ELDT Training in Ohio — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Ohio, from Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Akron, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the OH theory portion is done online for $20 and your Ohio record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Ohio

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

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

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Ohio

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

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Ohio

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

Ohio licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Ohio BMV site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Ohio BMV site
  • Every CLP or CDL applicant completes the CDL Self-Certification Authorization (form BMV 2159) to declare their type of driving.
  • Since June 23, 2025 FMCSA transmits medical exam results electronically to the Ohio BMV, so a paper Medical Examiner's Certificate is no longer submitted.

These OH 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 Ohio fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Ohio

OH has 55 registered training locations across 42 cities on the FMCSA registry: 55 registered for Class A, 39 for Class B, 22 for the passenger endorsement and 12 for school bus. 40 of the 55 (73%) publish a website, and the newest OH registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Columbus CDL schools, Cincinnati CDL schools and Toledo CDL schools, or open the full Ohio school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

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

Hazmat endorsement in Ohio

33 of the 55 registered Ohio locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so OH drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Ohio hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Ohio

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

Ohio ELDT questions

What is Ohio form BMV 2159?
The CDL Self-Certification Authorization. Every CLP or CDL applicant uses it to certify interstate or intrastate, excepted or non-excepted driving.
Does the Ohio BMV accept online ELDT theory?
Yes. The BMV verifies completion in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and theory from a registered online provider is accepted.
Do I still submit a paper medical card in Ohio?
No. Since June 2025 the results go from your certified examiner to FMCSA and on to the BMV electronically.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Ohio?
With one of the 55 Ohio locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo; 55 are registered for Class A training and 39 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 OH CDL training today

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

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