Class A ELDT Theory
$30
For first-time Class A applicants and qualifying Class B-to-A upgrades.
Online ELDT Training in Illinois for CDL Class A, Class B & Endorsements
Complete the applicable federal Entry-Level Driver Training theory curriculum online from Chicago or anywhere in Illinois. Choose Class A, Class B, Hazmat, Passenger or School Bus theory training for $30 per individual course.
View $30 ELDT CoursesIllinois 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 Illinois can administer the applicable CDL skills test or Hazmat knowledge test.
ELDT1 provides online theory courses accessible from Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Springfield 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 Illinois commercial learner permit, DMV testing, medical or identity requirements, or applicable behind-the-wheel training.
Choose your $30 Illinois ELDT theory course
Select the course matching the CDL class or endorsement you intend to obtain. Each individual course below is $30.
Class B ELDT Theory
$30
For first-time Class B CDL applicants who need the federal theory curriculum.
Hazmat (H) Endorsement
$30
For drivers obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement for the first time.
Passenger (P) Endorsement
$30
For first-time Passenger endorsement applicants.
School Bus (S) Endorsement
$30
For first-time School Bus endorsement applicants.
Who generally needs ELDT in Illinois?
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 Illinois DMV.
How online ELDT works for Illinois 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 Illinois steps
Complete applicable permit, behind-the-wheel and DMV testing requirements.
Illinois electronic reporting and testing rules
The Illinois Secretary of State must receive the required ELDT results electronically before a driver can schedule the pre-trip, skills and road examinations. Illinois facilities do not accept a paper course certificate as proof of ELDT completion.
Illinois residents may complete ELDT through an eligible provider located in another state. First-time Hazmat applicants must complete ELDT theory before taking the Hazmat written test and must also receive the required TSA security threat assessment clearance.
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. Illinois applicants must still satisfy applicable testing, identity and security-related requirements.
Serving CDL applicants across Illinois
Eligible drivers can access online theory throughout Illinois, including:
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Rockford
- Joliet
- Naperville
- Springfield
- Elgin
- Peoria
- Champaign
- Waukegan
- Cicero
- Bloomington
Explore ELDT training in other states
Review localized CDL and endorsement guidance for other states on our ELDT Training by State page.
Illinois ELDT training FAQs
Can I complete ELDT theory online in Illinois?
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 Illinois Secretary of State permit, knowledge, behind-the-wheel or skills-test steps.
Start your Illinois ELDT theory course
Choose the credential you need and begin self-paced online theory training for $30.
Compare courses