ELDT Training in Virginia — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Virginia, from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond and Arlington, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the VA theory portion is done online for $20 and your Virginia record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Virginia

  1. Get your CLP from Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

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

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Virginia

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

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Virginia

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

Virginia licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Virginia DMV site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Virginia DMV site
  • You must apply for the CLP or CDL in person at a DMV customer service center; you need to be 18 for an intrastate CDL and 21 for interstate.
  • Virginia CDLs can be renewed up to one year before expiration, online if eligible or at any customer service center.

These VA 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 Virginia fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Virginia

VA has 102 registered training locations across 74 cities on the FMCSA registry: 64 registered for Class A, 84 for Class B, 70 for the passenger endorsement and 47 for school bus. 57 of the 102 (56%) publish a website, and the newest VA registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Chesapeake CDL schools, Norfolk CDL schools and Richmond CDL schools, or open the full Virginia school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

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

Hazmat endorsement in Virginia

29 of the 102 registered Virginia locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so VA drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Virginia hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Virginia

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

Virginia ELDT questions

Does the Virginia DMV accept online ELDT?
Yes. The DMV confirms completion in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so online theory from a registered provider satisfies the theory portion.
Can I apply for a Virginia CLP online?
No. CLP and CDL applications must be made in person at a DMV customer service center, where you take the vision screening and knowledge exams.
How early can I renew a Virginia CDL?
Up to one year before it expires, online if you meet the eligibility rules or otherwise at any DMV customer service center.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Virginia?
With one of the 102 Virginia locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Richmond; 64 are registered for Class A training and 84 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 VA CDL training today

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

Start TrainingSee All Courses