CDL A Theory ELDT — First-Time Class A CDL
Complete your CDL A theory training online in under 2 hours. Required for first-time Class A applicants. Upgrading from Class B? See the Class B to Class A Upgrade course. FMCSA-registered, submitted to the registry within 24 hours.
Taught in English. Federal rules (49 CFR 391.11(b)(2)) require commercial drivers to read and speak English well enough to talk with the public, understand road signs and answer officers’ questions. CDL skills tests are given only in English, and some states, including Texas since June 1, 2026, also give CDL knowledge tests only in English. Our courses are in English to prepare you for that. Check your state’s licensing agency for its testing rules.
Federal law requires all drivers getting a Class A CDL for the first time — and all drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A — to complete CDL A Theory ELDT before their skills test. DLA Academy's FMCSA-registered course fulfills that requirement — $20 flat, under 2 hours, accepted in 49 states and submitted to the FMCSA registry within 24 hours.
CDL A Theory ELDT — Choose Your Option
Same FMCSA-registered course either way. The bundle adds 119 DMV practice questions and saves you $5.
Who Needs CDL A Theory ELDT?
Any driver applying for a Class A CDL for the first time after February 7, 2022 must complete CDL A Theory ELDT before the skills test.
Upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A? Take the Class B to Class A Upgrade course.
Drivers entering the industry for the first time. CDL A ELDT theory is step one before getting your CLP and starting skills training.
Companies requiring CDL A ELDT before hiring. Complete theory online today and keep your start date on track. Hiring several? See fleet accounts.
What CDL A Theory ELDT Covers
ELDT vs. the DMV Knowledge Tests
These are two different things, and mixing them up costs drivers time. ELDT is the federal training requirement. The knowledge tests are separate state exams you take to get your commercial learner's permit. Class A applicants typically face three:
| Knowledge test | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 80% — 40 correct |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 80% — 20 correct |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 | 80% — 16 correct |
Question counts follow the federal model; confirm the specifics with your state licensing agency.
All three knowledge tests covered in DMV-style practice questions — General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles — with an explanation on every answer and unlimited retakes. Bundled with this course for $30.
CDL A ELDT Requirements by State
Find your state's exact CDL A requirements, licensing process, and step-by-step instructions:
CDL A Theory ELDT — $20 Flat
FMCSA-registered · Submitted to the registry within 24 hours · Accepted in 49 states · Under 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting your CDL A means two separate hurdles — the federal ELDT requirement, and your state's three permit knowledge tests. This bundle covers both for $30, saving $5 versus buying them apart. General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles, with an explanation on every answer.
CDL A ELDT plus Hazmat ELDT plus 42 tanker practice questions. Both ELDT courses are submitted to the registry as separate entries. Together, hazmat and tanker make your X endorsement — and tanker needs no ELDT at all.
Also Adding a Hazmat Endorsement?
Many Class A drivers add Hazmat for better-paying freight. Hazmat ELDT is also $20 and can be completed back to back with your CDL A ELDT. Keep in mind the Hazmat endorsement also requires a TSA background check that takes 4–8 weeks — see the full timeline.
Hazmat ELDT plus 100 Hazmat practice questions including a full 30-question exam simulation. Saves $5 versus buying both separately.