ELDT Training in Maine — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Maine, from Portland, Lewiston, Bangor and South Portland, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the ME theory portion is done online for $20 and your Maine record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Maine

  1. Get your CLP from Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a ME licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Maine; 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 ME licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Maine

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

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Maine

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the ME CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Maine licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Maine BMV site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Maine BMV site
  • You must already hold a Maine noncommercial Class C license before applying for a CDL, and the BMV's CDL Examination Section in Augusta handles CDL questions and applications.
  • Drivers who certify to non-excepted driving must give the BMV a copy of their DOT medical certificate and keep it current.

These ME 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 Maine fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Maine

ME has 42 registered training locations across 33 cities on the FMCSA registry: 30 registered for Class A, 32 for Class B, 22 for the passenger endorsement and 22 for school bus. 17 of the 42 (40%) publish a website, and the newest ME registry record dates from October 2026.

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

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

Hazmat endorsement in Maine

12 of the 42 registered Maine locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so ME drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Maine hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Maine

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a ME 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

Maine ELDT questions

Who handles CDL testing in Maine?
The Maine BMV's CDL Examination Section, reachable through the BMV website's contact options. Applications go to State House Station 29 in Augusta or are submitted through the BMV forms page.
Is online ELDT accepted in Maine?
Yes. ELDT is federal and the BMV checks the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so theory from a registered online provider is accepted.
Do I need a Maine license before I can get a CDL?
Yes. You must hold a Maine noncommercial Class C license first; the CLP and CDL are added on top of that credential.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Maine?
With one of the 42 Maine locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Bangor; 30 are registered for Class A training and 32 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 ME CDL training today

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

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