Class A CDL Online ELDT Theory Course

What this course covers

The course follows the Class A theory curriculum in Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 380: five sections and 30 units that a registered provider must teach to a first-time Class A applicant. Class A is the only curriculum with a coupling and uncoupling unit, because a Class A vehicle is a combination of a tractor and one or more trailers.

• Basic operation: orientation, control systems and the dashboard, pre- and post-trip inspections, basic control, shifting and operating transmissions, and backing and docking, and coupling and uncoupling.
• Safe operating procedures: visual search, communication, distracted driving, speed management, space management, night operation and extreme driving conditions.
• Advanced operating practices: hazard perception; skid control and recovery, jackknifing and other emergencies; railroad-highway grade crossings.
• Vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions: identification and diagnosis of malfunctions, roadside inspections and maintenance.
• Non-driving activities: handling and documenting cargo, environmental compliance, hours of service, fatigue and wellness, post-crash procedures, external communications, whistleblower and coercion rules, trip planning, drugs and alcohol, and medical requirements.

Part 380 sets no minimum hours for theory: you move at your own pace, pass each module quiz at 80% or higher, and the record lists the units completed.

Who needs it and who is exempt

Under 49 CFR 380.603, anyone obtaining a Class A CDL for the first time on or after February 7, 2022 must complete Class A theory and behind-the-wheel training with providers listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before the state skills test. The rule is federal and does not depend on which state issues the license; our online theory is accepted in 49 states.

You are exempt if you held a Class A CDL before February 7, 2022, or held a Class A CLP issued before that date and earned the CDL before the CLP or its renewal expired. The Part 383 exceptions in 380.603(a), such as certain military drivers under 383.3(c) and the 383.77 military skills-test waiver, are also outside the rule. Already hold a Class B? Take the Class B to Class A upgrade course instead; the Class A versus Class B guide explains the difference.

Steps from permit to Class A CDL

ELDT is one step in the state licensing process. The order is the same in the 49 states that accept our course; your state agency sets fees and test dates.

1. 1Pass the CDL knowledge tests at your state licensing agency to get your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP); see the CLP requirements guide.
2. 2Complete this theory course online and pass each module quiz at 80% or higher; retakes are allowed.
3. 3Your record goes to the Training Provider Registry automatically, usually within minutes; confirm it with how to check your ELDT record.
4. 4Complete behind-the-wheel training in person with a registered provider, priced and scheduled by the school; the CDL school finder lists them by state.
5. 5Hold the CLP for at least 14 days, then take the state skills test. Federal rules require theory and behind-the-wheel to be finished within one year of each other (49 CFR 380.603(c)).

The theory versus behind-the-wheel guide explains why the two halves can come from different providers.

What is included

The course costs $20. That covers every unit, the quizzes, your certificate of completion and the registry submission.

After your last quiz we send the record to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry automatically, usually within minutes, once your permit or CDL number is in your profile. Read how the Training Provider Registry works to see what your state examiner sees.