Class B to Class A Upgrade Online ELDT Theory Course
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.
This course includes:
- FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
- TPR Submission Included
- Certificate of Completion
- Mobile-Friendly Access
- English Only
- Lifetime Access
TPR submitted to FMCSA in minutes after completion
About This Course
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.
What this course covers
Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 380 contains a second, shorter theory curriculum for drivers who already hold a Class B CDL and are upgrading to Class A. Its five sections (BA1.1 to BA1.5) mirror the full Class A course but concentrate on what a Class B driver has not covered: combination vehicles. This course follows that upgrade curriculum.
- Basic operation: orientation, control systems and the dashboard, pre- and post-trip inspections, basic control, shifting and operating transmissions, 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, applied to a tractor-trailer.
- 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: the reduced set the upgrade curriculum keeps, including hours of service and fatigue and wellness awareness.
Part 380 lets providers skip units a Class B holder has already completed, so the upgrade course is shorter than the full Class A course. There is no federal minimum number of hours; you pass each module quiz at 80% or higher.
Who needs it and who is exempt
Under 49 CFR 380.603, a driver who holds a Class B CDL and is upgrading to Class A for the first time on or after February 7, 2022 must complete upgrade theory and upgrade behind-the-wheel training with registered providers before the Class A skills test. This course is the theory half. Drivers who have never held a CDL should take the full Class A course instead.
You are exempt if you obtained your Class A CLP before February 7, 2022 and earn the Class A CDL before that CLP or its renewal expires, or if you already held a Class A CDL before that date. The Part 383 exceptions in 380.603(a) apply here as well. Endorsements you already hold generally carry over to the new class; Class A versus Class B covers what changes.
Steps from Class B to Class A
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.
- 1Get a Class A CLP from your state licensing agency; the CLP requirements guide lists the knowledge tests and documents.
- 2Complete this upgrade theory course online and pass each module quiz at 80% or higher.
- 3Your record is sent to the Training Provider Registry automatically, usually within minutes. Confirm it with how to check your ELDT record.
- 4Complete upgrade behind-the-wheel training in person with a registered provider, in a Class A combination vehicle. Schools set their own prices; find one in the CDL school finder.
- 5Hold the CLP for at least 14 days, then take the Class A skills test. Theory and behind-the-wheel must be finished within one year of each other.
The theory versus behind-the-wheel guide explains why the two halves can come from different providers.
What is included
The upgrade course costs $20, the same as our full courses, and includes 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. Our record carries the upgrade application type, so the state sees a Class B-to-A upgrade and not a new Class A; the Training Provider Registry guide explains the record.
Is This Course Right for You?
Commercial trucks over 26,001 lbs with trailers over 10,000 lbs
New CDL applicants
Starting your trucking career
Career changers
Transitioning to commercial driving
Company drivers
Sponsored by your employer
Not sure if this is the right course? Check our FAQ or contact us
What Happens After You Complete the Course
Your path from enrollment to certification is straightforward and fully compliant with federal requirements.
FMCSA Compliant
This course meets all Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
TPR Submission
Upon successful completion, your training record is submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) automatically, usually within minutes, once your permit or CDL number is in your profile.
Certificate of Completion
Receive a certificate verifying your successful completion of the course. Your record will be available for DMV verification.
Fast Processing
Once you finish every lesson and quiz, we send your theory record to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry automatically, usually within minutes.
Important: Certificate Requirements
- •You must complete all course modules and pass all required quizzes to earn your certificate.
- •Each quiz has a minimum passing score. Failed quizzes can be retaken after review.
- •This course covers the ELDT theory requirement. Behind-the-wheel training is a separate, in-person step for every license and endorsement except hazmat.
- •After TPR submission, complete behind-the-wheel training with a registered provider (not needed for hazmat), then schedule your state skills test (for hazmat, the knowledge test). Our CDL school finder lists registered behind-the-wheel providers near you.
ELDT theory by state
The ELDT curriculum is federal, so this course is the same in the 49 states that accept it. What differs is the licensing side: the agency that issues your permit, its fees and how the skills test is scheduled. Each state page lists those details for that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this course
No. 49 CFR Part 380 Appendix A has a separate upgrade curriculum for Class B holders, and this course follows it. It concentrates on combination-vehicle material such as coupling and uncoupling and skips units you completed for Class B.
Yes. The registry record carries an application type, and this course is reported as an upgrade. Buy this course only if you currently hold a Class B CDL; first-time drivers need the full Class A course.
Yes. The upgrade has a theory half and a behind-the-wheel half, both from registered providers, both recorded in the registry before the Class A skills test. Behind-the-wheel is in person, in a combination vehicle.
Generally yes. Endorsements such as hazmat or tanker stay with you when the class changes, although some states ask you to confirm them when the new license is issued. Check with your state licensing agency.
Not if you earn the Class A CDL before that CLP or its renewal expires. If the permit has lapsed and you apply for a new one, the ELDT requirement applies.
After enrollment, you'll have instant access to all course materials through your student dashboard. You can learn on any device - computer, tablet, or phone.
You do not need a CDL number to create an account or buy a course. Before you start the lessons you will need your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) number, because FMCSA requires a state-issued license or permit number to record your training in the Training Provider Registry. ELDT is required before your CDL skills test, not before the permit test, so the usual order is: pass the CDL knowledge tests at your state licensing agency to get your CLP, then enter the permit number here and start training. If you already hold a CDL and are upgrading or adding an endorsement, enter your current CDL number instead.
Yes! You can start, stop, and resume your training anytime. Your progress is automatically saved, so you can learn at your own pace around your schedule.
You have lifetime access to the course. Most students complete it within 1-2 weeks, but you can take as long as you need.
Our courses work on any device with a web browser - desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Your progress syncs across all devices.
When you pass all quizzes, your theory record is submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) automatically, usually within minutes, once your permit or CDL number is in your profile. You'll receive a certificate of completion. Next comes behind-the-wheel training with a registered provider (not needed for hazmat), then your state skills test (for hazmat, the knowledge test). Our CDL school finder at lowestcosteldt.com/cdl-schools lists registered behind-the-wheel providers near you.
No. All sales are final and course purchases are non-refundable, including if you picked the wrong course, changed your mind, or did not finish. The only exceptions are a duplicate charge for the same course, or a verified technical problem on our side that keeps you from accessing the course. If you bought the wrong course and have not started it, contact support within 48 hours and we may transfer your enrollment to another course. See our Refund Policy for details.
Still have questions? Contact our support team
Ready to Start Your Training?
Online ELDT theory from a registered provider, accepted in 49 states. Start today; your theory record goes to the FMCSA registry automatically, usually within minutes.
All sales are final. Review the course details before you enroll.