ELDT Training in Maryland — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Maryland, from Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring and Frederick, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the MD theory portion is done online for $20 and your Maryland record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Maryland

  1. Get your CLP from Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a MD 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 Maryland; 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 MD licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Maryland

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

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Maryland

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the MD CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Maryland licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Maryland MVA site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Maryland MVA site
  • Every CDL applicant must present valid medical certification (DOT card, SPE or waiver) when applying for a new, corrected or duplicate CDL.
  • After you pass the skills test the MVA issues an interim license document and mails the CDL card within 7 to 10 business days.

These MD 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 Maryland fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Maryland

MD has 78 registered training locations across 52 cities on the FMCSA registry: 62 registered for Class A, 74 for Class B, 51 for the passenger endorsement and 43 for school bus. 34 of the 78 (44%) publish a website, and the newest MD registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Baltimore CDL schools, Columbia CDL schools and Germantown CDL schools, or open the full Maryland school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

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

Hazmat endorsement in Maryland

38 of the 78 registered Maryland locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so MD drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Maryland hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Maryland

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

Maryland ELDT questions

Does the Maryland MVA accept online ELDT?
Yes. The MVA verifies training through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and online theory from a registered provider counts toward the requirement.
When do I get my Maryland CDL card after passing?
You leave with an interim license document and the MVA mails the CDL to your address on file within about 7 to 10 business days.
Can I take my CDL skills test outside Maryland?
You need a Maryland CLP first, issued by the MVA after the knowledge tests. Once you hold it, Maryland accepts CDL skills tests completed in another state through the national CSTIMS reporting system, so you can test where you train and finish the license at an MVA branch.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Maryland?
With one of the 78 Maryland locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Baltimore, Columbia and Germantown; 62 are registered for Class A training and 74 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 MD CDL training today

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

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