Virginia CDL-A Theory ELDT — FMCSA-Registered Online Training
Complete your CDL A Theory ELDT online in Virginia — FMCSA-registered, accepted at Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV), auto-submitted to TPR. Only $20.
Virginia CDL Facts at a Glance (2026)
| Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) fee | $3Source: dmv.virginia.gov |
|---|---|
| CDL license fee | $64 for 8 yearsSource: dmv.virginia.gov |
| Endorsement fee | $1 per endorsement per yearSource: dmv.virginia.gov |
| General knowledge test | 80% to pass (number of questions not listed)Source: dmv.virginia.gov |
| Hold the CLP before the skills test | 14 daysSource: dmv.virginia.gov |
| CLP valid for | 1 year; cannot be renewedSource: dmv.virginia.gov |
| Appointment | Apply in person at a DMV customer service centerSource: dmv.virginia.gov |
| Knowledge test languages | Several languages, except the HAZMAT exam (English only)Source: dmv.virginia.gov |
| Where | Virginia DMV · Virginia CDL manual |
State figures are copied from the linked official pages and were last checked November 4, 2026. Fees change; confirm with Virginia DMV before you pay.
What It Costs and Where to Start in Virginia
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.
- CDL A — $20 FMCSA-registered ELDT
- CDL-A Permit Prep — $15 DMV study aid — not ELDT
Other courses (7)
- Hazmat — $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
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 Virginia
Who needs it?
Any first-time CDL A applicant in Virginia 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 Virginia DMV.
Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV) 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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV)
Schedule your CDL skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV) verifies your ELDT completion through the FMCSA TPR before allowing you to test.
Receive Your Virginia Class A CDL
Once you pass your skills test, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV) 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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV).
More Virginia ELDT Resources
CDL-A Training in Nearby States
Owner-Operator Resources
Common Questions About ELDT & CDL Endorsements
More Virginia 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 $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 Virginia CDL A ELDT?
$20 flat. FMCSA-registered. Auto-submitted to TPR. Accepted at Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV). Under 2 hours on any device.