Comparison

CDL Direct Course vs ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CDL Direct Course

This FMCSA-approved course fulfills the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirement for obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Complete all mandated theory training online, anytime, anywhere, and have your results instantly submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

Highlights
  • FMCSA-approved ELDT
  • Online course completion
  • Instant FMCSA registry submission
  • Accessible on any device
  • Flexible scheduling
Features
Read full description

FMCSA-APPROVED CDL ENTRY LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING (ELDT) Individuals who obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) on or after February 7, 2022 will need to complete this course before they will be permitted to take their CDL skills or knowledge test. Upon completion of this course the results will instantly be submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Prior to providing any testing services CDL testing centers will retrieve these results from the FMCSA Training Provider Registry to confirm that the student has completed the required ELDT theory training. This course covers all units for ELDT as mandated by the FMCSA. Follow the steps below to begin your journey to a new career. 1. Register For The Course - Registration is simple and only takes a few minutes. You can begin the course immediately after registration. No classrooms, no lines. 2. Begin The Course - The course can be taken from any device, any place, anytime. We keep track of your progress. All you have to do is login and complete each section of the course when it fits your schedule. 3. Complete The Course - The moment you complete the course we report the completion to the Federal Registry. You can then begin the behind-the-wheel training.

About

ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026

Prepare for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam with expertly crafted practice questions and realistic simulations. This study companion offers detailed explanations, customizable study plans, and progress tracking to help you master FMCSA entry-level driver requirements.

Highlights
  • Expertly crafted practice questions
  • Realistic timed simulations
  • Detailed explanations for answers
  • Customizable study plans
  • Progress tracking and analytics
  • Interactive learning tools
Features
Read full description

Prepare for success with our ELDT CDL Exam Prep app. This essential study companion helps you master the knowledge and skills required for commercial driver licensing. Developed by industry experts, this comprehensive app equips you with everything you need to excel in your ELDT FMCSA exam. Key Features: Expertly Crafted Questions: Access a wide range of practice questions that mirror the structure and content of the ELDT FMCSA exam. Covering all sections including Basic Operation, Safe Operating Procedures, Advanced Operating Practices, Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions, and Non-Driving Activities, ensuring a solid grasp of the material. Realistic Simulations: Experience exam conditions with timed simulations. Practice under realistic settings to enhance your time management skills and boost your confidence. Detailed Explanations: Each question comes with thorough explanations, helping you understand the reasoning behind correct answers and reinforcing core concepts vital for effective preparation. Customizable Study Plans: Tailor your preparation to your unique needs with flexible study plans. Choose between focused reviews or full practice exams to suit your learning style. Progress Tracking: Stay informed about your performance with detailed analytics. Monitor your progress, identify areas needing improvement, and track advancement as you prepare. Interactive Learning Tools: Engage with interactive quizzes and section-specific questions to make learning effective and enjoyable. Achieve Confidence and Success: With our app, you're not just preparing for an exam—you’re paving the way to become a licensed commercial driver. Master ELDT FMCSA Class A & B content and take a significant step toward your CDL. Download now and take your first step toward mastering the ELDT FMCSA Class A & B exam! You can find more information about our Products and Premium subscription here: https://testprep.cc/terms-and-conditions.html https://testprep.cc/privacy-policy.html

Screenshots

CDL Direct Course4 screens
ELDT CDL Exam Prep 20264 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: CDL Direct Course at 1.9K against ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026's 1. CDL Direct Course also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months). ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. CDL Direct Course sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for CDL Direct Course against 5.0 for ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CDL Direct Course has 1.9K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CDL Direct Course ships an update every 2 months, ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
CDL Direct Course versus ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCDL Direct CourseELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.9K ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews80.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.9K — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB53 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperCDL DirectYAUHEN BAHDANOVICH

Bugs and requests

CDL Direct Course

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • No record of completion at DMV
  • Unable to create account

Requested features

2 requests
  • Ability to enlarge text
  • Option to use audio

ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

CDL Direct Course

One-time3
  • Class A CDL Course - Ages 18+$399.99
  • Class B CDL Course - Ages 18+$399.99
  • B to A CDL Upgrade - Ages 18+$399.99
9 purchases

ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026

Subscriptions9
  • ELDT Weekly Full Access$8.997 Days
  • ELDT Monthly Full Access3 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • ELDT Monthly Full Access$24.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • ELDT Quarterly Full Access3 Days trial$55.993 Months
  • ELDT Quarterly Full Access$55.993 Months
  • ELDT Semiannual Full Access$75.996 Months
  • ELDT Semiannual Full Access3 Days trial$75.996 Months
  • ELDT Annual Full Access$109.991 Year
  • ELDT Annual Full Access3 Days trial$109.991 Year

Questions

Is CDL Direct Course free?
CDL Direct Course is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 free?
ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, CDL Direct Course or ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026?
ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 is rated higher. CDL Direct Course averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do CDL Direct Course or ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 have ads?
Neither CDL Direct Course nor ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CDL Direct Course or ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026?
CDL Direct Course ships an update every 2 months, and ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 every 9 months. Most recently, CDL Direct Course was updated on November 3, 2026 and ELDT CDL Exam Prep 2026 on October 30, 2026.

Other comparisons