$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.