ELDT Training in New Jersey — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in New Jersey, from Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth and Edison, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the NJ theory portion is done online for $20 and your New Jersey record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in New Jersey

  1. Get your CLP from New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)

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

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in New Jersey

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

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in New Jersey

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the NJ CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).

New Jersey licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the NJ MVC site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the NJ MVC site
  • You need a basic New Jersey driver license before applying for a CLP, and MVC CDL visits are made by appointment.
  • CDL renewals must be completed in person at a motor vehicle agency; the MVC publishes commercial fees on a separate page.

These NJ 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 New Jersey fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in New Jersey

NJ has 193 registered training locations across 116 cities on the FMCSA registry: 75 registered for Class A, 161 for Class B, 171 for the passenger endorsement and 161 for school bus. 59 of the 193 (31%) publish a website, and the newest NJ registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Newark CDL schools, Jersey City CDL schools and Paterson CDL schools, or open the full New Jersey school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

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

Hazmat endorsement in New Jersey

42 of the 193 registered New Jersey locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so NJ drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the New Jersey hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in New Jersey

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

New Jersey ELDT questions

What do I need before applying for a New Jersey CLP?
A basic New Jersey driver license, age 18 or older, 20/40 vision in each eye with or without correction, and the ability to recognize red, green and amber.
Does the NJ MVC accept online ELDT theory?
Yes. ELDT must come from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and theory completed online with a registered provider is accepted before the skills test.
Can I renew a New Jersey CDL by mail?
No. Federal requirements mean the MVC processes CDL renewals in person at a motor vehicle agency only.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in New Jersey?
With one of the 193 New Jersey locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Newark, Jersey City and Paterson; 75 are registered for Class A training and 161 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 NJ CDL training today

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

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