No other job offers the freedom, stability, and rewards that you'll experience as a driver. And there's no better place to start your training than at Kirkwood Community College, where you can get your commercial driver's license - with a Class B CDL in one week, or a Class A CDL in just weeks through our partnership with Hawkeye Community College!
You can soon be enjoying the many advantages and benefits of employment as a full-time truck driver.
Enroll for Class B CDLLearn About Class A CDLKirkwood Community College is accredited by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the course follows the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. Each program covers driving skills, lecture, demonstrations covering U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations, preventative maintenance, and current events in the industry.
ELDT Class B CDL
A one-week course that includes online theory instruction plus in-person instruction at Kirkwood, which includes pre-trip, backing skills, behind-the-wheel road driving, and testing. Choose between 30-hr or 50-hr options.
ELDT Class A CDL
The Class A CDL allows up to six weeks to complete (and as few as two weeks). The online theory instruction is given through Kirkwood. Once completed, all behind-the-wheel training and testing will occur at Hawkeye Community College's Regional Transportation Center (6433 Hammond Ave., Waterloo, IA.).
Class Times
The Class B CDL program meets at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA, Monday through Friday from 8am-2:30pm (fall - spring) or Monday through Thursday from 8am-4pm (summer). Classes occur once per month.
The Class A CDL program meets at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA, Monday through Friday, with available training times of 8am-12pm, 1-5pm, and/or 5-9pm.
Online Learning
An online theory course will need to be completed prior to the hands-on training portion of the program. For CDL endorsements (hazmat, school bus, passenger), there is an additional 6 hours of online theory per endorsement.
State Licensing
Class B CDL Testing will occur at Kirkwood with their provided certified 3rd party Iowa Department of Transportation examiner.
Class A CDL Testing will occur at Hawkeye with their provided certified 3rd party Iowa Department of Transportation examiner.
Program equipment is used for testing.
Equipment Used
Class B CDL: Virtual driving simulators, a 10-speed manual truck (no trailer attachment), or passenger bus.
Class A CDL: Virtual driving simulators, conventional 10-speed manual and automatic trucks.
Costs for this program include:
* An estimated cost, price may vary by provider.
Tuition assistance is available depending on eligibility to cover the cost of your program. Click the link below to contact us to see if you qualify.
CLASS A CDL NOTICE: If you are planning to pay out of pocket or are sponsored by a company, you must register directly with Hawkeye Community College by calling 319-296-4286. Kirkwood can only process Class A CDL registrations that are through funded tuition assistance programs.
The United States relies heavily on the trucking industry and professional drivers to transport nearly everything consumers use. The American Trucking Association estimates 80,000 drivers are needed immediately, increasing to 160,000 by 2030.
And with an ever-increasing number of drivers on today's roadways, it is even more important for these drivers to participate in a high-caliber, state and nationally recognized training regimen like Kirkwood Community College's Truck Driver Training Program.
We are proud to partner with Hawkeye Community College's Regional Transportation Center to provide behind-the-wheel training and Iowa DOT testing for Class A CDL certification.
Applicants for the Class B CDL program must be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are 18-21 years of age are only allowed to drive intrastate (within state lines).
Students must have the following documents obtained and/or completed before attending the course:
Applicants for the Class A CDL program must be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are 18-21 years of age are only allowed to drive intrastate (within state lines).
Students must have the following documents obtained and/or completed before attending the course:
*A copy of your CLP, driver's license, DOT physical, and the results of your drug test must be provided to your instructor on your first day of class at Hawkeye Community College.
Graduates can find employment in a variety of areas including:
Truck drivers are in demand and the need for drivers is expected to increase over the next several years.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Average hourly earnings: $30*
Average Salary in Iowa: $47,214 - $66,332**
*Source: zippia.com, Iowa region
**Source: salary.com and indeed.com, Iowa region, updated 2022
Class B Truck Drivers
Starting hourly earnings: $16.86
Average hourly earnings: $23.98
Source: Career Coach 2020, Kirkwood Community College region.
Find out more about transportation careers and opportunities at: https://explore-transportation.org.
Kirkwood Community College cannot guarantee employment or promotion.
Do you need extra time behind-the-wheel? Our CDL Skills Refresher Program provides in-person, one-on-one truck driving range and road time to better prepare you for your driving goals. Refresher programs are available in either six-hour or 40-hour options.
Consider signing up for this program if you:
Kirkwood offers Iowa DOT-certified testing on site for Class A CDL, Class B CDL (along with Passenger Endorsement), and School Bus CDL. Tests include Pre-Trip, Skills, and Road.
Visit our testing page to learn more.