5660 County Rd 209 S Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

(904) 272-4000 or toll free (800) 488-7364

CDL Class A ELDT

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CDL Driver CDL CLASS A

Get the training needed to operate Class A commercial trucks safely and effectively.

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The CDL Class A Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Program at National Training Schools prepares students to safely operate Class A combination vehicles through structured classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience. Training takes place on a 350-acre custom-built facility designed to simulate real driving conditions while supporting effective CDL training in Florida.

This CDL course in Jacksonville, Florida, is designed for individuals seeking entry-level truck driving positions in both interstate and intrastate operations. Students learn how to safely operate tractor-trailers across a wide range of traffic, road, weather, and load conditions while building the knowledge required to pass CDL exams and meet industry expectations.

CDL Class A ELDT Training Program Overview

The CDL Class A ELDT Program provides focused, entry-level instruction for individuals who want to begin a professional truck driving career quickly. Students receive classroom-based education combined with practical driving experience to prepare for both the CDL written exam and the road skills test.

National Training Schools, located in Green Cove Springs, Florida, delivers CDL training designed for beginners, including students who have never previously operated a commercial vehicle. While the program is streamlined, it meets ELDT requirements and prepares graduates to safely and effectively operate Class A trucks in professional driving environments.

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Train to Operate Class A Commercial Trucks

The CDL Class A ELDT program is structured to help students complete training in approximately four weeks. During this time, students progress through classroom instruction, driving practice, and exam preparation designed to support success on both written and road tests.

What students will

01

How to perform a pre-trip inspection

02

How to properly document their Hours of Service in the industry standard logbook

03

The proper methods for and how to Start, Operate and Shutdown a diesel tractor-trailer

04

How to safely back a tractor-trailer in various conditions using various techniques

05

How to safely couple and uncouple a tractor-trailer

06

The safety procedures defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Act

07

How to successfully prepare for and pass the D.O.T. written examination as well as the D.O.T. equipment road test, which is mandatory before being employed in the trucking industry

POPULAR

$

8,460

CDL CLASS A ELDT

Course Fee Breakdown

Tuition $7,995
Non-Refundable Administration Fee $100
Drug Test $65
State CDL Knowledge/Skills Test $300**
Includes Books/Supplies
Price is for first test. Any additional tests will be paid at the full price rate .
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POPULAR

$

8,460

CDL CLASS A ELDT

Course Fee Breakdown

Admin Fee: Non-refundable; maximum non-refundable charges will not exceed $100.
Drug Test: Required before training; amount is estimated.
State CDL Test: Fees vary by class type of test. Price is for the first test. Any additional tests will be at the full price rate. See 3rd Party Testing Fees for current pricing.
DOT Physical: Federal requirement; paid to an authorized medical examiner.
Lodging/Transportation: Optional; costs vary based on individual arrangements.

Course Breakdown and Curriculum Hours By Category

4 weeks (180 Hours)

U.S. Department of Education defines a classroom hour as 1 clock hour which equals 50 minutes of instructor led training plus 10 minute break.

FMCSA Ref. Course Title Format Clock Hours
A1.1 Basic Operation Theory 32
A1.1.1 Orientation Theory
A1.1.2 Control Systems/Dashboard Theory
A1.1.3 Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Theory
A1.1.4 Basic Control Theory
A1.1.5 Shifting/Operating Transmissions Theory
A1.1.6 Backing and Docking Theory
A1.1.7 Coupling and Uncoupling Theory
A1.2 Safe Operating Procedures Theory 8
A1.2.1 Visual Search Theory
A1.2.2 Communication Theory
A1.2.3 Distracted Driving Theory
A1.2.4 Speed Management Theory
A1.2.5 Space Management Theory
A1.2.6 Night Operation Theory
A1.2.7 Extreme Driving Conditions Theory
A1.3 Advanced Operating Practices Theory 6
A1.3.1 Hazard Perception Theory
A1.3.2 Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies Theory
A1.3.3 Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings Theory
A1.4 Vehicle Systems & Reporting Malfunctions Theory 4
A1.4.1 Vehicle Systems & Reporting Malfunctions - Identification and Diagnosis of Malfunctions Theory
A1.4.2 Roadside Inspections Theory
A1.4.3 Maintenance Theory
A1.5 Non-Driving Activities Theory 8
A1.5.1 Handling and Documenting Cargo Theory
A1.5.2 Environmental Compliance Issues Theory
A1.5.3 Hours of Service (HOS) Requirements Theory
A1.5.4 Fatigue and Wellness Awareness Theory
A1.5.5 Post-Crash Procedures Theory
A1.5.6 External Communications Theory
A1.5.7 Whistleblower/Coercion Theory
A1.5.8 Trip Planning Theory
A1.5.9 Drugs/Alcohol Theory
A1.5.10 Medical Requirements Theory
TOTAL THEORY HOURS 58
FMCSA Ref. Course Title Format Clock Hours
A2.1 Vehicle Inspection (Pre-Trip/Enroute/Post-Trip) Range BTW 8
A2.2 Straight Line Backing Range BTW 8
A2.3 Alley Dock Backing (45°/90°) Range BTW 10
A2.4 Off-Set Backing Range BTW 8
A2.5 Parallel Parking (Blind Side) Range BTW 7
A2.6 Parallel Parking (Sight Side) Range BTW 7
A2.7 Coupling and Uncoupling Range BTW 14
TOTAL BTW/RANGE HOURS 62
FMCSA Ref. Course Title Format Clock Hours
A3.1 Vehicle Controls Including: Left Turns, Right Turns, Lane Changes, Curves at Highway Speeds, and Entry and Exit on the Interstate or Controlled Access Highway Public Road BTW 14
A3.2 Shifting/Transmission Public Road BTW 6
A3.3 Communications/Signaling Public Road BTW 4
A3.4 Visual Search Public Road BTW 6
A3.5 Speed and Space Management Public Road BTW 6
A3.6 Safe Driver Behavior Public Road BTW 6
A3.7 Hours of Service (HOS) Requirements Public Road BTW 2
A3.8 Hazard Perception Public Road BTW 4
A3.9 Railroad (RR)-Highway Grade Crossing Public Road BTW 2
A3.10 Night Operation Public Road BTW 4
A3.11 Extreme Driving Conditions Public Road BTW 3
A3.12 Skid Control/Recovery, Jackknifing, and Other Emergencies Public Road BTW 3
TOTAL BTW/PUBLIC ROAD HOURS 60
Heavy Now Catalog

