Who does what when theory is online
Splitting ELDT between two registered providers is allowed. It works best when everyone knows which provider owns which step. Here's the standard division.
| Responsibility | Online theory (RapidELDT course, delivered by SaferELDT) | Your school |
|---|---|---|
| Theory curriculum | All required theory topics for Class A, Class B or Hazmat, delivered online | Optional review and reinforcement in your own classroom time |
| Theory assessment | Administers the assessment. The student needs at least 80% overall. | Nothing required |
| Behind-the-wheel range | Not provided | Range instruction with a qualified BTW instructor, until the student is proficient |
| Behind-the-wheel public road | Not provided | Public-road instruction once the student holds a CLP |
| Registry reporting | Submits the theory completion to the Training Provider Registry | Submits the behind-the-wheel completion, including clock hours, to the registry |
| Reporting deadline | By midnight of the second business day after the student completes theory | By midnight of the second business day after the student completes BTW |
| Records | Keeps its own training records as federal rules require | Keeps its own BTW training records as federal rules require |
| Skills test | Not involved | Prepares students. The state verifies both completions in the registry before testing. |
Want the full picture of the two halves of ELDT for each license type? See ELDT theory vs. behind-the-wheel.
Three ways schools use online theory
1. Theory before day one
Students finish theory online before they start with you. Your class time goes to range and road work from the first day. This works well for programs with long waitlists. Students do something productive while they wait, and you can count completions before a cohort starts.
2. Theory alongside range training
Students study theory online in the evenings while attending range sessions during the day. Your instructors can link the two by reviewing a theory topic, like coupling or space management, before practicing it on the range.
3. Student-paid, school-referred
Your admissions team points students to the right course, and each student enrolls and pays individually: Class A $199, Class B $199 or Hazmat $199. You handle no payments and no access setup. Just confirm completion in the registry before scheduling road time.
Whichever model fits, the school-purchased version runs through a group enrollment request, quoted and set up by a person.
Questions to settle before your first class
Online theory works smoothly when these are decided up front. We'll walk through each one with you.
- Who pays? The school buys seats for each class, or students buy their own course.
- When does theory happen? Before enrollment, during range training, or either.
- Which courses? Class A, Class B, Hazmat, or a mix. Will you offer hazmat theory to every Class A student?
- How will you confirm completion? Decide whether staff check the registry, collect a completion confirmation from the student, or both, before scheduling skills tests.
- What about the one-year window? For Class A and B, students must finish the second part of ELDT within a year of the first. Students who finish theory early need a BTW seat inside that window.
- What if a student doesn't pass? Agree how retakes and support questions will be handled before students start.
- How will roster details move? Student license or permit details needed for reporting should travel through a secure channel, never email attachments or open forms.
- Does your state add requirements? Some states set rules above the federal minimum for training programs or testing. Confirm with your state licensing agency.
Check us like you'd check any provider
You should verify any provider you send students to. RapidELDT courses are delivered by our training partner, SaferELDT, which reports theory completions to FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Check it in the registry's provider search the same way you would any provider. Our guide to verifying an ELDT provider shows exactly where to look and what to check.
Talk with us about theory for your students
Takes about a minute. We'll follow up by email to confirm courses, driver count and next steps. This doesn't commit you to anything.
Sources
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry: training requirements FAQ
- 49 CFR Part 380, Subpart F: entry-level driver training requirements
- 49 CFR 380.717: training certification
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry: provider search
Checked October 30, 2026.
School director questions
Does our school need to be on the Training Provider Registry?
Yes, for any ELDT portion you deliver. If you teach behind-the-wheel and send students elsewhere for theory, you must be listed for the behind-the-wheel training you provide and report it yourself.
Who reports the theory completion?
The theory provider does. For RapidELDT courses, SaferELDT submits the theory completion to the registry. Your school reports the behind-the-wheel completion.
Can students start theory before their first day with us?
Yes. Federal rules don't require a learner's permit before theory or set an order for the parts. For Class A and Class B, students must finish the rest of ELDT within one year of finishing the first part.
Can we buy theory seats for a whole class?
Yes, by request. A team member quotes the group and sets up each student's access. Self-serve multi-seat checkout isn't available yet.