Iowa Trucking Schools and Programs
Iowa has a lot of great cities and they are all employing qualified drivers. As such, you will find more than your share of truck driving careers in Iowa.
The minimum requirements for obtaining a CDL certification in Iowa are that you must be 18 years of age, you must pass a background check, a vision test, a written test and an in-vehicle test for driving skills.
In order to pass your CDL test, you will be tested on inspecting vehicles before driving, learning how to couple and uncouple trailers, and over-the-road driving skills.
Getting a Commercial Driver’s License in Iowa is a pretty straightforward process. As required by Federal Law, the applicant must have a completed Medical Health Examination Report. The form can be obtained from the Driver’s License Department or downloaded online and printed. If the driver wishes to have a Hazardous Materials endorsement, he or she will also need to complete the Federal procedure required under the Patriot Act. This includes a background check and fingerprinting, as well as a written test.
An applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply. Along with the Medical Report, the applicant will need proof of Social Security number, full name and date of birth. Proof of Social Security number can be the Social Security card, military ID card with Social Security number, IRS or state tax document that shows the number or a payroll stub. The number will be verified electronically. A Certification for Commercial Driver’s License must also be completed.
Checks of vision and driving record are conducted. A written general knowledge test must be passed, and there are additional written tests for each endorsement that is desired, such as air brakes or tanker. Once the driver passes the written test, a permit is issued that is good for six months. The fee is $12. With the permit the driver can practice under the supervision of a licensed CDL driver.
In order to receive a Commercial Driver’s License, which costs $40 for a five year period, there are three required driving tests. The applicant is tested on Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control and an On-Road Test. A two-year license is also available for $16. Endorsements cost an additional $5 or $10 each, depending on the endorsement.
In some locations, the Driver’s License office is included with the County Treasurer’s Office. These locations are unable to administer driving tests, so the applicant must travel to an Iowa Department of Transportation site.
Certain medical conditions and nearly all driving violations will disqualify an applicant from eligibility for a CDL. Speeding and drunk driving are just a few of the offenses that will prevent issuance of the license. Basically the driver must have a completely clear driving record.
Des Moines Area Community College
2081 NE 54th Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50313
Des Moines CC Transportation Institute
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50021
Hawkeye Community College
1501 E. Orange Rd.
Waterloo, IA 50704
Indian Hills Community College
525 Grandview Ave.
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Iowa Central Community College
330 Avenue M
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Kirkwood Community College Truck Driver Training
6301 Kirkwood Blvd.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
MTA
1000 N. Roosevelt
Burlington, IA 52601
Ruan Transportation
666 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50306
Scott CC Truck Driver Trg.
500 Belmont Rd.
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Southeastern Community College
1000 N. Roosevelt
Burlington, IA 52601
Western Iowa Tech Community College
4647 Stone Ave.
Sioux City, IA
