If you’re looking to launch a career in commercial driving quickly, one of the smartest moves you can make is choosing ELDT Online Training. Since February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before taking the skills test. Fortunately, modern technology has made it possible to complete a major portion of that training online—saving you time, money, and stress.
In this article, we’ll show you exactly how ELDT online training can fast-track your path to earning a CDL, what it includes, who it’s for, and how to get started.
What Is ELDT Online Training?
ELDT Online Training is the theory portion of the Entry-Level Driver Training requirement, delivered digitally through a web-based platform. It covers all federally mandated topics needed to prepare for your CDL knowledge test, including:
- Basic operation of commercial vehicles
- Safe driving practices
- Advanced operating procedures
- Vehicle inspections
- Non-driving responsibilities like trip planning and cargo handling
While behind-the-wheel (BTW) training must still be done in-person, completing the theory section online gives you a head start—so you can schedule and begin BTW faster.
Who Needs ELDT Online Training?
You are required to complete ELDT if you are:
- Applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
- Upgrading from a Class B to Class A CDL
- Seeking endorsements for hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S)
Even if you already have your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you still must complete ELDT before taking your CDL skills test.
How ELDT Online Training Fast-Tracks Your CDL
Here’s how choosing the online route helps you earn your CDL faster and more efficiently:
1. Learn at Your Own Pace
Unlike traditional in-class courses that follow fixed schedules, ELDT online training lets you study whenever and wherever you want. Whether you’re working a full-time job or managing a family, this flexibility allows you to complete the theory portion on your schedule.
2. Immediate Access to Materials
Once you enroll, you often get instant access to all learning modules, quizzes, and review guides. This means you can start learning the same day and finish as quickly as you’re able—sometimes in just a few days.
3. Faster Behind-the-Wheel Scheduling
Completing your theory portion online means you can immediately move on to the practical BTW training without waiting for a classroom cycle to end. Many training schools prioritize students who have already finished the ELDT theory, helping you reserve your behind-the-wheel hours sooner.
4. Streamlined Certification Process
Once you complete the online training and pass the required assessments, your results are automatically submitted to the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). This is a legal requirement before you can take the CDL test, and doing it online speeds up the paperwork and reporting.
5. Cost-Effective Option
Many ELDT online training programs cost significantly less than in-person classes. This makes it a smart choice for anyone looking to reduce the financial burden of getting a CDL while still receiving high-quality instruction.
What’s Included in ELDT Online Training?
A quality FMCSA-compliant ELDT online course will cover the following core topics:
✅ Basic Operation
- Vehicle controls and dashboard functions
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Basic backing and shifting techniques
✅ Safe Operating Procedures
- Space management
- Speed control
- Night and extreme weather driving
✅ Advanced Driving Practices
- Hazard perception
- Skid control and recovery
- Emergency maneuvers
✅ Vehicle Systems and Malfunctions
- Brake systems
- Tire and suspension issues
- Diagnosing and reporting malfunctions
✅ Non-Driving Activities
- Hours of Service (HOS) regulations
- Trip planning and map reading
- Cargo handling and documentation
Each module typically ends with a knowledge check or quiz, and you must pass all required assessments to complete the course.
Choosing the Right ELDT Online Provider
Not all ELDT courses are created equal. To ensure your training is valid and accepted by the FMCSA, make sure to:
- Choose a provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR)
- Look for courses with real-time progress tracking and certification uploads
- Read reviews or testimonials to confirm training quality
- Ensure there’s support available if you have questions during training
- Make sure the course fits your state’s specific CDL requirements
Some popular and FMCSA-approved providers include Fleetsafety International, 360training, TrainND CDL, and ELDT Academy.
What Happens After You Complete ELDT Online Training?
Once you finish your online training, your provider will:
- Submit your completion certificate to the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry
- Allow you to download or print your certificate for your own records
- You can then schedule behind-the-wheel (BTW) training with a certified provider
- After completing BTW training, you’re eligible to schedule your CDL skills test
FAQs About ELDT Online Training
Can I complete my entire ELDT training online?
No. Only the theory portion can be completed online. Behind-the-wheel (BTW) training must be done in person with a registered provider.
How long does ELDT online training take?
Most students complete it in 1 to 5 days, depending on their pace and the provider’s platform.
Is ELDT online training accepted in all states?
Yes, as long as the provider is registered with the FMCSA, your training is valid nationwide.
Do I need ELDT training if I already have a CDL?
No. ELDT is required only for new applicants, upgrades, or certain endorsements after February 7, 2022.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Delay Your CDL—Train Smarter, Not Slower
If you’re serious about starting a career in commercial driving, there’s no reason to wait. ELDT online training offers a fast, affordable, and flexible way to check off one of the most critical steps in the CDL process.
By completing your theory training online, you not only save time, but also gain the freedom to learn at your own pace, the ability to book your driving hours faster, and a clear, FMCSA-approved path to the CDL skills test.
So, if you’re ready to hit the road toward a high-demand career, ELDT online training might just be your smartest first move.
