CDL Driver Training Program
$4500 plus fees
This course is recommended for students who have minimal experience driving Class A or B vehicles. We will provide a three- to five-week training program meant to familiarize students with trade standards and practices associated with being a professional truck driver. This more in-depth training will prepare students to pass Iowa DOT Modernization CDL Testing, as well as provide a comprehensive approach to allow them to gain proficiency in the Special Training Requirements listed in Title 49 Part 380 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This option will also allow students access to our growing network of industry insiders from some of the top companies in Transportation.
Sample Schedule
Schedule will vary based on individual student needs and testing availability.
- Week 1
- (Monday thru Friday): 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- (Saturday): 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Week 2
- (Monday thru Friday): 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- (Saturday): 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Week 3-5: Schedule will be based on student-specific needs and testing availability.
CDL Driver Training Program Testing Policy: Students will be graded daily as they progress through the course. Once they are assessed as proficient in the Iowa DOT Modernized CDL Testing Standards they will be scheduled for examination. Students will be allowed up to three attempts at testing without passing before being re-evaluated. Every reasonable attempt will be made to accommodate each student to assure they become licensed, however, the responsibility to perform will lie solely on that individual and we cannot guarantee any results. Should we find a student unfit or unsafe to be placed on the road, they will be removed from the program at our discretion.
Reminder: Tuition for our CDL Training Program is non-refundable. Once payment is made, it secures your spot in the course and covers the associated costs of training materials, instruction, and facility/equipment use. We encourage prospective students to review course details carefully before enrolling. In the event of a cancellation or rescheduling, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs, but please note that tuition payments will not be refunded under any circumstances. For any questions or concerns regarding this policy or to schedule a consultation with our Transportation Training Coordinator to better understand how your specific training needs may be met, please reach out to us.
All training and testing will take place at the Southwestern Community College Transportation Center and the surrounding area in Creston, IA.
CDL Program Comparison
| CDL Program | Program Length | Program Cost |
| DMACC | 3-6 weeks | $4900 |
| Eastern Iowa CC | 4-7 weeks | $5700 |
| Hawkeye CC | 5 weeks | $4995 |
| Indian Hills CC | 6-9 weeks | $4800 |
| Iowa Lakes CC | 2-5 days | $1500 |
| Iowa Western CC | 3-4 weeks | $4700 |
| SWCC | 3-5 days/3-5 weeks | $2000/$4500 |
Potential Financial Assistance Opportunities
(Pending student meeting eligibility requirements)
Gap Tuition Assistance Program (GAP)
Helps to cover, or fill in the GAP for short-term, non-credit training that Federal dollars can’t cover. Eligibility is based on financial need. Contact SWCC Business and Community Development Department for more information.
Phone: 641-782-1417
Email:
Pathways for Academic Career and Employment (PACE)
Assists in funding GAP non-credit programs and can also help to fund credit programs. Contact SWCC Business and Community Development Department for more information.
Phone: 641-782-1417
Email:
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Provides funding based on eligibility requirements for 3 different programs – Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Out of School Youth. Contact a local IowaWORKS AJC for application instruction.
Phone: 641-782-2119
Email:
Website: workforce.iowa.gov/locations/iowaworks-creston
PROTEUS
Provides agricultural workers and their families with affordable health care, education assistance, and job training.
Phone: 1-800-372-6031
Website: proteusinc.net
Iowa Vocational Rehab Services
Assists students facing barriers to educational and occupational opportunities in finding success.
Phone: 641-782-8538
Email:
Website: ivrs.iowa.gov
Enrollment Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old. Must be 21 years old to drive out of state.
- Pass a DOT Physical to obtain your Medical Card. (Options are available locally at Creston Chiropractic ($100) and Greater Regional Health Occupational Medicine ($154). Please call ahead to schedule as some portions of the questionnaire require more time to process.)
- Study and test for your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at the DMV. We require completion of Air Brakes, Combination Vehicle, and General Knowledge.
- Provide current 5-year MVR report. These are available for purchase through the DMV. (Dated within two weeks of class start date.) Disqualifying factors must be considered for insurance purposes.
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through our third-party provider. (We will guide you through this process once we have received your Medical Card and copies of your CLP.
- Pass DOT Drug Screen. (Options are available locally at Greater Regional Health Occupational Medicine ($42). Please call ahead to schedule as some portions of this will take longer to process as well.)
- Register with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. (We will assist you in this process.)
Once you have completed these steps, we will work with you and your schedule to assign you to the first available course we have an opening for. Please be mindful that the program is new and has a current waitlist, so following our guidance through this timeline will be most helpful in making sure things go in as streamlined a manner as possible.
