Get your Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with CDL2GO’s convenient online Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) course. Our program meets the new FMCSA national requirement and lets you complete your required CDL theory training entirely online. The Class A Theory course includes:
ADDITIONAL CDL THEORY COURSES
Online CDL Training
Effective February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced a mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirement for all first-time Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants. This rule also applies to drivers upgrading from a Class A or Class B CDL, as well as first-time applicants seeking Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazmat (H) endorsements.
Under the new regulation, entry-level drivers must finish their theory training before they can take the CDL knowledge test. All training must be provided by a school or provider registered on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). Our CDL2Go online course is fully listed on the TPR website (you can verify this by clicking the link and selecting the “online” tab).
Our convenient online Texas CDL training serves as a modern alternative to traditional in-person classroom sessions. After you successfully complete the theory portion, our system automatically uploads your completion data and test results to the FMCSA database. The information becomes available right away in the Texas DPS system, allowing you to apply for your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
The main advantages of our entry-level driver training are the flexibility and cost savings. You can complete the theory training at your own pace from the comfort of your home, avoiding the expense and time commitment of attending a traditional classroom course.
When you’re ready for the behind-the-wheel (BTW) portion, we partner with several reputable driving schools across Texas. We’ll be happy to help you find the best local option to complete your practical training.
What types of CDLs are there?
To get your CDL, you’ll first need to decide which class is right for you. There are three main classes of Commercial Driver’s Licenses:
Class A
Allows the driver to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle(s) have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds.
Class B
Allows the driver to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. This also includes towing a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR, as well as any vehicle designed to carry 24 or more passengers (including the driver). Note: If the skills test is completed in a bus with a GVWR under 26,001 pounds, the license will be restricted to operating buses below that weight.
Class C
Allows the driver to operate any single vehicle or combination that does not qualify as Class A or Class B, provided it is designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers (including the driver) or is used to haul hazardous materials that require placarding under 49 CFR, Part 172, Subpart F.
Texas CDL Permit
To apply for a Texas Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you must be at least 18 years old for intrastate operations or 21 years old for interstate operations. You are also required to successfully complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) course from a provider listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Applicants must hold the CLP for a minimum of 14 days before they can take the CDL skills test. This waiting period gives you time to gain valuable behind-the-wheel experience prior to your driving exam.
A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is issued to individuals who are seeking to drive commercial vehicles for the first time or upgrading/modifying their existing CDL. The 14-day minimum holding period applies to new applicants, upgrades in license class, and any endorsements that require a skills test.
While driving a commercial motor vehicle under a CLP, you must always be accompanied in the front passenger seat by a qualified CDL holder who possesses the appropriate class of license.