What is Tele-CDL?

This is a remote, self-guided program that is designed for students who wish to obtain their CDL, who already own or have access to a qualified commercial vehicle. Some students, maybe working for their own private company, or aspiring to be their own company, can acquire all the curriculum and assistance needed to study and practice on their own time. There are no time limits, or restrictions, outside of the requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA).

What do I need to qualify for this program?

There are some minimum requirements to qualify to do this program. Most are required for a CDL anyway.

  • ELDT Theory Training – As of February 7, 2022, the FMCSA has mandated that all applicants for a Class A, B, or C CDL, must undergo theory training as part of the 3-section ELDT training.
  • Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) – This permit will be issued to you upon successfully passing of your state’s written exam.
  • Commercial Motor Vehicle – You will need a licensed, insured, and properly FMCSA inspected commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for the class license and endorsements you wish to obtain. For example, if you want an unrestricted Class A license, you will need a Semi-Tractor and trailer w/ a GWVR of 80,000 lbs. If you want a Class B license, you will need a Straight/Dump Truck w/ a GWVR over 26,000 lbs. If you want to drive a bus (Class B or C), you will need a vehicle that holds 15 passengers, plus the driver, etc. We can help you determine if you vehicle meets the proper criteria.
  • A Licensed CDL Holder (CDL Licensee) – You will need another licensed CDL holder with the same or greater class of license to accompany you while driving the CMV. Their license must be current and valid. It is illegal to operate a CMV while holding a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) without another fully licensed CDL holder, and they must be qualified for your CMV.
  • D.O.T. Medical Card – You will need this before issued the permit, and it must be on you when you are operating a CMV.
  • Plenty of Space – You will need a decent amount of space to be able to perform Basic Skills (Backing). Depending on where you will test will determine how much. If your state utilizes the traditional CDL Exam, you will need at least a 280′ X 140′. If your state utilizes the new modernized CDL Exam, then you will only need 280′ X 40′. You will need to check in advance with your state examiner or TPA.

What is the process to get this started?

There’s 10 EASY Steps, read them carefully!

Here is the step-by-step process on how you can get your CDL with the Tele-CDL program:

  1. Contact or check your Department of Transportation’s website to locate a CDL Examiner. Ask them the cost for an examination, and most importantly, whether they use the TRADITIONAL or MODERNIZED CDL Exam testing method. This will determine the curriculum we send to you.
  2. Purchase your Tele-CDL course HERE. (You may have to register for an account before you can view the page, but you MUST register BEFORE purchasing.) You will need to select the following options: CDL Class, Airbrakes Option, and CDL Exam Type. If you need help, just call or email us, we can guide you on what selections to make. Your selections also determine what Theory Courses you will be enrolled in, so it’s important to get this correct.
  3. Log into your account, and begin completing the ELDT Theory Courses you have been assigned. These are mandated by the FMCSA, and the DMV will not allow you to test without them. Each course has unlimited Practice Exams, and a Final Exam. You must pass each course with a minimum of 80%. You only get two attempts on the Final Exam, so take advantage of the Practice Exams.
  4. Find a DOT certified and registered doctor or chiropractor to perform a DOT Physical, so you can obtain your DOT Medical Card. You will need this before getting your permit. Don’t assume your family doctor can do this, verify they are registered and certified to perform DOT Physicals. Get plenty of rest the night before, drink plenty of fluids, and empty your bladder prior. Do not smoke, vape, or consume high sodium foods or alcohol. Also, if you partake in marijuana or anything with THC, that must be cleared out of your system, or you will be denied, even if your state has legalized it. A commercial driver’s license is federal, and thus still illegal. (Average cost for physical is $80-$120).
  5. When your ELDT Theory Courses are complete, email a photo of the front of your driver’s license to info@eldt.academy . We can then upload your Theory scores to the FMCSA’s TPR site, which will allow you to sit and take the state’s CDL written exams to obtain your CDL Permit (CLP). Be sure to check with your DMV for the required documentation you will need to obtain your CDL. (I.e. Proofs of Domicile, DOT Medical Card, etc.) (Average cost for CLP is about $20-$30).
  6. With your permit and DOT Medical Card in hand, you are ready to begin Basic Skills and Road Training. Depending on the type of CDL Exam you will be taking will determine how difficult it will be to train/study. The traditional CDL Exam will require you to memorize all aspects of the Pre-Trip Inspection. The new modernized version will allow you to have a written guide. The layout for the Backing portion will also be different. You will need approximately 18-20 cones, or markers to set up your backing range. We will send you diagrams on how to set up, perform, and pass these exercises. KEEP A LOG OF THE RANGE TIME YOU PERFORM!
  7. You may also begin to start driving WITH another licensed CDL holder. You should have them help you map out a route, which should include the following maneuvers: 4 left turns, 4 right turns, a railroad crossing, highway driving, city driving, etc. We will send you the requirements. But don’t repeat the same route, mix it up. Make sure you are getting a well rounded road experience. We can assist on mapping some routes for you, based on your location. We will also speak to your Licensee to advise them on what to look for, and how to coach you. Use “Audible Driving” to help you concentrate and keep you calm. This will also help the examiner feel relaxed that you understand how to safely operate the CMV. Audible Driving is simply talking about all the hazards you see on the road, and your actions to avoid them. (I.e. “I see an intersection coming up. I am checking my mirrors, and maintaining a good following distance, while covering my brake”) KEEP A LOG OF ALL DRIVING TIME YOU PERFORM!
  8. When you feel confident in your proficiency to pass the CDL exam in all 3 sections of the Basic Skills (Pre-Trip, Backing and Road), you will schedule with us to mock test you and grade your proficiency. Your CDL Licensee must also be present, as they will serve as your proctor for the exam. They will need a smart device capable of transmitting video (Messenger, WhatsApp, Google Meet, etc.) It must have internet/data connection. They should also have an earpiece/Bluetooth device so they can receive spoken instructions from us, without distracting you. Once you have performed all the required tasks proficiently, we will upload your results to the FMCSA’s TPR site, and you will be eligible to schedule your state proctored CDL Exam.
  9. You must hold your CLP a minimum of 14 days. You can test out on the 14th day, but the state will not allow you to do so prior to that. Be sure to take your CDL Licensee to drive you, or accompany you to the testing site. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any paperwork. You will need your Driver’s License, CLP, and DOT Medical Card. You will also need a valid, current registration card (or CAB Card) for the vehicle you are testing, and valid insurance and FMCSA inspection. DO NOT FORGET THESE ITEMS, or they will refuse to test you. (Average cost for CDL Exam is $175 to $600)
  10. Once you’ve passed the state CDL Exam, go to the DMV to collect your license! Congrats! Be sure to take a photo of your new CDL and email it to us for our records. (Average cost for DMV CDL licensing fees are $75 to $90, depends on your state and endorsements.)

Other Important Info!

  • If you need additional endorsements for the vehicle you are driving, you will need to have these when you get your CLP. Additional endorsements include Passengers, School Bus, Tankers, Doubles/Triples. These programs are sold separately. Contact us for a discount when adding them to your Tele-CDL package.
  • The vehicle you test in must meet the criteria for your CLP. There must not be any cargo or Passengers when you are training or testing, other than those essential to your training. Tanker vehicles must be empty and cleaned. Passenger vehicles cannot have riders, other than you CDL Licensee or other Trainees. Tractor-Trailers cannot have any cargo.

Still have questions?

Call us! 1-855-353-8235 or

Email Us! info@eldt.academy