Do you need ELDT for a Class B CDL?
Yes. Under 49 CFR Part 380.603, any driver applying for a first-time Class B CDL on or after February 7, 2022 must complete ELDT theory before taking the CDL skills test. Your state DMV checks the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before scheduling your skills test. If your ELDT completion is not in the registry, you cannot test.
If you already held a Class B CDL before February 7, 2022, you are exempt from ELDT for the base license.
What Class B vehicles this covers
A Class B CDL is required to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more that is not towing a trailer heavier than 10,000 pounds GVWR. Common Class B vehicles include:
- Straight trucks and box trucks over 26,001 lbs
- Dump trucks (single axle and tandem axle)
- Garbage and recycling trucks
- City transit buses and coach buses
- Most school buses
- Roll-off trucks
- Flatbed straight trucks over the threshold
What the course covers
The Class B ELDT curriculum is defined by 49 CFR Part 380 Appendix B. The ELDT.IO course covers all 29 required units, including:
- Basic vehicle control
- Shifting and backing
- Pre-trip inspection for straight vehicles
- Hours of service regulations
- Driver wellness and fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Medical requirements
- Vehicle systems
- Cargo loading and securement
- Accident procedures and emergency handling
- All remaining Appendix B topics
How long Class B ELDT theory takes
Federal rules set no minimum hours for ELDT theory. The Class B course has 29 units. Most drivers work through it over a few days at their own pace. You can stop and resume at any point on any device.
What it costs: $15 vs others
ELDT.IO charges $15 for Class B theory. Other providers charge more for the same federally required content.
How your completion gets reported
The moment you pass the final assessment, your completion is reported to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Your state DMV can see it immediately. There is no waiting period.
Planning to go Class A later?
If you get your Class B now and upgrade to Class A later, you do not need to redo the full Class A theory. The upgrade course covers only the Class A-specific topics and assumes your Class B knowledge, so it is shorter and more focused. Class B to A upgrade theory ($15).
Questions about Class B ELDT
Do you have to have ELDT to get a Class B CDL?
Yes. Required for first-time applicants on or after February 7, 2022.
Can I get my Class B CDL online?
Theory yes, fully online here. Behind-the-wheel training and the skills test must be done in person.
How quickly can you get a Class B CDL?
Complete theory first (before your CLP), get your CLP, do BTW, take your skills test. ELDT.IO reports your completion instantly.
How much does a Class B CDL cost in total?
Theory is $15 here. BTW costs vary. Add state CLP and CDL fees. Theory is the smallest cost in the process.
What vehicles require a Class B license?
Single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR not towing over 10,000 lbs. Straight trucks, dump trucks, box trucks, buses, roll-offs, garbage trucks.
Is the Class B CDL test hard? Is it easier than Class A?
Class B covers fewer topics than Class A, no combination vehicle questions, no coupling and uncoupling. Most drivers find it more straightforward.
How do I go from Class B to Class A?
Complete the upgrade ELDT theory (not the full Class A course), BTW training on combination vehicles, and pass the Class A skills test. Upgrade course here.
Real numbers, not marketing copy
- 95.6% of certificates reach the FMCSA registry within 1 minute of finishing the course.
- 80.3% of Class B students pass their first unit quiz attempt, live data calculated from our actual enrolled students.
