CDL Direct Course vs ATRI Tow Training
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- FMCSA-approved ELDT
- Online course completion
- Instant FMCSA registry submission
- Accessible on any device
- Flexible scheduling
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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.
ATRI Tow Training
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American Towing & Recovery Institute (ATRI) Tow Training puts professional towing and recovery training information right at your fingertips. Built for towing and recovery operators, owners, managers, and industry professionals, the ATRI Tow Training app makes it easy to stay connected with upcoming training opportunities, certification programs, industry information, and professional resources. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your skills, earn a certification, prepare your team for new challenges, or find an upcoming training event, the ATRI Tow Training app gives you a convenient place to get started. FEATURES: • UPCOMING TRAINING CLASSES Browse upcoming towing and recovery training events across the country. View dates, locations, course types, and event information to find training that fits your needs. • PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS Learn more about ATRI training and certification opportunities, including Light Duty, Heavy Duty, EV Awareness, Rotator, and Leadership programs. • LIGHT & MEDIUM DUTY TRAINING Explore training designed to strengthen essential towing and recovery skills, including vehicle loading, securement, hookup procedures, recovery techniques, and damage-free towing practices. • HEAVY DUTY & ROTATOR TRAINING Find advanced training covering heavy-duty recovery, winching, rigging, load calculations, rotator operations, lift planning, stability, and complex recovery scenarios. • ELECTRIC VEHICLE AWARENESS Stay prepared for the changing automotive industry with training focused on electric and hybrid vehicles, high-voltage hazards, fire risk awareness, safe transportation, storage, and other important EV considerations. • LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Explore leadership training designed for towing company owners, managers, supervisors, and team leaders. Develop skills in team management, coaching, communication, and operational leadership. • ATRI GEAR & RESOURCES Access professional towing and recovery gear, merchandise, and training-related resources directly from the app. • EASY ACCESS TO ATRI Quickly find ATRI contact information for questions about training, certifications, upcoming classes, registration, and group training opportunities. ATRI is committed to advancing professionalism, safety, knowledge, and education throughout the towing and recovery industry. Our training programs are designed to give operators practical knowledge and skills they can apply in real-world towing and recovery operations. From operators looking to build their foundation to experienced professionals seeking advanced training, ATRI Tow Training makes it easier to discover educational opportunities and stay informed. Download ATRI Tow Training and keep professional towing and recovery education within reach.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ATRI Tow Training at none against CDL Direct Course's 3. ATRI Tow Training also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. CDL Direct Course sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. ATRI Tow Training asks for nothing beyond the download.
CDL Direct Course ships an update every 2 months, ATRI Tow Training every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CDL Direct Course | ATRI Tow Training |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (1.9K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1.9K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 4 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 34 MB | 33 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | CDL Direct | GPTTI LLC |
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
ATRI Tow Training
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
CDL Direct Course
- 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
ATRI Tow Training
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is CDL Direct Course free?
Is ATRI Tow Training free?
Do CDL Direct Course or ATRI Tow Training have ads?
Which is updated more often, CDL Direct Course or ATRI Tow Training?
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