CDL Driver Test Prep
$2000 plus fees
This course is recommended for students who have some experience driving Class A or B vehicles, or who have previously been licensed but may have allowed their CDL to lapse. We offer a comprehensive three- to five-day training course designed to familiarize students with the standards associated with Iowa DOT Modernization CDL Testing. For students who need to pass this examination and may already have secured employment, this option will allow them to undertake a more detailed training process with their employers. Our classes and testing will be conducted in a truck equipped with a manual transmission, so some experience with manual transmission shifting is preferred.
Sample Schedule
Schedule will vary based on students' needs and testing availability.
- Day 1 (Monday): 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Day 2 (Tuesday):7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Day 3 (Wednesday): 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Day 4 (Thursday): TBD - Based on testing schedule.
- Day 5 (Friday): TBD - Based on testing schedule.
- Each training day will include a one-hour lunch break as well as two 15-minute breaks.
CDL Driver Test Prep Testing Policy: Students will be allowed one test, with two additional retests should they fail either of the first two attempts. Following a third failed exam, SWCC will require students to enroll, pay the tuition difference, and complete the adjusted program training requirements of our CDL Driver Training Program before being offered the opportunity to retake the test using SWCC equipment and examiners.
*PLEASE NOTE* - Industry and trucking insurance standards suggest drivers complete a minimum of 160 hours of training before being hired by most companies. Although this is not a federal or state regulation, we want prospective students to be aware of it before selecting this option.
Enrollment Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old. Must be 21 years old to drive out of state.
- Pass a DOT Physical to obtain your Medical Card. (Options are available locally at Creston Chiropractic ($100) and Greater Regional Health Occupational Medicine ($154). Please call ahead to schedule as some portions of the questionnaire require more time to process.)
- Study and test for your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at the DMV. We require completion of Air Brakes, Combination Vehicle, and General Knowledge.
- Provide current 5-year MVR report. These are available for purchase through the DMV. (Dated within two weeks of class start date.) Disqualifying factors must be considered for insurance purposes.
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through our third-party provider. (We will guide you through this process once we have received your Medical Card and copies of your CLP.
- Pass DOT Drug Screen. (Options are available locally at Greater Regional Health Occupational Medicine ($42). Please call ahead to schedule as some portions of this will take longer to process as well.)
- Register with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. (We will assist you in this process.)
Once you have completed these steps, we will work with you and your schedule to assign you to the first available course we have an opening for. Please be mindful that the program is new and has a current waitlist, so following our guidance through this timeline will be most helpful in making sure things go in as streamlined a manner as possible.
Transportation Training Center
SWCC Business & Community Development offers Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training on the SWCC Creston campus at the Transportation Training Center at the SWCC Agricultural Sciences Center, north of campus on Green Valley Road.
The CDL program is provided for individuals who wish to obtain their Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). It includes online instruction for the federally mandated Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory, as well as hands-on training for DOT mandated Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Skill Maneuvering, and Road Driving examination segments. This program is recommended for those who have some experience driving a larger vehicle pulling a trailer, including how to operate a manual transmission with air brakes.
A longer training option is available for those who have little to no experience driving larger vehicles and pulling trailers. This option will include additional range and route training time with qualified instructors on staff at the college. Both training options will also include on-site DOT testing upon successful completion of training.
Program Offerings
CDL Driver Test Prep
This course is recommended for students who have some experience driving Class A or B vehicles, or who have previously been licensed but may have allowed their CDL to lapse.
CDL Driver Training Program
This course is recommended for students who have minimal experience driving Class A or B vehicles.
About the Program
The program was made possible by an Iowa Workforce Development CDL Infrastructure Grant and institutional matching for the purchase of equipment, construction of a training building, and driving practice range.
Although CDL licenses are issued by individual states, the regulations surrounding them come from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), so the age requirements are the same in every state:
- The minimum age to obtain a CDL is 18 in every state.
