Delaware CDL Requirements 2026

Delaware CDL & ELDT Requirements — What You Need to Know

Complete sequence to get your Delaware CDL — permit test, ELDT, BTW, skills test, endorsements. State-specific rules and DE DMV requirements.

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To get a CDL in Delaware, you'll work through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DE DMV). The federal FMCSA ELDT mandate took effect February 7, 2022, meaning most new CDL applicants must complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training before taking the state's skills test. Here's what DE DMV requires and how DLA Academy fits in.

Delaware CDL Requirements — The Complete Picture

To get a Commercial Driver's License in Delaware, you work through Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DE DMV). The federal FMCSA ELDT mandate (effective February 7, 2022) applies in every state including Delaware — any new CDL applicant, class upgrade, or endorsement addition requires you to complete FMCSA-approved ELDT before sitting for the CDL skills test.

The complete sequence for a first-time CDL applicant in Delaware:

Hazmat endorsement applicants additionally need TSA threat-assessment fingerprinting through IDEMIA Universal Enroll (standard process — typical wait time 30–45 days for clearance).

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training — Required, But Not From Us

For CDL-A and CDL-B applicants, federal ELDT requirements have two parts: theory (what DLA Academy provides) and behind-the-wheel training (BTW). BTW must be completed at a local FMCSA-registered BTW provider — typically a trucking school, a CDL training facility, or an employer-sponsored program. DLA Academy does not offer BTW.

BTW for CDL-A and CDL-B typically takes 40–160+ hours depending on the program, costs $3,000–$10,000+ depending on the provider, and must be done at an FMCSA-registered facility (the FMCSA TPR has a directory) — many are located in Delaware metro areas.

For Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus endorsements: no BTW required. Those endorsements are theory-only on the federal side — though some states require additional in-vehicle testing for School Bus and Passenger at the state level.

TSA Step

TSA Hazmat Fingerprinting

For the Hazmat endorsement, Delaware requires a TSA threat assessment. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment through IDEMIA (Universal Enroll). Results typically take 30–45 days. Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DE DMV) cannot add the H endorsement to your CDL until TSA clears you.

Pre-February 2022 CDL Holders — Are You Grandfathered?

The FMCSA ELDT mandate took effect February 7, 2022. If your CDL was issued before that date, you are grandfathered for your current license class. You don't have to retroactively complete ELDT to keep driving.

BUT — grandfathering only covers your existing license class. If you're doing any of the following after February 7, 2022, ELDT is required regardless of when your CDL was issued:

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DE DMV) verifies your ELDT completion through the FMCSA TPR before issuing the new class or endorsement.

Delaware State Agency
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DE DMV)

Apply for your CLP, schedule skills tests, and verify ELDT submission through your state agency's CDL portal.

https://www.dmv.de.gov/services/driver_services/cdl/index.shtml

Delaware ELDT Options
Choose Your Delaware ELDT Course

Every course is FMCSA-approved and auto-submitted to the Training Provider Registry. Accepted at Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DE DMV).

H Endorsement
Hazmat ELDT

Add the H endorsement to your Delaware CDL. Theory only — no BTW required.

$20Enroll →
Class A
CDL A Theory ELDT

Delaware Class A CDL theory required before the skills test at DE DMV.

$20Enroll →
Class B
CDL B Theory ELDT

Delaware Class B CDL theory for straight trucks, dump trucks, and buses.

$20Enroll →
S Endorsement
School Bus ELDT

Add the S endorsement to your Delaware CDL to drive a school bus.

$20Enroll →
P Endorsement
Passenger ELDT

Add the P endorsement to operate 16+ passenger vehicles in Delaware.

$20Enroll →
3-in-1 Bundle
H + P + S Bundle

Save $10 by bundling Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus for Delaware.

$50Enroll →

More Delaware CDL Resources

Delaware ELDT Hub → Delaware ELDT Cost → Delaware CDL Permit Test → Browse All 49 States → DAT Load Board for New Drivers → Freight Factoring — Get Paid Faster →
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ELDT to get my CDL in Delaware?+
If you're applying for your first CDL or upgrading to a different class (Class A or Class B) after February 7, 2022, yes — you need FMCSA-approved ELDT. If your current CDL was issued before February 7, 2022, you're grandfathered and don't need ELDT to keep that license. However, if you add a new endorsement (Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus) — even with a grandfathered CDL — you still need the endorsement-specific ELDT. The DE DMV verifies your ELDT completion by checking the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours of your course completion.
What's the difference between ELDT and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training?+
ELDT is the federally-mandated online theory course — it covers safety regulations, vehicle systems, and hazard recognition. DLA Academy provides FMCSA-approved ELDT in under 2 hours. Behind-the-wheel training (BTW) is the hands-on driving portion you'll complete separately with a local FMCSA-registered provider in Delaware. You must pass the DE DMV's written knowledge test (using the Class A or Class B permit) before scheduling your BTW exam. DLA Academy covers ELDT; BTW is your responsibility to arrange with a local driving school.
What about TSA Hazmat fingerprinting for Delaware?+
If you're applying for the Hazmat (H) endorsement, you'll need TSA background clearance. After you complete the Hazmat ELDT with DLA Academy, you'll enroll in TSA fingerprinting through IDEMIA Universal Enroll (the standard federal system). You'll schedule a fingerprinting appointment at an IDEMIA location, pay the TSA fee (around $86–$105), and await federal clearance. The DE DMV cannot issue the Hazmat endorsement until TSA approves you. This is separate from the ELDT course itself.
What's the 14-day CLP holding period?+
When you pass the DE DMV's written knowledge test (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles for Class A; General Knowledge and Air Brakes for Class B), you'll receive a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Federal law requires you to hold the CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test with DE DMV. During this time, you complete your behind-the-wheel training. Plan your timeline accordingly — ELDT is quick (under 2 hours), but the 14-day hold and BTW scheduling can add weeks to the overall process.
How does DLA Academy's ELDT reach the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles?+
You don't submit ELDT to DE DMV directly. When you complete a DLA Academy FMCSA-approved course, your completion is automatically submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) within 24 hours. The DE DMV verifies your ELDT by querying the TPR — they'll see that you've met the federal requirement before you sit for your skills test. Make sure you use your legal name and correct driver's license number when enrolling in DLA Academy so the record matches the DE DMV's system.

Delaware CDL Drivers — Start Your ELDT Today

FMCSA-approved ELDT courses starting at $20. Auto-submitted to TPR. Accepted at Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

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