Texas ELDT Theory Online: DPS Steps and Rules (2026)
By Rish P · November 9, 2026
Texans getting a first Class A or B CDL, upgrading from B to A, or adding a first School Bus, Passenger or Hazmat endorsement need ELDT, and theory can be done online with any provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, while Texas DPS checks the registry before the CDL skills test or the Hazmat knowledge test.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02
Who needs ELDT in Texas?
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal rule, and Texas enforces it through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver License Division. You need ELDT if you are:
- Getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
- Upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
- Getting a School Bus (S), Passenger (P) or Hazmat (H) endorsement for the first time.
Source: FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training.
You do not need ELDT in every case. FMCSA says ELDT is not retroactive. If you were issued a CDL or an S, P or H endorsement before February 7, 2022, you need no training for that credential (FMCSA).
ELDT also does not apply to drivers excepted from CDL requirements under 49 CFR 383.3(c), (d) and (h). It does not apply to drivers applying for a restricted CDL under 383.3(e) through (g) either (49 CFR 380.603 on eCFR).
Texas has one detail that surprises first-time applicants. DPS says ELDT does not have to be completed before a first-time applicant gets a commercial learner permit (CLP) (DPS CDL FAQ). The checkpoint comes later, at the skills test.
Federal rules vs Texas rules
| Topic | Federal rule | Texas specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs ELDT | First-time Class A or B, B to A upgrade, first-time S, P or H (FMCSA) | Same federal groups. DPS applies the rule at testing (DPS FAQ) |
| Exceptions | Excepted and restricted CDL applicants are outside ELDT (49 CFR 380.603) | No separate Texas exception in the sources reviewed |
| ELDT before the CLP | Not covered in this baseline | Not required before a first-time CLP (DPS FAQ) |
| When ELDT is checked | Training must be in the registry before testing | DPS License and Permit Specialists query the Training Provider Registry. Verification comes before the CDL skills test, or before the knowledge test for an H endorsement (DPS FAQ) |
| Theory delivery | Can be online with any provider on the registry. No minimum hours. Ends with an assessment (FMCSA) | No Texas-specific change in the sources reviewed |
| Provider reporting | By midnight of the second business day after the driver completes training (49 CFR 380.717) | DPS reads the result from the registry (DPS FAQ) |
| CLP wait before skills test | At least 14 days after the CLP is issued (49 CFR 383.25) | At least 14 days. DPS cites Texas Transportation Code 522.014 (DPS FAQ) |
| CLP validity | Not covered in this baseline | 180 days, or until the base Texas license expires if that comes first. Not valid without the base license (DPS) |
| Minimum age | Not covered in this baseline | DPS motor carrier guide (revised May 2021): 18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate (DPS guide) |
| Test language | Not covered in this baseline | Since June 1, 2026, CDL and CLP knowledge exams are English only. Interpreters are prohibited (DPS news) |
| Skills test locations | Not covered in this baseline | Class A and B skills tests are by appointment at DPS offices on the official list (DPS location list) |
| Hazmat | TSA security threat assessment required (TSA) | DPS gives a fingerprinting location. No first-time H until TSA clears you (DPS HME page) |
Step by step: getting your CDL in Texas
- Confirm you need ELDT (you). Check the groups above. If you are excepted or applying for a restricted CDL, ELDT does not apply (49 CFR 380.603).
- Choose your self-certification type (you). When you apply for a CLP or CDL, bring proof of self-certification on form CDL-4 (interstate), CDL-5 (intrastate) or CDL-10 (excepted interstate, physical exemption) (DPS form DL-69). Also check the age rule. The DPS motor carrier guide lists 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate, but it was revised in May 2021, so confirm with DPS (DPS guide).
- Apply for your CLP at DPS (you, with DPS). The Texas CLP is valid for 180 days, or until your base Texas driver license expires if that comes first. It is not valid without the base license (DPS how to apply). Knowledge exams are English only (DPS news). Medical certificates no longer go directly to DPS. Since June 23, 2025, they follow the National Registry route on the DPS FAQ page (DPS CDL FAQ).
