South Dakota CDL-A Theory ELDT — Online Training Before Your Skills Test
Complete your CDL A Theory ELDT online in South Dakota — FMCSA-approved, accepted at South Dakota Department of Public Safety — Driver Licensing (SD DPS), auto-submitted to TPR. Only $20.
What It Costs and Where to Start in South Dakota
Every FMCSA-approved ELDT theory course is $20, online, and finished in under 2 hours. Completion is filed to the federal Training Provider Registry within 24 hours.
- Hazmat — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- CDL A — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- CDL B — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- Passenger — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- School Bus — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- 3-Endorsement Bundle — $50 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- CDL A ELDT + Permit Prep — $30 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- Hazmat + Test Prep — $30 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- CDL-A Permit Prep — $15 DMV study aid — not ELDT
Not sure which one?
- I already have a CDL and want to add an endorsement — you only need the endorsement course: Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus, $20 each. Skip CDL-A and CDL-B entirely.
- I'm brand new and have no CDL — start with CDL-A or CDL-B theory, then complete behind-the-wheel training locally. Theory alone does not get you licensed.
- I want all three endorsements — the 3-endorsement bundle is $50 instead of $60 separately.
- What's the cheapest way to do everything? — bundles are the floor: $50 for H+P+S, or $30 for either CDL theory course paired with permit prep. Adding Hazmat all-in, including the federal TSA background check and your state's endorsement fee, typically runs $110–$150.
- Tanker (N) or Doubles/Triples (T)? — neither has an ELDT requirement. The federal rule covers Class A, Class B, the B-to-A upgrade, and Hazmat, Passenger and School Bus only. Both are knowledge-test only at your state DMV: Tanker Test Prep — $15, or Hazmat & Tanker Complete — $45 if you need the Hazmat ELDT too.
Quick Answers — CDL A Theory ELDT in South Dakota
Who needs it?
Any first-time CDL A applicant in South Dakota testing after February 7, 2022 must complete FMCSA-approved ELDT theory before the CDL skills test.
How long does it take?
Under 2 hours. It's self-paced and 100% online — start and stop on any device.
How much does it cost?
$20 for the CDL A Theory ELDT at DLA Academy — the lowest-priced FMCSA-approved option, with no hidden fees.
Can I do it online?
Yes. The entire course is online and your completion is auto-submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours — no classroom and no appointment.
What's next?
After your ELDT theory, get your CLP, complete behind-the-wheel (BTW) training at a local FMCSA-registered provider, then pass the CDL A skills test at SD DPS.
South Dakota CDL A Theory ELDT — Step by Step
Complete CDL A ELDT Theory Online
Complete DLA Academy's FMCSA-approved CDL A theory course online in under 2 hours on any device. Your completion is automatically submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours.
Get Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit South Dakota Department of Public Safety — Driver Licensing (SD DPS) to apply for your CLP. You must hold a valid CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. Bring ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Complete Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training
CDL A applicants also need behind-the-wheel training from an FMCSA-registered BTW provider. DLA Academy covers the theory portion — you complete BTW at a local CDL school.
Pass the CDL Skills Test at South Dakota Department of Public Safety — Driver Licensing (SD DPS)
Schedule your CDL skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test. South Dakota Department of Public Safety — Driver Licensing (SD DPS) verifies your ELDT completion through the FMCSA TPR before allowing you to test.
Receive Your South Dakota Class A CDL
Once you pass your skills test, South Dakota Department of Public Safety — Driver Licensing (SD DPS) issues your Class A CDL. You are now legally authorized to operate Class A commercial vehicles throughout the United States.
What DLA Academy's CDL A Theory ELDT Covers
- Basic vehicle control and operation
- Shifting and backing maneuvers
- Coupling and uncoupling procedures
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection
- Hours of service regulations
- Hazard recognition and safe driving
- Cargo handling and weight limits
- Drug and alcohol awareness
- Non-driving activities and paperwork
- All FMCSA Appendix A to Part 380 topics
Add Hazmat for $20
Many Class A CDL drivers add a Hazmat endorsement for better-paying freight. DLA Academy offers Hazmat ELDT for $20 — auto-submitted to FMCSA TPR and accepted by South Dakota Department of Public Safety — Driver Licensing (SD DPS).
More South Dakota ELDT Resources
CDL-A Training in Nearby States
Owner-Operator Resources
Common Questions About ELDT & CDL Endorsements
More South Dakota CDL Resources
Bundles cost less than the same courses bought one at a time, and every price below is the bundled price.
Training a crew? Fleet accounts cover 10 or more drivers from $25 a seat, billed once, with every completion tracked in one place.
Sending drivers our way? The affiliate program pays 25% commission on every enrollment you refer.
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"Highly recommend this course. Yes it is legit. Paid for it and completed it the same day. Lowest price I’ve found which is super helpful when you’re paying for the background and/or the twic card."
Verify DLA Academy by name at the FMCSA Training Provider Registry: tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov
Ready to Start Your South Dakota CDL A ELDT?
$20 flat. FMCSA-approved. Auto-submitted to TPR. Accepted at South Dakota Department of Public Safety — Driver Licensing (SD DPS). Under 2 hours on any device.