Truck Driving Schools in Iowa

CDL Requirements in Iowa

If you are interested in becoming a truck driver in Iowa, there are a few things you should know. First, you will need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To do this, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Iowa driver’s license. You will also need to pass a written exam, skills test, and vision test. After you have passed all of these tests, the DOT in Iowa will issue you a CDL.

There are different types of CDLs, each with their own set of requirements. For example, if you want to operate a tractor-trailer, you will need to obtain a Class A CDL. If you only want to drive a passenger vehicle or light truck, you can get a Class B or C CDL.

The written exam will test your knowledge of Iowa traffic laws and safe driving practices. The skills test will assess your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. The vision test is simply to ensure that you can see well enough to drive safely.

Once you have your Iowa CDL, you will be able to start applying for trucking jobs in the state. Iowa is a great place to start your trucking career, as there are many opportunities for long-haul and local driving. With a CDL, you will be able to apply for positions with trucking companies of all sizes.

Truck driving can be a very rewarding career, allowing you to see different parts of the country and earn a good living. If you think you might be interested in becoming a truck driver, be sure to research the requirements and start working towards getting your Iowa CDL.

How Do I Get a CDL in Iowa?

Here are the steps to get your CDL in the state of Iowa:

1. Pass the knowledge test for the commercial vehicle you want to drive in your career.
2. Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) – once you pass the knowledge test, you will be issued a CLP.
3. Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) – take the federally mandated ELDT with a registered trainer, and once you complete training, the training provider will upload your certification to the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, which the Iowa DOT will verify before you take your skills test. ELDT is mandatory for those getting a Class A/B for the first time, upgrading to a Class A from Class B, and or adding H (hazardous), P (passenger), and S (schoolbus) endorsements.
4. Pass the skills test:
   1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection test.
   2. Skills test – navigate the truck around cones, and backing up.
   3. Driving test – drive the truck on public roads with a DOT examiner.
5. Obtain your CDL – you can get your CDL at any Iowa DOT issuance location.

How to Select Truck Driving Schools in Iowa

Enrolling in a truck driving school is the first step in becoming a truck driver. You must make the correct decision. Not all CDL training facilities are made equal, and you should think about a few things before deciding for one. There are several aspects to consider while searching for a truck driving school. It’s critical to be on the lookout for these things. Here are a few main things to consider when choosing a truck driving school in Iowa.

Cost of CDL Training in Iowa

The majority of truck driving schools within a reasonable driving distance have pricing that is less than $300-$500 apart.

Examples of trucking school costs in Iowa:

Hawkeye Community College

• Class A program: $4,995, approx. 6 weeks
• Class B program: $1,399, 2 weeks
• Location: Waterloo, IA

Des Moines Area Community College

• Class A program: $4,610, 3 weeks (daytime), 6 weeks (evening)
• Location: Des Moines, IA

When you call a truck driving school to determine whether or not you can afford training, take into account financing options, scholarships, and how other students pay for their sessions. If you want to make a selection based on value rather than price, you must first grasp the distinctions between the various types of institutions.

Geographical Location

The second distinguishing trait is the location of a person’s primary home. Even though some individuals are interested in earning money by driving across the nation, they are unwilling to even contemplate attending a truck-driving school that is just around 20 minutes away. Despite the fact that a school is just a short drive away, you are under no need to attend it over another. 

The idea of driving fifteen minutes into the next town for a Walmart when there’s one just across the street seems absurd to me. Comparative shopping should be done at a Walmart in your neighborhood. Make your choice of a truck driving school depending on how close it is to your place of residence.

Driving Time

Let’s start with the amount of time spent traveling. When driving, there is no time for planning, observing, or simulating the environment. This calculation just takes into consideration the time you spend traveling to and from. Getting behind the wheel, squeezing the clutch, and steering are all necessary steps in taking control of the vehicle. 

When searching for a school, one of the most significant variables to consider is the distance between the school and your residence. To pass a driver’s test, the minimum number of hours required should be 32, while each school has its own set of standards. The ability to spend more time behind the wheel is a distinct benefit. If you put in more driving time, you will see improvements in both your schooling and driving.

Many people may have informed you that one-on-one instruction is the most effective method of learning. This is due to the fact that you are not authorized to drive when observing rather than participating. This is not a sound piece of advice. 

Keeping track of the amount of time spent in the vehicle while watching television is unnecessary when you’re doing other things. Preparation for the trip or computer work would take precedence over driving as long as you weren’t in the vehicle. Students who attend remedial schools spend far more time in and around vehicles than students who get one-on-one training and education in a classroom environment.

Training Caliber

When looking for a truck driving school, consider the quality of the curriculum given. You should enroll in a driving school where no more than four students are taught by a single instructor and where all students get training while driving.

Acquiring a Position

Students are often surprised to learn that truck driving training might help them obtain work. Many people assume that the only schools that obtain spaces are those run by transportation companies. This is not true. The majority of people attend a training center in order to get a job. 

If a school is unable or unwilling to arrange students with a trucking company, this is a red flag. Be sure to ask about job placement. Attending a school that can help you get a job afterward is important.

The Standard of Instruction

The last component of the jigsaw is the instructor. You should look for a truck driving school that has considerable experience, extensive knowledge, compassion, and the ability to educate. Teachers who haven’t worked in the subject for a long period clearly lack knowledge and comprehension.

Conclusion

To get your driving career off to a solid start, enroll in a driver’s education course. Making a decision requires a thorough consideration of all relevant elements. If you want to get a better education and a better job, the right truck driving training program might give you a leg up on the competition.

List of Trucking Schools in Iowa