- Complete ELDT theory online (you, with a registry-listed provider). Pick any provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Confirm it at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. The provider must report your completion by midnight of the second business day after you finish (49 CFR 380.717).
- Finish behind-the-wheel training if your credential needs it (you, with a registry-listed provider). Search the registry for a provider (FMCSA ELDT page). The Hazmat endorsement is theory only.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days (you). DPS cites Texas Transportation Code 522.014 for the 14-day rule (DPS CDL FAQ).
- Book your skills test (you, with DPS). Class A and B skills tests are given only by appointment at the DPS offices on the official CDL skills testing locations list (DPS location list). DPS verifies your ELDT in the registry before the skills test. Skills tests (pre-trip, basic control, road test) continue in English (DPS how to apply).
- For a Hazmat endorsement, clear TSA (you, with TSA and DPS). DPS gives you a fingerprinting location. DPS learns only approval or denial, and a first-time applicant gets no H endorsement until TSA clears them (DPS HME page). DPS verifies ELDT before the H knowledge test (DPS CDL FAQ).
Start Class A ELDT theory for $18.99
ELDT by class in Texas
Class A
A first-time Class A CDL applicant, or a Class B holder upgrading to Class A, needs ELDT (FMCSA). In Texas, DPS verifies your training in the registry before the skills test. The skills test is by appointment at a DPS office on the official list (DPS location list). Course page: Class A ELDT.
Class B
A first-time Class B applicant needs ELDT. The Texas process is the same as Class A: ELDT is checked before the skills test, and the test is by appointment only (DPS CDL FAQ, DPS location list). Course page: Class B ELDT.
Hazmat
A first-time Hazmat (H) endorsement requires ELDT theory and a TSA security threat assessment (TSA). Texas verifies ELDT before the H knowledge test, and no first-time H endorsement is issued until TSA clears you (DPS HME page). Hazmat ELDT is theory only, with no behind-the-wheel portion. Course page: Hazmat ELDT.
Passenger
A first-time Passenger (P) endorsement requires ELDT under the federal rule (FMCSA). The DPS pages reviewed for this guide do not list separate Texas steps for P, so confirm details with Texas DPS. Course page: Passenger ELDT. More detail: Do You Need ELDT for a Passenger Endorsement?.
School Bus
A first-time School Bus (S) endorsement also requires ELDT under the federal rule (FMCSA). The DPS pages reviewed do not give separate Texas steps for S, so check with Texas DPS. RoadCert does not currently sell a School Bus theory course.
Can I take ELDT theory online in Texas?
Yes. Federal rules allow ELDT theory to be completed online with any provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Theory has no minimum number of hours and ends with an assessment (FMCSA).
Texas DPS does not accept a certificate from you. DPS License and Permit Specialists query the registry themselves (DPS CDL FAQ). What matters is that your provider is listed and has reported your completion. Check any provider at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
RoadCert is listed on the Training Provider Registry and reports each student's completion for them. The courses are 100% online and self-paced, and they work on a phone or a computer. You get access right after payment and receive an email to set up your account. Support is at support@useroadcert.com.
For more on choosing a provider, see Where to Take ELDT Theory Training Online.
What does it cost in Texas?
RoadCert ELDT theory is $18.99 per course. Courses are available for Class A, Class B, Hazmat and Passenger.
The DPS fee page lists these state fees:
- CLP, original: $25, expiring 180 days from issuance.
- CDL, age 18 to 84, new: $97 (eight years).
- CDL with Hazardous Materials Endorsement: $61 (five years).
Source: DPS Driver License Fees. Check that page for the fee that matches your situation. For any other fee, such as skills testing or behind-the-wheel training, check the DPS website or ask your training provider. Behind-the-wheel prices are set by each provider.
Finding behind-the-wheel training in Texas
Search the FMCSA Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov for providers that offer behind-the-wheel training. This page does not list or rank schools. Ask each provider which classes it trains for, and confirm it is listed on the registry before you pay.
If you already finished theory online, tell the school. The behind-the-wheel provider also reports its portion to the registry. Hazmat has no behind-the-wheel portion.
Run a CDL school in Texas? Theory seats are $18.99 each, or $14.24 each when you buy 3 or more, and a branded student portal is $300 a month with 25 students included. See school options.
