How To Get A CDL In Iowa: Requirements & Process Explained

Dreaming of a trucking career in Iowa but unsure how to get a CDL in Iowa? You are not alone! Many aspiring drivers feel overwhelmed with the lengthy process of getting an Iowa CDL. The whole process involves meeting the state’s requirements, getting the permit, enrolling in training, and passing exams, which is complicated and confusing without proper guidance. Therefore, we provide you with this guide, walking you through everything you need to fulfill, and every step you need to take. You will learn how to ace the tests to accelerate your process. Follow the detailed guide below to kick-start your trucking career! 

What are Iowa CDL requirements?

To qualify for a CDL in Iowa, you must meet specific requirements to ensure you are eligible to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Here is what you should fulfill:

  • Age requirements:
    • You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a CDL in Iowa.
    • Drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate driving and transportation of hazardous materials.
  • Valid driver’s license: You have to possess a valid Iowa driver’s license before applying for a CDL.
  • Proof of full name, citizenship, and residency:
    • Proof of full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency such as a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship.
    • Two documents that prove Iowa residency, if you are not using an Iowa driver’s license.
  • Medical certificate:
    • Pass the medical standards for commercial drivers such as passing a vision test with at least 20/40 vision in each eye.
    • You may be required to have a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) depending on your vehicle type and driving classification.
  • Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Pass CDL knowledge tests and maintain a CLP for at least 14 days before taking a CDL skills test.
  • Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Some applicants are required to complete federally required ELDT from a registered training provider.
  • Skills test: Pass the road skills test to obtain a CDL.
  • Driving record check: Undergo an interstate driving record check to verify you do not have disqualifying offenses in any other state.
  • Pay the required fees.
What are Iowa CDL requirements
What are Iowa CDL requirements?

For more requirement checklists, you can read our post on Iowa CDL requirements.

How to get a CDL in Iowa

If you meet the eligibility requirements to get a CDL in Iowa, follow this step-by-step guide to get your Iowa CDL:

Step 1. Apply for a CDL with the Iowa DOT

Apply for a CDL with the Iowa DOT
Apply for a CDL with the Iowa DOT

Apply for your CDL at the nearest Iowa Department of Transportation – DOT office. You need to provide proof of your identity, Social Security number, citizenship, and Iowa residency. If you are not already an Iowa driver’s license holder, you will also be required to show two forms of Iowa residency proof. Make sure you meet the minimum age and medical requirements to prevent delays.

Step 2. Choose your CDL Class and driving type

Choose your CDL Class and driving type
Choose your CDL Class and driving type

Next, you have to decide your CDL Class, endorsements, and driving type as it determines your tests and training requirements in the following steps. Iowa designates three CDL classes, depending on the type of vehicle you will be driving:

  • Class A: Combination vehicles with a total weight of over 26,001 pounds, where the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Class B: Single vehicles with over 26,001 pounds or any combination where the towed unit is less than 10,000 pounds.
  • Class C: Smaller commercial vehicles, for carrying hazardous materials or passengers.

Some vehicles and loads require special endorsements on your license, such as hazardous materials, passenger, school bus, tank vehicle, and doubles/triples endorsements. Moreover, you have to certify your driving type from the following categories: 

  • Interstate non-excepted: For driving across state lines, MEC required 
  • Interstate excepted: For certain exemptions, such as government vehicles, no MEC is required.
  • Intrastate non-excepted: Driven only in Iowa, MEC required.
  • Intrastate excepted: For special exemptions in Iowa such as farmers, no MEC is required.

Step 3. Pass CDL knowledge tests and get CLP

Pass CDL knowledge tests and get CLP
Pass CDL knowledge tests and get CLP

CDL knowledge tests are crucial for obtaining CDL in Iowa. You have to take one or more knowledge tests for the type of vehicle you want to drive, as follows:

General knowledge test

This is the basic test for all applicants for CDL. It includes a wide range of subjects vital for safe driving, which include:

  • Traffic laws: Safe operational rules on the road
  • Vehicle operation: Basic vehicle control and handling, including safety practices
  • Road signs and signals: Identification of traffic signs, signals, and markings and the required responses
  • Vehicle inspection: The ability to identify and take care of mechanical problems before operating the vehicle

This test includes 50 multiple-choice questions, requiring 80% correct answers to pass.

