Complete ELDT Guide for California Drivers (and Nationwide CDL Students)
If you're pursuing a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in California or anywhere in the United States, understanding the FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements is essential. In this guide, SPCDL Truck Driving School breaks down everything you need to know about ELDT training, including how you can complete your ELDT course online from home, train one-on-one with an instructor, and pass your CDL exam with confidence.
Whether you're going for a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, Hazmat Endorsement, or upgrading an existing license, this guide will walk you through every step of the ELDT process and explain how SPCDL Truck Driving School is setting a new industry standard for CDL training in California and beyond.
What Is ELDT Training?
ELDT stands for Entry Level Driver Training. It's a set of standardized requirements created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure all new commercial drivers receive proper training before taking their skills or behind the wheel tests.
ELDT training went into effect on February 7, 2022, and applies to:
- First-time CDL applicants (Class A or Class B)
- Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A CDL
- Drivers adding endorsements such as Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus
If you fall into one of these categories, you must complete an FMCSA-approved ELDT course before you're allowed to schedule a CDL test with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
NOTE: The only course required before a written test can be taken is Hazmat. The others must be completed before the behind the wheel test.
ELDT Training Requirements: What You Must Complete
FMCSA has specific ELDT training requirements for each type of license or endorsement. There are two parts:
- Theory Training – Covers safety, rules, vehicle operation, and regulations. This can be completed 100% online.
- Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training – Hands-on training performed in person on a closed range and public roads with a certified instructor.
To be ELDT compliant, your school must:
- Be registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR)
- Report successful completion of the theory course directly to FMCSA
- Offer both range and road time in a commercial vehicle
ELDT Training Online: Learn from Anywhere
At SPCDL Truck Driving School, we offer ELDT training online for all CDL applicants. Whether you’re in California or elsewhere in the U.S., our online ELDT course allows you to complete all required theory from the comfort of your home and on your schedule.
Benefits of ELDT CDL Courses Online
- No commuting to a classroom
- Start immediately after enrollment
- Self-paced lessons available 24/7
- Meets FMCSA ELDT training requirements
- Approved for Hazmat, Class A, Class B, Passenger & School Bus Endorsement, and upgrade courses
SPCDL’s Online ELDT Course (Class A, Class B, Hazmat, Passenger & School Bus Endorsement, and Upgrades)
- ELDT course accessible on phone, tablet, or desktop.
- Covers all FMCSA topics.
- Auto-reports completion to FMCSA’s TPR within 24 hours.
- Includes quizzes with questions similar to the DMV permit exam.
- ELDT Hazmat and Passenger & Passenger Endorsement training online modules available for current CDL holders.
One-on-One Driving Instruction: What Sets SPCDL Apart
While other schools might place you in a truck with multiple students, allowing only 30 minutes of actual driving time per day, SPCDL Truck Driving School guarantees 15+ hours of one-on-one, behind-the-wheel instruction.
How Our Behind-the-Wheel CDL Training Works
- You train in the same truck you'll test in
- You get your own certified instructor — no sharing
- We give you two full days of driving, with 8 hours per day dedicated to YOU
- No wasted time watching other students drive
- We will schedule your DMV test and meet you there with your truck
This one-on-one approach gives you real confidence and muscle memory to pass on your first attempt — and it works. Our students consistently report first-time pass rates far higher than the national average.
What Is the FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training Mandate?
The FMCSA entry level driver training rule mandates that anyone applying for a CDL (or certain endorsements) must first complete ELDT through a certified provider.
Your provider — like SPCDL — must be listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR) and meet strict standards for curriculum, instructor qualifications, and reporting.
SPCDL is proud to be a registered FMCSA ELDT provider.
In addition to Class A and Class B CDL training, SPCDL offers ELDT Hazmat training online. This allows current CDL holders to meet the theory requirement for transporting hazardous materials without ever stepping into a classroom.
To Get Your Hazmat Endorsement
- Complete the ELDT Hazmat course online through SPCDL
- Pass the Hazmat knowledge test at the DMV
- Complete the TSA security threat assessment (background check and fingerprinting)
Once completed, your ELDT hazmat training is submitted to FMCSA and you'll be one step closer to hauling higher-paying, specialized loads.
Who Needs ELDT CDL Training?
If you're asking "Do I need ELDT training?", the answer is yes if you:
- Are applying for your first Class A or B CDL
- Are upgrading from Class B to Class A
- Want to add a Passenger, Hazmat, or School Bus endorsement
There is no way to bypass these ELDT training requirements, and your DMV will not allow you to take the skills test unless your ELDT completion has been uploaded to the FMCSA system.
ELDT Training Near Me (Even If You're Not in California)
Even if you're not located in Southern California, you can still take advantage of SPCDL's CDL classes online. We've trained students from:
- Nevada
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Texas
- Alabama
- Florida
These students complete their ELDT training online, then fly or drive to California for their 2-day behind-the-wheel session and testing.
We schedule your DMV test in advance, coordinate your exam with our third-party testing partner, and support you all the way through.
ELDT Training Requirements: Theory vs. Behind-the-Wheel
| Component | Minimum FMCSA Requirements | SPCDL Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Theory | Must cover ~30 topics (safe operations, basic maintenance, hours-of-service, etc.). No minimum hours—must score ≥80%. | 100% online self-paced ELDT course. Accessible 24/7 from any U.S. state. |
| Range (closed lot) |
Demonstrate basic control, straight-line backing, parking, lane changes, etc. | Private yard, one-on-one, no sharing trucks. |
| Road (public) |
Demonstrate on-road safety, intersections, lane changes, and highway driving. | 2 full days (12–16 hours) of solo driving with a certified instructor. |
Important: California requires a combined 15 hours (5 range, 10 road). SPCDL’s 16+ hours exceed all state minimums.
ELDT Course Pricing and Structure
Our CDL program includes:
- 180 hours of total training (theory + range + road)
- All ELDT theory coursework online
- 2 full days of private behind-the-wheel training
- DMV testing appointment scheduling and truck provided on test day
Pricing is straightforward:
- $4,800 total, with $1,500 down to get started
- Balance due on first day of in-person training
- Payment Plans are Available
- 10% Discounts for veterans, military, and first responders
Final Thoughts: Why Choose SPCDL for ELDT Training?
- All coursework is completed online from home
- One-on-one instruction gives you real-world confidence
- We will bring the truck to your DMV test
- You never share your training time with other students
- High first-time pass rate thanks to personalized instruction
Frequently Asked Questions About ELDT Training
ELDT stands for Entry Level Driver Training, a federal requirement for anyone applying for a CDL or certain endorsements.
Yes! SPCDL offers ELDT training online that meets all FMCSA requirements.
Theory can be completed online in a few days or weeks, since you go at your own pace online. Behind-the-wheel training takes two full days at SPCDL.
You must complete ELDT Hazmat training online and pass a TSA background check before taking your DMV test.
You don’t need to! With SPCDL’s ELDT CDL training, you can start online from anywhere in the U.S. and complete your training in California.
SPCDL reports your ELDT completion to FMCSA, and you’ll be eligible to take your skills or knowledge exam with your DMV.
Call SPCDL Truck Driving School at (909) 353-9897 to get started or visit our website to fill out the Get Started form.
Your CDL is just a few clicks and a couple days away. We Drive You to Success!
