CDL training: Class A and Class B courses, schools and ELDT

Who needs CDL training under the ELDT rule

Entry-level driver training (ELDT) applies to anyone who obtains a CLP on or after 7 February 2022 and wants a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, an upgrade from Class B to Class A, or a school bus (S), passenger (P) or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time. The rules are not retroactive: drivers who already held the CDL or endorsement before that date do not need to retake training.

Training must be finished before you test. There is no federal requirement to complete the theory part before you apply for your CLP, so many drivers get the permit first and then start a CDL training program.

Source: FMCSA — Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Checked 19 October 2026.

What a CDL training program includes

A CDL license training program under ELDT has two parts: theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW). The theory part ends with an assessment, and you need an overall minimum score of 80 percent. For BTW, instructors evaluate and document your proficiency against the federal curriculum, and the provider reports the total clock hours you spent behind the wheel.

Federal rules do not set a minimum number of hours for either part. They do set a time frame: except for the H endorsement, you complete theory and BTW within one year of finishing the first part. Some states add their own requirements; California, for example, also requires 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training, documented on form DL 1236.

Source: eCFR — 49 CFR Part 380 Subpart G (training providers). Checked 19 October 2026.

Choosing CDL training schools

Only providers listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry can deliver ELDT. Before you sign up with CDL training schools, look the school up on the registry, and after training use FMCSA’s Check My Record tool to confirm your completion was reported. FMCSA keeps the record of which applicants have completed training in that registry.

Ask each school which classes for CDL it runs, which vehicle you will train and test in (an automatic transmission leads to an E restriction, a vehicle without full air brakes to an L or Z restriction), and what the price includes. FMCSA does not publish training prices on the pages checked.

Source: FMCSA — How do I get a Commercial Driver’s License?. Checked 19 October 2026.

Class A CDL license training

A Class A CDL license covers combinations with a gross combination weight rating or weight of 26,001 pounds or more. CDL A training therefore centres on driving a combination vehicle. A CDL class A course should also cover the combination vehicles section of your state manual, because that knowledge test is required for combination drivers in states such as California.

When you compare class A CDL schools, ask which vehicle you will train and test in, because the vehicle you test in decides restrictions such as E (no manual transmission) or L and Z (no full air brakes).

Source: FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License: Drivers. Checked 19 October 2026.

Class B CDL training

A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or weight of 26,001 pounds or more, Class B CDL training focuses on that single vehicle, its air brakes if fitted, and any passenger or school bus endorsement you plan to add.

A class B CDL class also leads to an entry-level training record on the registry. If you later want Class A, the upgrade from B to A is a separate ELDT case, so plan for training for class B CDL with that in mind.

Source: eCFR — 49 CFR Part 380 Subpart F (ELDT requirements). Checked 19 October 2026.

Class A and B CDL: which course to choose

Choose by the vehicle you will drive: class A and B CDL licenses are defined by weight and by whether you pull a trailer, so a Class A course fits combinations of 26,001 pounds or more and a Class B course fits heavy single vehicles. Class C covers vehicles that meet neither definition but still need a CDL. FMCSA notes that states may have more restrictive categories, so confirm the details in your state manual.

Source: FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License: Drivers. Checked 19 October 2026.

Free CDL courses and CDL classes for free

The FMCSA pages checked do not list any free CDL courses, and they publish no training prices. If you find CDL classes for free or CDL training free of charge, check two things before you sign: that the provider is listed on the Training Provider Registry, and what conditions come with the offer.

Whichever course you take, the knowledge tests are still yours to pass. Certsqill’s CDL question bank has expert-developed questions, an explanation for every answer option and a readiness score per area.

Source: FMCSA — How do I get a Commercial Driver’s License?. Checked 19 October 2026.

CDL training & courses: questions people ask

Is CDL training required?

Yes, for drivers who got a CLP on or after 7 February 2022 and seek a first Class A or B CDL, a B to A upgrade or a first S, P or H endorsement. Source: FMCSA ELDT, checked 19 October 2026.

How many hours is a CDL training program?

Federal ELDT rules set no minimum hours; your proficiency is assessed. Some states add hours, such as California’s 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Sources: 49 CFR 380 and California DMV, checked 19 October 2026.

What score do I need in CDL training?

An overall minimum of 80 percent on the theory assessment. Source: 49 CFR 380.715, checked 19 October 2026.

How do I check a CDL school?

Look it up on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry; only listed providers can deliver entry-level driver training. Source: FMCSA, checked 19 October 2026.

Can I take training for class A CDL after a Class B?

Yes. Upgrading from Class B to Class A is one of the cases that requires entry-level driver training. Source: FMCSA ELDT, checked 19 October 2026.

Is there free CDL license training?

FMCSA does not list free courses on the pages checked. If an offer is free, confirm the provider is on the Training Provider Registry and read the conditions.