ELDT Training in Montana — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Montana, from Billings, Missoula, Great Falls and Bozeman, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the MT theory portion is done online for $20 and your Montana record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Montana

  1. Get your CLP from Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)

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

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Montana

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

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Montana

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the MT CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

Montana licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Montana MVD site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Montana MVD site
  • First-time applicants present a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate when applying for the CLP, and interstate licenses require age 21 (18 for intrastate).
  • Montana CDLs are valid for four years, and the MVD's CDL Help Desk answers eligibility questions (see the Department of Justice website for current contact options).

These MT 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 Montana fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Montana

MT has 74 registered training locations across 41 cities on the FMCSA registry: 50 registered for Class A, 55 for Class B, 44 for the passenger endorsement and 37 for school bus. 33 of the 74 (45%) publish a website, and the newest MT registry record dates from September 2026.

Browse by city: Billings CDL schools, Missoula CDL schools and Great Falls CDL schools, or open the full Montana school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

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

Hazmat endorsement in Montana

15 of the 74 registered Montana locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so MT drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Montana hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Montana

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

Montana ELDT questions

Does Montana MVD accept online ELDT theory?
Yes. Montana verifies training in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and online theory from a registered provider counts toward the requirement.
How long is a Montana CDL good for?
Four years. You must keep a medical examiner's certificate on file with the MVD during that period.
Can I get a Montana CDL at 18?
Yes, for intrastate driving only. Interstate commerce requires age 21 under federal rules.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Montana?
With one of the 74 Montana locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Billings, Missoula and Great Falls; 50 are registered for Class A training and 55 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 MT CDL training today

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

Start TrainingSee All Courses