Find your situation
This matrix covers every common case under the federal rule, 49 CFR 380.603. "Theory" is classroom knowledge, which can be done online. "BTW" is behind-the-wheel training on a range and on public roads.
| Your situation | ELDT required? | Which parts | What RapidELDT sells |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Class A CDL | Yes | Class A theory + BTW range and public road | Class A theory, $199 |
| First Class B CDL | Yes | Class B theory + BTW range and public road | Class B theory, $199 |
| Upgrading Class B to Class A | Yes | Class A training, theory + BTW | No dedicated upgrade course yet. Ask us first. |
| Completed Class A training, now testing for Class B | Covered | FMCSA says Class A training makes you eligible for the Class B skills test too | Nothing extra needed |
| First hazmat (H) endorsement | Yes | Hazmat theory only. No BTW. | Hazmat theory, $199 |
| First passenger (P) endorsement | Yes | P theory + BTW | Not sold yet |
| First school bus (S) endorsement | Yes | S theory + BTW | Not sold yet |
| Class A or B CDL, or P, S or H endorsement, issued before Feb. 7, 2022 | No | Not for that credential. New credentials still need ELDT. | Only for something new you add |
| CDL issued before Feb. 7, 2022 that expired, re-obtaining the same class | No | FMCSA says ELDT doesn't apply to re-obtaining the same class | Nothing needed |
| CLP issued before Feb. 7, 2022 | Depends | Exempt only if you get your CDL before that CLP, or its renewal, expires | If your CLP lapses, you'll need the course for your class |
| Military driver using the skills-test waiver (383.77) | No | Exempt when all waiver conditions are met | Nothing needed |
| Removing an L, Z or E restriction | No | Air brake, full air brake and manual transmission restriction removal is exempt | Nothing needed |
| Excepted or restricted CDL categories (383.3) | No | Covers military vehicle operators, state-exempted farm, firefighter, emergency and snow-removal drivers, covered farm vehicles, and restricted CDLs for farm-related service, pyrotechnic and certain Alaska drivers | Nothing needed |
Exceptions under 383.3 depend partly on your state's choices. If you think you fit one, confirm with your state licensing agency before you skip training.
Which ELDT course do I need?
Choose what you're working toward.
You need Class A ELDT
Class A theory online, plus range and public-road behind-the-wheel training with a registered BTW provider before your skills test. You have one year from finishing the first part to finish the second.
You need Class B ELDT
Class B theory online, plus Class B behind-the-wheel training before your skills test. Driving a bus? Passenger and school bus endorsements need their own ELDT too.
You need Hazmat ELDT
Hazmat ELDT is theory only, with no behind-the-wheel portion. Finish it before you take your state's hazmat knowledge test. You'll also need a TSA security threat assessment.
A B-to-A upgrade needs ELDT
Upgrading to Class A requires entry-level training from a registered provider, including behind-the-wheel training. RapidELDT doesn't sell a dedicated upgrade course yet. Ask us before you buy and we'll point you to the right option.
P and S endorsements need their own ELDT
First-time passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements require ELDT that includes behind-the-wheel training. RapidELDT doesn't sell these courses yet. See the full requirements.
You probably don't need ELDT for that license
If you were issued your Class A or Class B CDL, or your P, S or H endorsement, before February 7, 2022, ELDT doesn't apply to that license or endorsement. Adding something new later, like hazmat, does need ELDT. Check the exceptions.
Training for a team
Buy single seats directly, or send one request for a group and we'll help plan enrollment by driver and course.
When ELDT is required
Timing matters as much as eligibility. ELDT has to be finished, and reported to FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, before the test it unlocks.
- Class A, Class B, P and S: theory and BTW are complete before the skills test.
- Hazmat (H): theory is complete before the state's hazmat knowledge test.
Your state checks the registry before giving that test. There's no required order for theory and BTW, and you don't need a learner's permit to start theory. For every credential except hazmat, though, you must finish the second part within one year of finishing the first. Our guide to ELDT before your CLP lays out the sequence.
What "ELDT requirements" means for the training itself
If you need ELDT, the training also has to meet federal standards. Most of these are the provider's job, but you should know them:
- The provider must be listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry for the training you take. Verify any provider in minutes.
- Theory must cover every topic in the federal curriculum for your license or endorsement.
- You must score at least 80% overall on the theory assessment.
- There's no federal minimum number of hours for theory or BTW. BTW is based on demonstrated proficiency.
- The provider reports your completion. You don't upload anything yourself.
Want the plain-language basics first? Start with what ELDT is. Ready to enroll? Here's how to get ELDT online, step by step.
States can add to the federal floor
The federal rule is a minimum. FMCSA notes that some states set training requirements above it, and a state can refuse a skills test or hazmat knowledge test until its own rules are met. Before you book a test date, check your state licensing agency's ELDT page.
Sources
- 49 CFR 380.603 and 380.609: applicability, exceptions and general requirements
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry: applicability and exceptions FAQ
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry: training requirements FAQ
- 49 CFR 383.3: applicability, exceptions and restricted CDLs
- FMCSA: selecting a training provider
Checked October 30, 2026.
Eligibility questions
My CDL expired. Do I need ELDT to get it back?
If the CDL was issued before February 7, 2022 and you're getting a CDL of the same class again, FMCSA says ELDT doesn't apply. Getting a higher class or a new P, S or H endorsement does require it.
I already have a CDL. Do I need ELDT to add hazmat?
Yes, if it's your first hazmat endorsement and you're applying on or after February 7, 2022. Hazmat ELDT is theory only. See the Hazmat course.
Do I need ELDT to remove an air brake or manual transmission restriction?
No. FMCSA says drivers removing the L, Z or E restriction aren't subject to ELDT.
When is ELDT required in the process?
Before the test it unlocks: the skills test for Class A, Class B, P and S, or the hazmat knowledge test for H. Your state checks the Training Provider Registry first.
Does my state have extra requirements?
It might. FMCSA notes that some states exceed the federal minimum. Check with your state licensing agency before you schedule tests.