Free ELDT Training Online

What Is ELDT Training?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federally mandated training program established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that took effect on February 7, 2022. Under these regulations, anyone applying for their first Commercial Driver's License (CDL), upgrading from Class B to Class A, or adding a Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement must complete training with a provider listed on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR) before they can take the CDL skills test at their state DMV.

The ELDT rule was created to establish consistent, minimum training standards across the country. Before 2022, CDL training requirements varied significantly by state — some states had no formal training requirement at all. The ELDT mandate ensures every new commercial driver receives foundational education in vehicle operation, safety regulations, and behind-the-wheel skills before they hit the road.

ELDT has two components: theory (knowledge) training and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. Theory covers classroom-style instruction on regulations, vehicle systems, and safe operation. BTW covers actual driving practice on a range and on public roads. CDL Study Buddy provides the complete theory portion online, 100% free.

Who Needs ELDT Training?

The ELDT requirement applies to three specific groups of drivers. If you fall into any of these categories, you must complete ELDT training before your CDL skills test can be scheduled:

• 1

  First-Time CDL Applicants (Class A or B)

  If you are applying for your very first Commercial Driver's License — whether Class A (combination vehicles like tractor-trailers) or Class B (single vehicles like dump trucks and buses) — you must complete the full ELDT curriculum. This is the largest group affected by the mandate.

• 2

  Class B to Class A Upgrades

  Current Class B CDL holders who want to upgrade to a Class A must complete the upgrade-specific ELDT curriculum. This covers combination vehicle topics not included in the Class B training — coupling, uncoupling, articulation dynamics, and trailer brake systems.

• 3

  Endorsement Applicants (H, P, or S)

  Drivers who already hold a CDL but need to add a Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time must complete the endorsement-specific theory training. Note: this applies even if you've held your CDL for years — any new endorsement still requires ELDT.

Why CDL Study Buddy for ELDT Training?

CDL Study Buddy has helped over 100,000 users prepare for their CDL since 2013 — long before ELDT was even a regulation. We built our reputation on providing accurate, up-to-date CDL test preparation materials that are genuinely free. The ELDT market is newer to us, but the mission is the same: make quality CDL training accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.

Unlike many competitors who advertise “free” ELDT but require enrollment in paid behind-the-wheel programs (which can cost $3,000–$10,000), our ELDT theory courses are completely free with no strings attached. No credit card required. No hidden subscription. No bait-and-switch. Just free, FMCSA-compliant theory training that you can complete on your phone, tablet, or computer.

When you finish a course, your training record is automatically submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. This means you don't have to chase down paperwork or wait for manual processing — once you pass, you're cleared to schedule your CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Our Free ELDT Courses

We offer the complete set of FMCSA-required ELDT theory courses. Every course follows the federal curriculum standards and is delivered in a self-paced, mobile-friendly format:

How ELDT Training Works at CDL Study Buddy

ELDT Theory vs. Behind-the-Wheel Training

ELDT is divided into two parts, and it's important to understand what each covers:

Both components are required for first-time CDL applicants. Our theory training prepares you for the knowledge portion — you'll need to arrange behind-the-wheel training separately through a local driving school or trucking company training program.

ELDT Requirements by State

ELDT is a federal mandate, so the core training requirements are the same in every state. However, each state DMV may have additional requirements or procedures for scheduling your CDL skills test after completing ELDT. We recommend preparing with state-specific practice tests alongside your ELDT coursework:

• Alabama CDL Practice Tests
• Alaska CDL Practice Tests
• Arizona CDL Practice Tests
• Arkansas CDL Practice Tests
• California CDL Practice Tests
• Colorado CDL Practice Tests
• Connecticut CDL Practice Tests
• Delaware CDL Practice Tests
• Florida CDL Practice Tests
• Georgia CDL Practice Tests
• Hawaii CDL Practice Tests
• Idaho CDL Practice Tests
• Illinois CDL Practice Tests
• Indiana CDL Practice Tests
• Iowa CDL Practice Tests
• Kansas CDL Practice Tests
• Kentucky CDL Practice Tests
• Louisiana CDL Practice Tests
• Maine CDL Practice Tests
• Maryland CDL Practice Tests
• Massachusetts CDL Practice Tests
• Michigan CDL Practice Tests
• Minnesota CDL Practice Tests
• Mississippi CDL Practice Tests
• Missouri CDL Practice Tests
• Montana CDL Practice Tests
• Nebraska CDL Practice Tests
• Nevada CDL Practice Tests
• New Hampshire CDL Practice Tests
• New Jersey CDL Practice Tests
• New Mexico CDL Practice Tests
• New York CDL Practice Tests
• North Carolina CDL Practice Tests
• North Dakota CDL Practice Tests
• Ohio CDL Practice Tests
• Oklahoma CDL Practice Tests
• Oregon CDL Practice Tests
• Pennsylvania CDL Practice Tests
• Rhode Island CDL Practice Tests
• South Carolina CDL Practice Tests
• South Dakota CDL Practice Tests
• Tennessee CDL Practice Tests
• Texas CDL Practice Tests
• Utah CDL Practice Tests
• Vermont CDL Practice Tests
• Virginia CDL Practice Tests
• Washington CDL Practice Tests
• Washington DC CDL Practice Tests
• West Virginia CDL Practice Tests
• Wisconsin CDL Practice Tests
• Wyoming CDL Practice Tests

Training Provider Registry (TPR) — How It Works

The FMCSA Training Provider Registry is the central system that tracks ELDT completion. Every training provider must be registered on the TPR, and every student's completion must be reported there before they can test. Here's what you need to know:

• We're a registered TPR provider. CDL Study Buddy is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and authorized to submit training completions.
• Submissions are automatic. No paperwork, no waiting — your completion is reported to the TPR immediately when you finish the course.
• You verify at the DMV. When you go to take your skills test, the DMV checks the TPR to confirm your training is on file. As long as our submission went through, you're good to test.
• You can search the TPR yourself. Visit tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov to find registered training providers in your area for the behind-the-wheel portion.

ELDT Training FAQ

Last updated: August 3, 2026