ELDT Training in Connecticut — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Connecticut, from Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford and Waterbury, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the CT theory portion is done online for $20 and your Connecticut record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Connecticut

  1. Get your CLP from Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a CT licensing office. The CLP fee is $20 (new CLP; general knowledge test $16).

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Connecticut; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the CT licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Connecticut

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered CT providers listed below, for example in Bridgeport; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Connecticut

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the CT CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The CDL fee is $70 (new CDL; skills test $30).

Connecticut licensing details

CLP fee
$20 (new CLP; general knowledge test $16)
CDL fee
$70 (new CDL; skills test $30)
  • Most Connecticut DMV services are by appointment; walk-ins are not available at Cheshire, Putnam or Stamford, and never on Saturdays.
  • Since June 16, 2025 the DMV pulls your medical examiner's certificate electronically from the National Registry, and you must also register with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

These CT fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from Connecticut fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Connecticut

CT has 18 registered training locations across 17 cities on the FMCSA registry: 7 registered for Class A, 18 for Class B, 14 for the passenger endorsement and 11 for school bus. 6 of the 18 (33%) publish a website, and the newest CT registry record dates from September 2026.

Browse by city: Bridgeport CDL schools, or open the full Connecticut school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any CT school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in Connecticut

5 of the 18 registered Connecticut locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so CT drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Connecticut hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Connecticut

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a CT driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

Connecticut ELDT questions

What does a Connecticut CDL cost in total?
The DMV lists $16 for the general knowledge test, $20 for a new CLP, $30 for the skills test and $70 for the new CDL, plus $5 per endorsement test. Fees can change, so confirm on the DMV page.
Do I still hand in my medical card at a Connecticut DMV office?
No. Since June 2025 the DMV receives your medical examiner's certificate electronically from the National Registry, so use a certified examiner listed there.
Is online ELDT theory accepted in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut verifies ELDT through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry; theory can be completed online and behind-the-wheel training is done with a registered provider in a vehicle.
How much does a CLP cost in Connecticut?
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lists the Commercial Learner's Permit fee as $20 (new CLP; general knowledge test $16). The CDL fee is $70 (new CDL; skills test $30). These are agency fees for the permit and license, separate from training, and they change, so confirm the current amount on the agency site before you go.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Connecticut?
With one of the 18 Connecticut locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Bridgeport; 7 are registered for Class A training and 18 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your CT CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in Connecticut and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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