ELDT Training in Texas — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Texas, from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and Fort Worth, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the TX theory portion is done online for $20 and your Texas record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Texas

  1. Get your CLP from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a TX licensing office. The CLP fee is $25 (CLP, 180 days).

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

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

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Texas

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

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Texas

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the TX CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The CDL fee is $97 (Class A or B, 8 years).

Texas licensing details

CLP fee
$25 (CLP, 180 days)
CDL fee
$97 (Class A or B, 8 years)
  • Texas DPS checks the FMCSA Training Provider Registry electronically; you do not need to bring a paper certificate, but keep your completion email.
  • Skills tests are by appointment at DPS driver license offices or at third-party testers; book early in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio where wait times are longest.

These TX 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 Texas fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Texas

TX has 375 registered training locations across 176 cities on the FMCSA registry: 320 registered for Class A, 322 for Class B, 246 for the passenger endorsement and 224 for school bus. 208 of the 375 (55%) publish a website, and the newest TX registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Houston CDL schools, Dallas CDL schools and San Antonio CDL schools, or open the full Texas school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

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

Hazmat endorsement in Texas

214 of the 375 registered Texas locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so TX drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Texas hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Texas

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

Texas ELDT questions

Does Texas accept online ELDT theory training?
Yes. ELDT is a federal requirement under 49 CFR Part 380. Texas DPS verifies your theory completion through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and online theory from a registered provider is accepted statewide.
How long do I have to hold my Texas CLP before the skills test?
Federal rules require at least 14 days. Your Texas CLP is valid for 180 days, so you have time to finish ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training before scheduling the test.
Where do I take the CDL skills test in Texas?
At a Texas DPS driver license office that offers CDL testing, or at a DPS-authorized third-party skills test provider. You must bring the vehicle for the class of license you are testing for.
How much does a CLP cost in Texas?
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lists the Commercial Learner's Permit fee as $25 (CLP, 180 days). The CDL fee is $97 (Class A or B, 8 years). These are agency fees for the permit and license, separate from training, and they change, so confirm the current amount on the agency site before you go.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Texas?
With one of the 375 Texas locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio; 320 are registered for Class A training and 322 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 TX CDL training today

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

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