How Trucking Fleets Can Train New Drivers on ELDT Theory (2026)

A trucking company can train new drivers on ELDT theory through a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). The fleet can register as its own provider, send drivers to a partner school, or buy online theory seats from a listed provider that reports each completion to the registry.

Which drivers at a fleet need ELDT theory?

Entry-level driver training (ELDT) applies to anyone who is:

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

Drivers who already held the CDL or endorsement before February 7, 2022 are not required to take ELDT for it. An experienced hire with a valid CDL of the right class generally doesn't need it. A current driver who adds a Hazmat endorsement does. See what a Hazmat endorsement is for how that endorsement works.

What are the options for training new drivers?

Fleets have three main routes, and many mix them.

1. Become your own training provider. A fleet can register on the TPR as a provider. You must attest that you meet the federal requirements for curriculum, instructors, facilities and vehicles. You are then responsible for delivering the training, keeping records and reporting each completion to FMCSA. This can make sense for fleets with steady hiring volume and in-house trainers. It also carries the most administrative work.

2. Partner with a CDL school. You send new hires to a TPR-listed school that handles theory, behind-the-wheel (BTW) training, and reporting. This is the simplest route for fleets that hire only occasionally. The tradeoffs are scheduling, cost per driver, and less control over the curriculum.

3. Use online theory plus separate BTW training. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can be provided by different TPR-listed providers. A fleet can buy online theory from one provider and arrange BTW through a school or its own registered program. Online theory is self-paced, so new hires can study around their work schedule. For one option, see the cheapest FMCSA-registered ELDT course.

One point trips up fleets with in-house trainers. Having a trainer ride along with a new hire doesn't count as ELDT unless the fleet is itself a registered provider for that training.

What are the fleet's compliance responsibilities?

The core duties are:

• Use a TPR-listed provider. Training from a provider that isn't on the registry doesn't count. The state licensing agency checks the registry before the driver can test.
• Know who needs it. Check each new hire's CDL class, endorsements and issue dates.
• Get the sequence right. Theory must be completed before the Class A/B or Passenger skills test. For Hazmat, it must be completed before the knowledge test.
• Confirm completion is reported. Providers electronically report completion to the TPR, within two business days. If your fleet is the provider, that duty is yours.
• Keep your own copy of records. This is good practice for audits and disputes, even where the provider holds the official record.

ELDT doesn't replace the state knowledge and skills tests, the medical certificate, or the other CDL requirements. Fleets should still manage those. For one example, see CDL self-certification explained.

What should a fleet consider on cost?

Compare the full cost per driver, not just the course price:

• Theory fee per driver. Ask whether prices drop with volume and whether there are minimums or monthly commitments.
• Behind-the-wheel cost. This usually involves instructors, a vehicle and range time, so it's often the larger part of the budget.
• Paid or unpaid training time. Wages during training can outweigh course fees.
• Testing and licensing fees. These vary by state. See average CDL training cost by state.
• Cost of running your own program. Instructor qualifications, vehicles, a training site, record keeping and registry reporting all add expense.
• Reporting. Check whether the provider reports completion for you or leaves it to your staff.

Which option fits which fleet?

• Low or occasional hiring: a partner school or online theory, with BTW arranged as needed.
• Steady hiring with in-house trainers: consider registering as a provider, at least for behind-the-wheel training, and pair it with online theory.
• Many Hazmat upgrades: Hazmat ELDT is theory only, with no behind-the-wheel portion, so online delivery is a practical fit.

Where does RoadCert fit?

RoadCert is listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry and reports each student's completion to the registry. It offers 100% online, self-paced theory courses for Class A, Class B, Hazmat and Passenger. They work on a phone or computer, and each course is $18.99. Students get access right after payment.

Fleets can buy seats in bulk at $18.99 each, or $14.24 each when buying 3 or more. A branded portal is $300 per month and includes 25 enrollments, plus $8 for each additional enrollment. It carries your logo and colors and includes all four courses, with FMCSA reporting handled by RoadCert. Preview a portal on the RoadCert schools and fleets page.