Texas CDL-A & CDL-B Theory ELDT — Online Training
Complete your CDL A Theory ELDT online in Texas — FMCSA-registered, accepted at Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS), auto-submitted to TPR. Only $20.
Texas CDL Facts at a Glance (2026)
| Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) fee | $25 (expires 180 days from issuance)Source: dps.texas.gov |
|---|---|
| CDL license fee | $97 for 8 years (age 18 to 84); $61 for 5 years with hazmat endorsementSource: dps.texas.gov |
| Endorsement fee | $11 (the 'Replacement CDL / CLP' fee, which covers a test to add or remove endorsements or restrictions)Source: dps.texas.gov |
| General knowledge test | 80% to pass (number of questions not listed)Source: dps.texas.gov |
| Hold the CLP before the skills test | 14 daysSource: dps.texas.gov |
| CLP valid for | 180 days (or until the Texas driver license expires, if earlier); renewable once up to 30 days before expiry without retaking knowledge examsSource: dps.texas.gov |
| Appointment | yes; appointment at a driver license office (txdpsscheduler.com); skills test scheduled separately at a CDL testing locationSource: dps.texas.gov |
| Knowledge test languages | English only from June 1, 2026 (Spanish-language CDL knowledge tests no longer offered)Source: dps.texas.gov |
| Where | TX DPS · Texas CDL manual |
State figures are copied from the linked official pages and were last checked November 4, 2026. Fees change; confirm with TX DPS before you pay.
What It Costs and Where to Start in Texas
Every FMCSA-registered 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-registered ELDT
- CDL A — $20 FMCSA-registered ELDT
- CDL B — $20 FMCSA-registered ELDT
- Passenger — $20 FMCSA-registered ELDT
- School Bus — $20 FMCSA-registered ELDT
- 3-Endorsement Bundle — $50 FMCSA-registered ELDT
- CDL A ELDT + Permit Prep — $30 FMCSA-registered ELDT
- Hazmat + Test Prep — $30 FMCSA-registered 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 Texas
Who needs it?
Any first-time CDL A applicant in Texas testing after February 7, 2022 must complete FMCSA-registered 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 — an affordable FMCSA-registered 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 TX DPS.
Texas CDL A Theory ELDT — Step by Step
Complete CDL A ELDT Theory Online
Complete DLA Academy's FMCSA-registered 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 Texas Department of Public Safety (TX 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 Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS)
Schedule your CDL skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test. Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) verifies your ELDT completion through the FMCSA TPR before allowing you to test.
Receive Your Texas Class A CDL
Once you pass your skills test, Texas Department of Public Safety (TX 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 Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS).
More Texas ELDT Resources
CDL-A Training in Nearby States
Owner-Operator Resources
Common Questions About ELDT & CDL Endorsements
More Texas CDL Resources
Quick Answers — CDL B Theory ELDT in Texas
Who needs it?
Any first-time CDL B applicant in Texas testing after February 7, 2022 must complete FMCSA-registered 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 B Theory ELDT at DLA Academy — an affordable FMCSA-registered 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 B skills test at TX DPS.
Texas CDL B Theory ELDT — Step by Step
Complete CDL B ELDT Theory Online
Complete DLA Academy's FMCSA-registered CDL B 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 Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) to apply for your Class B CLP. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before testing.
Complete Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training
CDL B applicants need behind-the-wheel training from an FMCSA-registered BTW provider. DLA Academy covers theory only.
Pass the CDL Skills Test at Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS)
Schedule your Class B skills test. Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) verifies your ELDT completion through FMCSA TPR before scheduling.
Receive Your Texas Class B CDL
Once you pass, Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) issues your Class B CDL — straight trucks, buses, dump trucks, and similar vehicles.
What DLA Academy's CDL B Theory ELDT Covers
- Class B vehicle control and operation
- Pre-trip inspection for straight trucks
- Backing and parking maneuvers
- Hours of service
- Hazard recognition
- Drug and alcohol awareness
- All FMCSA Appendix A to Part 380 topics
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 $29 a seat, billed once, with every completion tracked in one place.
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Verify DLA Academy by name at the FMCSA Training Provider Registry: tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov
Ready to Start Your Texas CDL A ELDT?
$20 flat. FMCSA-registered. Auto-submitted to TPR. Accepted at Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS). Under 2 hours on any device.