Montana CDL Requirements 2026

Montana CDL & ELDT Requirements

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

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To get a CDL in Montana, you'll work with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Montana MVD). The federal FMCSA ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) mandate took effect February 7, 2022. If you're pursuing a new CDL or adding endorsements (Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus), you'll need to complete FMCSA-approved online ELDT courses before you sit for your skills test. This page walks you through the process, who needs ELDT, BTW requirements, TSA fingerprinting for Hazmat, and how the Montana MVD verifies your training.

Montana CDL Requirements — The Complete Picture

To get a Commercial Driver's License in Montana, you work through Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Montana MVD). The federal FMCSA ELDT mandate (effective February 7, 2022) applies in every state including Montana — 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 Montana:

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 Montana 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, Montana requires a TSA threat assessment. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment through IDEMIA (Universal Enroll). Results typically take 30–45 days. Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Montana MVD) 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:

Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Montana MVD) verifies your ELDT completion through the FMCSA TPR before issuing the new class or endorsement.

Montana State Agency
Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Montana MVD)

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

https://dojmt.gov/driving/commercial-driver-license/

Montana ELDT Options
Choose Your Montana ELDT Course

Every course is FMCSA-approved and auto-submitted to the Training Provider Registry. Accepted at Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Montana MVD).

H Endorsement
Hazmat ELDT

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

$20Enroll →
Class A
CDL A Theory ELDT

Montana Class A CDL theory required before the skills test at Montana MVD.

$20Enroll →
Class B
CDL B Theory ELDT

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

$20Enroll →
S Endorsement
School Bus ELDT

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

$20Enroll →
P Endorsement
Passenger ELDT

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

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

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

$50Enroll →

More Montana CDL Resources

Montana ELDT Hub → Montana ELDT Cost → Montana CDL Permit Test → Browse All 49 States → DAT Load Board for New Drivers → Freight Factoring — Get Paid Faster →
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What DLA Academy Drivers Say

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Apr 2026
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ELDT to get a CDL in Montana?+
If you obtained your CDL on or after February 7, 2022, yes — ELDT is mandatory. If your CDL was issued before that date, you're grandfathered in and don't need retroactive ELDT for the license class itself. However, if you're upgrading to a higher class (e.g., Class B to Class A) or adding a new endorsement (Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus), you'll still need to complete the corresponding FMCSA-approved ELDT course, even if your original CDL is grandfathered. The Montana MVD verifies your ELDT completion through the federal Training Provider Registry within 24 hours of course completion.
What's the difference between ELDT and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training?+
ELDT is the federally-mandated online theory training — the classroom knowledge and video instruction you complete before your skills test. BTW (behind-the-wheel training) is the hands-on driving instruction you perform in an actual truck with a certified instructor at a local FMCSA-registered training provider. DLA Academy provides ELDT only. You must arrange your own BTW separately with a training provider in Montana or nearby. The Montana MVD will require proof of both ELDT completion and BTW certification before you're eligible to test for your CDL.
How do I get fingerprinted for Hazmat TSA clearance in Montana?+
For the Hazmat (H) endorsement, you'll need to complete TSA background clearance. Montana uses IDEMIA Universal Enroll for Hazmat fingerprinting. After you complete the Hazmat ELDT course, you'll register with IDEMIA, schedule your fingerprint appointment at an IDEMIA enrollment center or an authorized location in Montana, and submit your fingerprints. Once TSA approves your background check, you can take the Hazmat knowledge test at the Montana MVD. The entire TSA process typically takes 2–4 weeks.
What's the timeline for getting my CDL after completing ELDT?+
After you complete FMCSA-approved ELDT (which takes under 2 hours), DLA Academy auto-submits your completion to the federal Training Provider Registry within 24 hours. The Montana MVD queries that registry to verify your training. Once verified, you can apply for your Class A or Class B permit (if you don't already have one). In Montana, you must hold your permit for at least 14 days before you can test for the CDL skills test. After the 14-day hold, you'll schedule your BTW training at a local provider, complete it, and then book your CDL skills test with the Montana MVD.
What endorsements require ELDT, and how much does it cost?+
Three endorsements require FMCSA-approved ELDT: Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), and School Bus (S). Each individual ELDT course costs $20. If you're pursuing multiple endorsements, the 3-Endorsement Bundle (Hazmat + Passenger + School Bus) is $50 — a $10 savings. For CDL-A or CDL-B theory ELDT, each is $20 individually, or bundle both for $45. All ELDT courses are accepted in 49 states (Washington excluded). DLA Academy is the lowest-priced FMCSA-approved option, with 5.0 Google ratings and 3,000+ graduates.

Montana CDL Drivers — Start Your ELDT Today

FMCSA-approved ELDT courses starting at $20. Auto-submitted to TPR. Accepted at Montana Motor Vehicle Division.

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