- CDL drivers younger than age 21 may only drive within their states of residence
- After turning 21, they may operate commercial vehicles in all other states
All students will need to obtain their permit, which is good for one year. Once you have your permit, complete this form and submit a copy of your permit to be put on a waitlist. We will reach out when the ELDT theory portion is ready for enrollment. The cost for the Class A CDL driver test prep course will be $2,000, with $120 paid at the time of theory registration and the remainder due when registering for the Behind the Wheel (BTW) portion. Fees will include ELDT online theory, in-person classroom pre-trip training, and behind-the-wheel (BTW) range and road portions. Students will be able to complete the DOT examinations on-site following the ELDT Theory and BTW portions. You may qualify for financial assistance to cover the cost of your training through the GAP & PACE Tuition Assistance Programs. The application process includes income verification, assessments, and an interview with a pathway navigator. Apply to the GAP/Pace Program online
- Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit by passing the written tests at a DOT driver’s license station or your local county courthouse. They will need to take the tests for CDL General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination for a Class A CDL permit. The Iowa DOT has a Study App available to prepare for your written testing if you check their website. Iowa DOT Modernization Study Guide
- Once the ELDT theory portion is available, students will be able to register online and pay the theory portion. We will enter your information in the training portal and you will be emailed a link to access the theory course. It will take approximately 12 hours to complete the online theory course, which you can do at your own pace.
- Once you have completed the theory portion, your information will be reported to the FMCSA site, and you will send us verification of completion so we can register you in the next available Behind the Wheel (BTW) range and road portions of the ELDT. The remaining balance of the course fees will be due at this time. The BTW training will be filled in the order we receive completion confirmation of the Theory course. The BTW on-campus pre-trip, range, and road training will take approximately three to four days but may vary depending on instructors’ schedule.
- Upon completion of the BTW, you will test with a DOT examiner on our campus.
- SWCC will report completion of exam to DOT and you will then be able to get your license at the issuance office (DOT site or local treasurer’s office).
Recommendation
Some experience in a larger vehicle prior to attending training at SWCC, including how to operate a manual transmission with air brakes. We also stress we are NOT a driving school teaching you how to drive. We are helping and instructing you to meet the requirements of the ELDT while preparing you for your testing with a DOT Examiner. Students will be driving SWCC’s 2018 Freightliner Manual 10-speed Tractor pulling a 40-foot drop-deck trailer for the range and road portions of the training. This will be the same equipment they will be using to take the DOT exam onsite.
Training
GAP Tuition Assistance/PACE
What is GAP Tuition Assistance?
Gap Tuition Assistance provides funding to eligible applicants enrolling in a GAP approved certificate program including information technology, health care, manufacturing, and transportation. GAP Tuition Assistance enables individuals to gain the necessary skills to obtain a job in an in-demand field.
What is unique about GAP?
Non-credit certificate programs are not eligible for federal financial aid, this program bridges the funding gap for those students pursuing short-term certificates.
What is covered by GAP?
GAP Tuition Assistance covers direct training costs, including tuition, books, testing fees and equipment for GAP approved classes:
Health Occupations
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Certified Medication Aide
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Emergency Medical Technician
Information Technology
- Basic Workplace Computing Certificate
Manufacturing
- MIG and TIG Welding
- Industrial Welding Certificate
Transportation
- Class A Commercial Driver's License Training
PACE: Get on a Path to Success
Through the Pathways for Academic Career Employment (PACE) program, a pathway navigator assists students in identifying potential barriers to success and connecting students to appropriate resources to diminish obstacles and increase success throughout students' training. PACE can provide assistance in the following areas: career support, financial support, educational support, and personal support.
Are you eligible?
The GAP Tuition Assistance Program is based on financial need. Eligible participants must provide proof of gross family income which cannot be over the 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. However, it is important to note that meeting the financial criteria alone DOES NOT guarantee funding. A variety of factors are considered when determining likelihood of completion including potential barriers to success, soft skills, and employability.
Application Process
Applicants will be required to take an assessment test, financial literacy inventory form, provide documentation of income, and meet with the Pathway Navigator at SWCC.
GAP and PACE Assistance Program Information
- Apply online here. Our Pathway Navigator will reach out via email once the application has been received.
- Complete an assessment test.
- Complete interview with SWCC Pathway Navigator. Proof of gross family income will be needed at time of interview.
To schedule an assessment test and an interview, contact Ashley Downing, SWCC pathway navigator/program coordinator, at 641.782.1441.
Success Stories
After I found myself unemployed, I realized I had no skills to help me acquire a job and get me out of debt. I was introduced to SWCC's pathway navigator, who sat with me to learn not only where I wanted to go, but also who I was and where I came from. Using her knowledge and resources, she informed me of GAP tuition assistance. Being approved for assistance was the best news I had gotten in months!
I'm currently with a trucking company that allows me to be home every night and spend time with my kids and I'm making more than twice the pay I did with my last job!
If you're a veteran, I encourage you to seriously look into SWCC's programs. Meet with a navigator and find out where your options can lead you! –
Shawn Docekal