First Time CDL

Getting your CDL for the first time is an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. We want to help you with the entry-level driver training portion of your CDL experience.

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Your Entry-Level Driver Training Timeline

First Time CDL

Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.

Start eldt.com Course

Simply start our Entry-Level Driver Training Course and create your CDL Powersuite profile to track your progress.

Learn At Your Own Pace

Go as fast as you want or take as long as you want. Our course is designed to be learned at your own pace in small understandable modules.

Master Entry-Level Driver Training Theory Curriculum

At the end of our course, you should have a great understanding of ELDT Theory.

ELDT For First Time Obtaining Class A or B CDL

If you are going to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time then you will need to be familiar with the FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). We created our very own ELDT course that was designed by CDL instructors to cover Entry-Level Driver Training Theory portion. You will learn all of the FMCSA training requirements final rule.

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Simplified ELDT Learning

Learn at your own pace

We believe a great learning experience requires a simplified approach. We designed our entry-level driver training course to be learned in small modules that allow you to take quizzes without leaving the page. That way, if you get a question wrong, you can quickly understand why and answer the question correctly. After all, we are here to learn.

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Why ELDT.com?

Simplified Learning

We believe in a simplified learning process. We designed our Theory Training Module to be consumed in small bites. You get all the same material in an easy to learning format.

Learn At Your Own Pace

You get complete learning flexibility, everybody's schedule look different so we designed our course to allow you to learn at your own pace.

Designed by CDL Instructors

If you want to learn, you need teachers, and in our industry, those teachers are instructors. We worked closely with truck driving and CDL schools to develop our course and curriculum.

Pass ELDT Theory Training

You will need to pass ELDT's Theory Training portion with at least a 80% or higher score. If you take our ELDT course we will walk you through every topic necessary to pass ELDT Theory Training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get your Entry-Level Driver Training questions answered

General

  • What does ELDT.com do?

    ELDT.com provides a solid foundation for Entry-Level Driver Training. The Course covers all FMCSA CFRs for Basic Theory mixed with student and instructor experience. You will learn how the final exam is conducted and how to prepare for it. 

  • How does ELDT.com work?

    • Click "Start Course."
    • Create a username
    • Click unlock
    • Choose between ELDT Video MasterCourse or ELDT Written Course
    • Add HAZMAT or other endorsements for $25 each
    • Enter Cardholder's name and Credit Card number
    • No hidden fees and no additional charges 
    • Enjoy your course!

  • Who is ELDT.com for?

    • CDL Class A Theory 
    • CDL Class B Theory
    • CDL Class B - A Upgrade 
    • (*Available in Spanish)
    • Hazmat Endorsement
    • School Bus Endorsement
    • Passenger Endorsement

  • Is ELDT.com on the FMCSA TPR and Verified

    YES, we are on the provider list.


    Approved FMCSA Registry List look-up 

    We have added a little video so you can see how to look us up. 


    Following the directions below 

    Click: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ 

    Type in: ELDT. Click the online tab and scroll down till you see "ELDT." That is us. 


    Click on the website icon to the right, and it will take you back to ELDT.com 

  • Does ELDT.com Courses meet all The FMCSA Standards?

    Yes, ELDT.com was designed to meet all new training requirements set forth by FMCSA's new entry-level driver training standards.

Course Specific

  • Is this Course all I need to get my CDL?

    The new ELDT requirements include three portions of training for CLP holders before they can take their CDL Skills Exam. These requirements are:


    • Theory (what we provide)
    • Road (driving practice - a CDL school provides this)
    • Range (backing practice - a CDL school provides this)
    • Talk with your local training provider to make sure all your results have been submitted to the FMCSA TPR Portal before scheduling your final state CDL Exam.

  • Is the ELDT you offer recognized in all 50 states?

    Yes. However ELDT.com will take care of your Theory portion of training per FMCSA CFR's 380. You will want to check with your local and state CDL compliance requirements to see if they require additional training. 

  • How long is the course?

    Some people can finish the course in one day and some take a couple. You can save your progress whenever you want and start back up where you finished off.

  • When will I get my Certificate of Completion?

    Once you complete the entire course and receive a score above 80%, you will be prompted to verify you entered your information correctly. You may then submit your results to the FMCSA Database. 


    Once you have completed doing so, your Certificate of Completion will appear, and you may download it onto your device.

  • After I complete the course, when will my results be at the DMV?

    When you click the “Submit” button your results are instantly entered into the FMCSA Database, where the DMV goes to look up results. 


    If any of the information you submitted is incorrect and does not match your license they will not be able to find it. It has to match perfectly. 



    Once all three portions of your training (Theory, Road, and Range) are complete you can schedule your final state exam at the DMV.

ELDT Final Rule Questions

  • What is ELDT Final Rule?

    FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This includes those applying to:


    • Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
    • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
    • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

  • Who has to Pass Entry-Level Driver Training?

    The ELDT regulations establish new minimum training standards for individuals applying for:


    • Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
    • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
    • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

  • Do I have to do Behind The Wheel (BTW) and Backing?

    If you do not already have your CDL, Driving and Backing (Road and Range) must be done by a registered provider listed on the FMCSA website. 

  • Where can I get my Road (BTW) and Range (Backing) training completed?

    Road and Range training is in-person driving training that must be facilitated by a Registered Training Provider. After you have completed your Road and Range training your Instructor will submit your record to the FMCSA TPR.



    Use this link to find a provider near you:


    tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov

ELDT Training Theory Online Course Curriculum

  • Basic Operation

    • Orientation
    • Control Systems/Dashboard
    • Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
    • Basic Control
    • Shifting/Operating Transmissions
    • Backing and Docking
    • Coupling and Uncoupling

  • Safe Operating Procedures

    • Visual Search
    • Communication
    • Distracted Driving
    • Speed Management
    • Space Management
    • Night Operation
    • Extreme Driving Conditions

  • Advanced Operating Practices

    • Hazard Perception
    • Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies
    • Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

  • Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions

    • Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions
    • Roadside Inspections
    • Maintenance

  • Non-Driving Activities

    • Handling and Documenting Cargo
    • Environmental Compliance Issues
    • Hours of Service Requirements
    • Fatigue and Wellness Awareness
    • Post-Crash Procedures
    • External Communications
    • Whistleblower/Coercion
    • Trip Planning
    • Drugs/Alcohol
    • Medical Requirements
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