Online ELDT Training in California for CDL Class A, Class B & Endorsements

Complete the applicable federal Entry-Level Driver Training theory curriculum online from Los Angeles or anywhere in California. Choose Class A, Class B, Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus theory training for $30 per individual course.

View $30 ELDT Courses

California ELDT theory training you can complete online

Entry-Level Driver Training is a federal requirement for many drivers pursuing a commercial driver license or certain endorsements for the first time. When ELDT applies, training must be completed through a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before California can administer the applicable CDL skills test or Hazmat knowledge test.

ELDT1 provides online theory courses accessible from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno and communities throughout the state. Study around work and family responsibilities while covering the curriculum for your selected credential.

Important: Online theory does not replace a California commercial learner permit, DMV testing, medical or identity requirements, or applicable behind-the-wheel training.

Choose your $30 California ELDT theory course

Select the course matching the CDL class or endorsement you intend to obtain. Each individual course below is $30.

Class A ELDT Theory

$30

For first-time Class A applicants and qualifying Class B-to-A upgrades.

Course details Enroll now

Class B ELDT Theory

$30

For first-time Class B CDL applicants who need the federal theory curriculum.

Course details Enroll now

Hazmat (H) Endorsement

$30

For drivers obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement for the first time.

Course details Enroll now

Passenger (P) Endorsement

$30

For first-time Passenger endorsement applicants.

Course details Enroll now

School Bus (S) Endorsement

$30

For first-time School Bus endorsement applicants.

Course details Enroll now

Who generally needs ELDT in California?

Federal ELDT rules generally apply when you:

Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to Class A.
Obtain a Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time.

The rules are not retroactive, and exceptions may apply. Review ELDT applicability and confirm your steps with the California DMV.

How online ELDT works for California drivers

Choose your course

Match it to the CDL class, upgrade or first-time endorsement you plan to obtain.

Complete theory

Study required topics online and demonstrate proficiency on the assessment.

Finish California steps

Complete applicable permit, behind-the-wheel and DMV testing requirements.

California’s additional behind-the-wheel requirement

California requires applicants for an original Class A or Class B CDL to complete at least 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training, including at least 10 hours on a public road. Before the CDL is issued, the applicant must submit the California Commercial Driver Behind-the-Wheel Training Certification (DL 1236) as directed by the California DMV.

ELDT1’s $30 products on this page provide online theory training only; they do not provide or replace those California behind-the-wheel hours.

Online theory vs. behind-the-wheel training

Class A, Class B, Passenger and School Bus applicants subject to ELDT must complete applicable theory and behind-the-wheel instruction before the relevant state skills test. Theory and behind-the-wheel training may come from different eligible providers, but range and public-road instruction must be delivered by the same behind-the-wheel provider.

Federal Hazmat ELDT is theory-only. California applicants must still satisfy applicable testing, identity and security-related requirements.

Serving CDL applicants across California

Eligible drivers can access online theory throughout California, including:

Los Angeles
San Francisco
San Diego
San Jose
Sacramento
Fresno
Oakland
Bakersfield
Long Beach
Anaheim
Riverside
Stockton

Explore ELDT training in other states

Review localized CDL and endorsement guidance for other states on our ELDT Training by State page.

California ELDT training FAQs

Can I complete ELDT theory online in California?

Yes. Federal rules permit eligible providers to deliver theory instruction online. Applicable behind-the-wheel training is completed separately with an eligible provider.

Who generally needs ELDT?

ELDT generally applies when obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading Class B to Class A, or obtaining a Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus endorsement for the first time. Exceptions can apply.

How much is each course?

Each individual Class A, Class B, Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus online theory course on this page costs $30.

Does online theory replace behind-the-wheel training?

No. Class A, Class B, Passenger and School Bus applicants subject to ELDT also need applicable behind-the-wheel training. Federal Hazmat ELDT is theory-only.

Is there a minimum number of theory hours?

Federal rules do not set minimum theory hours. The curriculum must be covered and the driver-trainee must earn an overall assessment score of at least 80 percent.

What happens after completion?

The provider submits certification information to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. You then complete remaining California DMV permit, knowledge, behind-the-wheel or skills-test steps.

Start your California ELDT theory course

Choose the credential you need and begin self-paced online theory training for $30.

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