Take the Iowa CDL general practice tests

Endorsement tests (if applicable)

If you plan to operate special vehicles or transport certain materials, you need to take additional endorsement tests. These are generally shorter but particular to the endorsement you seek. Some common endorsement tests include:

Endorsement test Tested areas Total number of questions Passing score Practice tests
Hazardous Materials Safe hauling, emergency response, and incident reporting 30 24 Take Iowa CDL hazmat practice tests
Passenger Transport Safe passenger management and emergency procedures 20 16 Take Iowa CDL passenger practice tests
Doubles/Triples  Coupling and uncoupling procedures, and adverse condition and emergency maneuvers 20 16 Take Iowa CDL  double/triples practice tests
School Bus Students safely on or off the bus, and evacuation drills 20 16 Take Iowa CDL school bus practice tests
Tank Vehicle Vehicle inspection for tank-specific hazards and handling characteristics of liquid loads 20 16 Take Iowa CDL tank vehicle practice tests

Air brakes test (if applicable)

This test is required if you will be driving vehicles that have air brakes. It has a total of 25 questions about:

  • Air brake components: These include the brake chambers, air tanks, and lines.
  • Operation: How air brakes work, and how to work with them.
  • Troubleshooting: How to recognize and understand possible problems with the air brakes and the general emergency procedures.

You have to get a least 80% correct answers to pass.

Take the Iowa CDL air brakes practice tests

Combination vehicle test (if applicable)

For those driver applicants who wish to drive combination vehicles (such as tractor-trailers), the combination vehicle test will assess your knowledge about coupling and uncoupling trailers safely. It includes questions on:

  • Coupling and uncoupling: How to properly couple and uncouple, and the safety checks.
  • Vehicle operation: On-road operation of combination vehicles.

This test includes 20 questions and requires a score of 16 or higher to pass.

Take the Iowa CDL combination vehicle practice tests

Once you pass the knowledge tests, you will be issued your CLP. You cannot take the skills test until at least 14 days after getting your CLP. Before taking the skills test, use this time to get supervised driving experience and learn the vehicle you will use for the test.

Step 4. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training – ELDT

The following applicants must complete ELDT training from an accredited training provider:

  • First-time applicants for a Class A or Class B CDL.
  • Applicants for upgrading CDL license from Class B to Class A.
  • Applicants for adding hazmat endorsement.

This program will involve both classroom instructions and behind-the-wheel training, making you qualified for the federal safety standard.

Step 5. Pass the skills test

Pass the skills test
Pass the skills test

After completing the ELDT program, schedule and take the CDL skills test, consisting of three parts:

  • Pre-trip inspection: Assess your ability to inspect critical vehicle components, such as brakes, tires, and lights, for safety.

Take the Iowa CDL pre-trip practice tests

  • Basic vehicle control: Evaluate your ability to drive the vehicle in controlled situations such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking
  • On-road driving: Prove your ability to operate a commercial vehicle on public roads by performing tasks like safe merging, lane changes, and handling intersections.

Step 6. Get your CDL

Get your CDL
Get your CDL

After passing every exam, bring your results and the required costs back to the Iowa DOT office. After obtaining your CDL, you will formally become an Iowa commercial driver licensed to start your career.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to get a CDL in Iowa?

The fee to get a CDL in Iowa ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on certain factors such as the class of CDL, endorsements, and your chosen training. The total cost will cover the medical examination, permit, testing, training fees, and other expenses. 

To know more about the detailed CDL cost breakdown, you can check our post on How much a CDL in Iowa costs.

2. How to get a CDL permit in Iowa?

To get a CDL permit in Iowa, you must follow these steps:

  • Meet eligibility requirements related to age, and driver’s license.
  • Submit required documentation: Proof of identity, SSN, Iowa residency, and U.S. citizenship.
  • Meet medical standards.
  • Pass the knowledge tests: You have to pass the general knowledge test and any relevant endorsements and testing required.

3. How long does it take to get a CDL license in Iowa?

The whole process to get a CDL in Iowa typically takes anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on your type of training, your readiness, and the availability of testing. For a more detailed time estimate for each step of getting an Iowa CDL, check our post on How long it takes to get a CDL in Iowa.

4. Where can you get your CDL in Iowa?

You can obtain your CDL at any Iowa DOT office offering CDL services. Such offices are available across the state and may include larger cities such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport. A number of locations provide testing services, although others might refer you to certain facilities for skills tests. Check the Iowa DOT website for the nearest location and available services.

Final thoughts

Now you have a roadmap on how to get a CDL in Iowa. Acquiring Iowa CDL is a significant step towards a great future in the commercial driving business. Understanding the requirements, followed by the knowledge test and the necessary training, culminate with acing the skills test to achieve the ultimate goal of being licensed as a commercial driver.  Remember, every stage in the process has been created with the view of adequately equipping you to handle your driving of large vehicles responsibly. Stay focused, and prepare thoroughly with practice tests and materials by CDL Prep, you will soon be on the road with your CDL, opening a new chapter in your career!


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