Sources
- Texas DPS: How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License?, checked 2026-11-02
- Texas DPS: Commercial Driver License (CDL) Frequently Asked Question, checked 2026-11-02
- Texas DPS: A Texas Motor Carrier's Guide to Highway Safety (Revised May 2021), checked 2026-11-02
- Texas DPS: What to bring when applying for a Texas CDL or Learners Permit (DL-69), checked 2026-11-02
- Texas DPS: DPS Announces Changes to CDL Knowledge Testing, checked 2026-11-02
- Texas DPS: Driver License Office CDL Skills Testing Locations (DL-95), checked 2026-11-02
- Texas DPS: Driver License Fees, checked 2026-11-02
- Texas DPS: Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME), checked 2026-11-02
- eCFR: 49 CFR Part 380 Subpart F, checked 2026-11-02
- eCFR: 49 CFR 380.717, checked 2026-11-02
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.25, checked 2026-11-02
- FMCSA: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), checked 2026-11-02
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry, checked 2026-11-02
- TSA: Hazmat Endorsement, checked 2026-11-02
Related
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to finish ELDT before I get my Texas CLP?
No. Texas DPS says ELDT does not have to be completed before a first-time applicant gets a commercial learner permit. ELDT is checked later, before the skills test. ([DPS CDL FAQ](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/faq/commercial-driver-license-cdl-frequently-asked-question))
When does Texas DPS check my ELDT?
DPS License and Permit Specialists query the Training Provider Registry. The state must verify ELDT before the CDL skills test, or before the knowledge test for an H endorsement. ([DPS CDL FAQ](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/faq/commercial-driver-license-cdl-frequently-asked-question))
How long must I hold a Texas CLP before the skills test?
At least 14 days. DPS cites Texas Transportation Code 522.014 for this rule. The Texas CLP is valid for 180 days, or until your base license expires if that comes first. ([DPS CDL FAQ](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/faq/commercial-driver-license-cdl-frequently-asked-question))
Can I take the Texas CDL knowledge test in Spanish?
No. Spanish versions of the CDL knowledge tests ended June 1, 2026, and all CDL and CLP knowledge exams are English only. DPS says interpreters are prohibited. Skills tests continue in English. ([DPS news release](https://www.dps.texas.gov/news/dps-announces-changes-cdl-knowledge-testing))
Where are Texas Class A and B skills tests given?
Class A and B CDL skills tests are given only by appointment, at the DPS driver license offices on the official CDL skills testing locations list. ([DPS CDL skills testing locations](https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/forms/dl-95.pdf))
What state fees are listed for a Texas CLP and CDL?
DPS lists a CLP original at $25 (expires 180 days from issuance) and a new CDL for ages 18 to 84 at $97 (eight years). A CDL with Hazardous Materials Endorsement is listed at $61 (five years). Check the fee page for your situation. ([DPS Driver License Fees](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-fees))
Can I do ELDT theory online and have it count in Texas?
Yes, if the provider is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Theory can be completed online, has no minimum hours and ends with an assessment. DPS checks the registry itself. ([FMCSA ELDT page](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt))
I got my CDL before February 7, 2022. Do I need ELDT?
No. FMCSA says ELDT is not retroactive. Drivers issued a CDL or an S, P or H endorsement before February 7, 2022 need no training for that credential. ([FMCSA ELDT page](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt))
Ready to knock out your ELDT theory?
Online theory listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for $18.99, reported the same day.
Training a group? See bulk seats and branded portals for schools and fleets
Related guides
- California ELDT Theory Online: DMV Steps and Rules (2026)
California ELDT in plain terms: who needs it, what DMV verifies before the skills test or hazmat knowledge test, and how to finish theory online with a registry-listed provider.
- Do You Need ELDT for a Passenger Endorsement? (2026 Rules)
First-time passenger (P) endorsement applicants need ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training from a registered provider. Here is who is exempt and what to do.
- Where to Take ELDT Theory Training Online (2026 Guide)
You can take ELDT theory online from any provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Here is what to look for and how to check a provider before you pay.