Online School Bus ELDT theory for your new drivers
DLA Academy is listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry as an online ELDT theory provider. Buy seats for your district, send each new driver a private sign-up link, and we submit each driver's theory completion to the registry.
Listed on the FMCSA Training Provider RegistryOnline and self-pacedSchool Bus, Passenger and Class B theoryProgress and records for your files
What ELDT asks of a new school bus driver
- Who needs it: a driver getting a School Bus (S) or Passenger (P) endorsement for the first time, or a Class B CDL for the first time, must take entry-level driver training (ELDT) from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Drivers who already held the S endorsement before February 7, 2022 do not need ELDT for it.
- Two parts: theory (classroom knowledge) and behind-the-wheel training. They can come from separate TPR-listed providers.
- Theory, from us: online and self-paced. ELDT sets no minimum hours for theory; the driver must score at least 80% on the theory assessment. Our School Bus course covers the federal topics, from danger zones and mirror use to loading and unloading, student management, railroad crossings, emergency evacuation and route reviews.
- Behind-the-wheel, from you or another listed provider: it is done in a school bus. School districts can register on the TPR to provide their own behind-the-wheel training, and registering costs nothing.
- Before the skills test: both theory and behind-the-wheel must be on the registry before the State can give the S endorsement skills test.
- Your State may add more: many States have their own school bus certification, training hours or background checks (Pennsylvania and Texas, for example). Our courses cover federal ELDT theory only.
How it works for your district
- Buy seats for the drivers you're hiring. One seat per driver. Pay online by card or bank transfer.
- Send each driver their course link. They enter their details as printed on their license and start right away. Drivers never see a price.
- We submit the theory completion. When a driver passes and confirms their details, we submit it to the registry, usually within minutes. Federal rules allow up to two business days.
- Keep the records. Your partner page shows each driver's progress, final score and registry submission, with a printable record of completion for your files.
Seats for school bus drivers
| School Bus theory | $29.00 |
| Passenger + School Bus theory (2 courses per seat) | $45.00 |
| School Bus Complete: Class B + Passenger + School Bus theory (3 courses per seat) | $61.00 |
Per driver. Minimum 10 seats. Student support included. Seats are valid for 12 months from purchase, and all seat purchases are final.
Check whether your State requires the Passenger endorsement along with School Bus for your drivers.
Paying the way districts pay
- Pay online by card or bank transfer, and your partner page is ready as soon as payment clears.
- Need a purchase order or an invoice for your first order? Email dexter@academyofdla.com.
- After your first paid order you can request Net 30 terms from your partner page.
- We can provide a W-9 on request.
Questions
Does your course complete ELDT for a school bus driver?
No. We provide the theory part, online. A new school bus driver also needs behind-the-wheel training in a school bus from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry before the S endorsement skills test.
Can our district give the behind-the-wheel training ourselves?
Yes. School districts can register on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry to provide their own behind-the-wheel training, at no cost to register. Your district then submits its own behind-the-wheel completions, and we submit the theory.
Do drivers who already have the S endorsement need this?
Not for the S endorsement they already hold, if it was issued before February 7, 2022. ELDT applies to first-time S, P and H endorsements and first-time Class A or B CDLs.
Does the course meet our State school bus certification?
It covers federal ELDT theory only. Many States have their own school bus certification, training hours or background checks; check with your State.
How fast is the theory completion submitted?
Usually within minutes of the driver passing and confirming their details. Federal rules require it by midnight of the second business day.
Is the training online?
Yes. Theory is fully online and self-paced, on a phone or a computer.
Do you serve every State?
We serve 49 States. We are sorry, we do not serve drivers with a Washington license.
Buy seats online
Sources for the rules above: 49 CFR Part 380 (Subparts F and G, Appendix D), 49 CFR 383.73 and the FMCSA Training Provider Registry FAQ at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/FAQ. This page explains the federal rules in plain words; it is not legal advice, and your State may add its own requirements.