Tennessee CDL A Resources

Tennessee CDL-A Theory ELDT — $20 Online Course

Complete your CDL A Theory ELDT online in Tennessee — FMCSA-approved, accepted at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TN DOS), auto-submitted to TPR. Only $20.

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Start CDL A ELDT — $20
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Which Course Do I Need?

What It Costs and Where to Start in Tennessee

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.

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.
Getting a Class A CDL in Tennessee means working with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TN DOS). You need FMCSA-approved ELDT before you can take the skills test, and DLA Academy's CDL-A Theory course is the cheapest FMCSA-approved option available. Finish in under 2 hours, get auto-submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours, and move forward with your behind-the-wheel training at a local FMCSA-registered provider.

Quick Answers — CDL A Theory ELDT in Tennessee

Who needs it?

Any first-time CDL A applicant in Tennessee 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 TN DOS.

Ready to Complete Your ELDT Training? Start CDL A — $20

Tennessee CDL A Theory ELDT — Step by Step

1

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.

2

Get Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Visit Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TN DOS) 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.

3

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.

4

Pass the CDL Skills Test at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TN DOS)

Schedule your CDL skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test. Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TN DOS) verifies your ELDT completion through the FMCSA TPR before allowing you to test.

5

Receive Your Tennessee Class A CDL

Once you pass your skills test, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TN DOS) 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

Also Need a Hazmat Endorsement?

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 Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TN DOS).

Tennessee Hazmat ELDT — $20

More Tennessee ELDT Resources

CDL-A Training in Nearby States

Owner-Operator Resources

Common Questions About ELDT & CDL Endorsements

More Tennessee CDL Resources

Bundle And Save
Pair It With What You Also Need

Bundles cost less than the same courses bought one at a time, and every price below is the bundled price.

Two More Ways To Pay Less

Training a crew? Fleet accounts cover 10 or more drivers from $25 a seat, billed once, with every completion tracked in one place.

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Real Drivers, Real Reviews
What DLA Academy Drivers Say

4.9★ Google rating from 390+ verified reviews. 6,936+ drivers trained nationwide.

★★★★★

"Doing my hazmat ELDT course through DLA academy was smooth and very affordable. I definitely recommend it. 10 out of 10 for sure."

Miguel May 2026 Verified · Google
★★★★★

"It was knowledgeable, and didn't consume all of your time. I recommend"

kenneth bradley May 2026 Verified · Google
★★★★★

"Thank for getting me pass another mile stone most of all another way to put a meal on my family table"

Robert Nero Aug 2026 Verified · Google

Verify DLA Academy by name at the FMCSA Training Provider Registry: tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov

Why DLA Academy
The Numbers Behind the 4.9 Stars
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Graduates Across 49 States
4.9
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$20
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24 hrs
Auto-Submitted to FMCSA TPR
FMCSA-Approved Listed on TPR 100% Online Self-Paced Mobile-Friendly No Hidden Fees 49 States Under 2 Hours
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CDL-A Theory ELDT cost?+
CDL-A Theory ELDT is $20 — the lowest-priced FMCSA-approved option. If you also need CDL-B Theory ELDT, that's $20 as well, and either theory course pairs with the CDL Permit Practice Test (119 DMV practice questions) for $30: the CDL A ELDT + Permit Prep Bundle and the CDL B ELDT + Permit Prep Bundle each save $5 vs. buying the two pieces separately ($20 + $15 = $35 individual). Either way, you're getting genuine FMCSA-approved training at the best price.
How long does CDL-A Theory ELDT take to complete?+
The entire course completes in under 2 hours. You can finish it in one sitting on your computer, tablet, or phone. Once you pass, your completion is auto-submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours, and TN DOS can verify it there when you apply for your Commercial Learner's Permit.
What are Tennessee's CDL-A requirements after ELDT?+
After finishing DLA Academy's ELDT, you'll apply for your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) at a TN DOS office. You'll take the DMV knowledge test (general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles). Then you complete behind-the-wheel training at a local FMCSA-registered BTW provider. Once BTW is done, you schedule your Class A CDL skills test with TN DOS. ELDT is mandatory for all new Class A CDL applicants; it covers the federally-mandated theory content.
Is DLA Academy's ELDT FMCSA-approved and submitted to Tennessee?+
Yes. DLA Academy is FMCSA-approved and listed on the Training Provider Registry. Your completion is auto-submitted to the FMCSA TPR within 24 hours. TN DOS verifies ELDT credentials by querying the FMCSA registry — you don't need to submit anything yourself. You'll have proof of completion in your DLA Academy account to show if TN DOS asks.
Who needs CDL-A Theory ELDT in Tennessee?+
Anyone pursuing a Class A CDL for the first time needs ELDT. If you got your CDL-A before February 7, 2022, you're grandfathered and don't need retroactive ELDT — but if you're upgrading to Class A from Class B, or adding an endorsement (Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus), you'll need ELDT for that new credential. Current Class A holders adding endorsements also need the relevant endorsement ELDT.

Ready to Start Your Tennessee CDL A ELDT?

$20 flat. FMCSA-approved. Auto-submitted to TPR. Accepted at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TN DOS). Under 2 hours on any device.

FMCSA-Approved No Hidden Fees Under 2 Hours 4.9 Google Rating 6,936+ Graduates 49 States
Tennessee CDL A ELDT — $20 FMCSA-Approved · Auto-Submitted to TPR
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