Take Our Free CDL Practice Test

Want to see if you’re ready for the CDL written exam? Take our free CDL practice test to check your knowledge and better understand what to expect on the actual CDL written exam.

CDL Class A ELDT Catalog

Complete details of this course are contained in the CDL Class A ELDT (formerly CDL Now) Course Catalog. Click on the catalog image to view and download the PDF version for full program requirements, training structure, and policies.

DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE

Class A CDL Course Schedule Schedule

CDL Now! Training Schedule 160 Hour | 4 Week Training Program

Upcoming start and end dates for Class B CDL training are shown below

Start End
January 5, 2026 January 29, 2026
February 2, 2026 February 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 March 26, 2026
March 30, 2026 March 30, 2026
April 27, 2026 May 22, 2026
May 26, 2026 June 18, 2026
June 22, 2026 July 16, 2026
January 6, 2025 January 30, 2025
February 3, 2025 February 27, 2025
March 3, 2025 March 27, 2025
March 31, 2025 April 24, 2025
April 28, 2025 May 22, 2025
May 27, 2025 June 19, 2025
June 23, 2025 July 17, 2025
July 21, 2025 August 14, 2025
August 18, 2025 September 11, 2025
September 15, 2025 October 9, 2025
October 13, 2025 November 6, 2025
November 10, 2025 December 4, 2025
December 1, 2025 December 24, 2025

Is a CDL Class A License Right for You?

Take the National Training Schools’ CDL Training Readiness Quiz.

This quick and fun online quiz takes just 3 minutes. You’ll receive a personalized report that highlights your strengths, social style, and the training and roles that suit you best.

Get your CDL Training Readiness Score today.

Job Placement Assistance

Throughout the CDL training program, students attend recruiting presentations from trucking companies actively seeking new drivers. Near graduation, students participate in a Career Guidance Orientation. After earning a CDL, the job placement department assists graduates with employment opportunities in the trucking industry. Students receive a minimum of four hours of job placement assistance and employer presentations, often more.

Proficiency vs Hours

FMSCA has announced that driver proficiency will be given increased priority in CDL testing, as drivers will be expected to demonstrate a higher level of testable skills than ever before, along with superior command behind the wheel. Driving simulators can efficiently measure proficiency at the level expected by the FMSCA, and can progressively increase difficulty, track progress, and monitor results. 

 As the FMSCA commits to higher levels of safety and proficiency standards, drivers will invest more time and effort to ensure success. As drivers strive to meet the demand of new industry standards, they will very likely increase their commitment to voluntary simulator training, studying, and BTW training.  

All Courses

  • Control Systems/Dashboard

  • Basic Control

  • Visual Search

  • Distracted Driving

  • Speed Management

  • Space Management

  • Night Operation

  • Extreme Driving

  • Conditions

  • Drug Impaired Driving Module

  • Alcohol Impaired Driving Module

In Classroom Computer-based Training

  • Pre-Trip Inspections

  • Post-Trip Inspections

  • Air Brakes

Combination of Simulator and Computer-based

  • Hazard Perception

  • Shifting and Operating Transmissions

  • Backing and Docking

➤ Need a little more practice time? Schedule time with our CDL simulator!

National Training Inc. is proud to offer CDL Simulator Training for Class A, B, and C training. Gain exposure to real road conditions and build your confidence in a safe, low risk controlled simulation environment. For more information on our CDL Simulators, click here.

“1 hour of simulation training = 4 hours behind the wheel training.”

–Schneider National
  • △
    2 Hour Simulator Intro

    This course must be taken prior to scheduling additional simulator courses.

  • △
    Simulator Seat Time per hour

    *Must complete the 2 Hour Simulator Intro Course prior to scheduling additional seat time.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is CDL Class A Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)?
A. CDL Class A Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federally required training program for individuals seeking a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving practice to prepare students for the CDL written exam and road skills test required for employment in the trucking industry.
Q. How long does it take to complete the CDL Class A ELDT program?
A. The CDL Class A ELDT program at National Training Schools in Florida can be completed in approximately four weeks. During this time, students receive classroom instruction, driving practice, and exam preparation designed to help them complete training efficiently while meeting ELDT requirements.
Q. What skills will I learn during CDL Class A ELDT training?
A. Students learn essential skills required for professional truck driving, including pre-trip inspections, Hours of Service documentation, safe operation of a diesel tractor-trailer, backing techniques, coupling and uncoupling, vehicle parking and security, OSHA safety procedures, and preparation for DOT written and road examinations.
Q. Does the CDL Class A ELDT program help with job placement?
A. Yes. During the program, students attend recruiting presentations from trucking companies interested in hiring graduates. Near graduation, students participate in a Career Guidance Orientation. After earning a CDL, the job placement department assists graduates with employment opportunities in the trucking industry.
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