registry within 24 hours, or the same business day with the same-day option. The training isn’t the long part; for hazmat, the TSA background check is. Full hazmat timeline →
How Much Does ELDT Cost?
Every DLA Academy ELDT course is $20. Bundles save $5 to $10. For the full provider-by-provider breakdown, see Cheapest ELDT 2026.
Ready to Get Your ELDT Done?
All courses $20 · FMCSA-registered · Submitted to the registry · Under 2 hours · 49 states
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