Class B CDL Online ELDT Theory Course

What this course covers

The course follows the Class B theory curriculum in Appendix B to 49 CFR Part 380: the same five sections as Class A, with the combination-vehicle material left out. A Class B vehicle is a single heavy vehicle such as a straight truck, dump truck, box truck or bus, so the Class B basic-operation section ends at backing and docking instead of coupling and uncoupling.

• Basic operation: orientation, control systems and the dashboard, pre- and post-trip inspections, basic control, shifting and operating transmissions, and backing and docking.
• 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.

There is no federal minimum number of hours. You finish the units at your own pace and pass each module quiz at 80% or higher; retakes are allowed until you pass.

Who needs it and who is exempt

49 CFR 380.603 applies ELDT to anyone obtaining a Class B CDL for the first time on or after February 7, 2022. Both halves, theory and behind-the-wheel, must be recorded in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before your state will let you take the Class B skills test. Drivers who plan to add a passenger or school bus endorsement at the same time also need that endorsement's own ELDT course; see the passenger and school bus guide.

You are exempt if you held a Class B (or Class A) CDL before February 7, 2022, or held a Class B 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, also apply. Not sure which class you need? Read Class A versus Class B before you buy.

Steps from permit to Class B 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, which covers all 29 theory units, 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. The Training Provider Registry guide shows what your state examiner sees in that record.