How CDL Schools Can Offer Online ELDT Theory Training (2026)

A CDL school can offer online ELDT theory by using a theory course from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, keeping behind-the-wheel training in person, and either buying seats for students or running the course through a branded portal.

This post covers the basic setup. For the full picture, see Online ELDT theory for CDL schools: the complete guide.

Is online theory allowed under the ELDT rules?

Yes. The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules in 49 CFR Part 380, Subpart F, require theory and behind-the-wheel training for certain drivers. They do not require theory to be taught in a classroom, so a registered provider can deliver it online.

Behind-the-wheel training is different. It has to be done in person on a range or public road. The Hazmat endorsement is theory only, with no behind-the-wheel portion.

Who has to complete ELDT?

ELDT applies to drivers who are:

• Getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Getting a Passenger (P), School Bus (S) or Hazmat (H) endorsement for the first time

The training must be finished before the driver takes the relevant test. Which test that is depends on the license or endorsement. Drivers who got their CDL or endorsement before February 7, 2022 are generally not required to take ELDT.

What are the ways a school can offer online theory?

Most schools choose one of three setups.

• Register as a provider and build your own course. You list your school on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), and your curriculum has to meet the ELDT requirements. This gives you the most control and the most administrative work.
• Send students to a registered theory provider. Students take theory online with another listed provider, and your school delivers behind-the-wheel training. Each provider reports the training it delivers.
• Buy seats or use a branded portal. You buy theory seats from a registered provider and assign them to students, or students enroll through a portal that carries your school's name.

The second and third options let you skip building and maintaining a theory curriculum. In each case, check that the provider really is on the TPR.

What should a school check before choosing a provider?

• TPR listing. Search the registry for the provider by name. "FMCSA-registered" means listed on the TPR, which is not the same as FMCSA approval.
• Course coverage. Confirm it has the courses your students need: Class A, Class B, Hazmat, Passenger.
• Reporting. Find out who reports completions to the registry, and how quickly. Providers are required to report completion within two business days.
• Student experience. Check that the course works on a phone and a computer, since many students do theory after work.
• Support. Ask how students and staff reach support, and what happens when a student can't log in.
• Pricing. Find out whether you pay per seat or per month, and what happens when you go over your included number.

Pricing also affects what you charge students. For context on what students pay across programs, see average CDL training cost by state.

How does online theory fit with behind-the-wheel training?

Online theory lets a student finish classroom requirements on their own schedule. Your instructors can then spend scheduled time on range and road work.

Students who are adding a Hazmat endorsement can complete theory online with no behind-the-wheel portion. If your staff get questions about the endorsement itself, what is a hazmat endorsement is a useful reference.

What does it cost to add online theory?

That depends on the provider. If you are comparing per-student prices, the cheapest FMCSA-registered ELDT course shows how one provider prices a single theory course.

Under the seat model, you pay per student. Under a portal model, you usually pay a recurring fee plus a charge for enrollments above the included amount. Work out which fits your volume before you commit.

How can RoadCert help a CDL school?

RoadCert sells online ELDT theory courses for Class A, Class B, Hazmat and Passenger. The courses are 100% online and self-paced, and RoadCert is listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Students get access right after payment and receive an email to set up their account.

Schools have two options:

• Bulk seats: $18.99 each, or $14.24 each when you buy 3 or more.
• Branded student portal: $300 per month, including 25 enrollments and $8 for each additional one. It carries your logo and colors and includes all four courses. RoadCert handles FMCSA reporting. You set your own student prices and keep the majority of the revenue.

You can preview your own branded portal in about 10 seconds on the RoadCert schools page.