NEW IN FALL 2024, SWCC Business & Community Development will offer CDL training on the SWCC Creston Campus. This program is for those who want to obtain their Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). It will include 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.
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 requirements are the same in every state.
- The minimum age to obtain a CDL is 18 in every state.
- CDL holders younger than 21 may only drive within their state 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 total cost for the Class A CDL 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 17.5 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 on site.