Truck Driving

Requirements

• Must be 18 years old
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must have a valid Commercial Learner’s Permit
• Must have a valid DOT physical
• Must be legally able to be employed in the United States
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English per FMCSR 391.11 (b)(2)
• Intrastate Restriction (K) will be on student under 21 years old.

Your checklist to get started

• Career exploration
  Explore transportation careers to make sure that a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) fits with your career goals.
• Discuss funding assistance 
  If you need help paying for tuition, meet with a counselor, case manager, career advisor, or other specialist to determine eligibility and explore options. 
• Determine the type of license you want or need
  Understand the differences between Class A and Class B licenses, and related endorsements (passenger, school bus, or hazmat). 
• Earn commercial learner's permit
  Study for the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) Test, and take practice tests. Learn more at the Iowa DOT Website.
  When you are ready, schedule/attend your test through the Iowa DOT. You must earn your CLP prior to starting Behind the Wheel (BTW) or endorsement training components. 
• Register for your CDL class
  Contact us at (319) 208-5375.
• Complete online theory
  Complete the Entry Level Driver Theory Training (ELDT) offered in online or face-to-face formats. This is a federal requirement for all classes of CDL and endorsements. 
• Pass a drug test and physical
  You must complete your DOT physical and DOT urine drug screening before starting the Behind the Wheel (BTW) component.
• Attend and pass your class
• Pass certified DOT testing
  Once you have completed the BTW component, your instructor will help you register with our examiners to take your final test.

Yes. The Iowa DOT provides several resources listed below.

CDL Quick Guide - Resource to help determine who needs a CDL, the CDL class needed and licensing requirements and restrictions.

CDL Manual - Manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license.

Iowa CDL Test App - This app provides all you need to pass your Iowa CDL exam on the first try. It features over 600 exam-like questions, lifetime access to the CDL Manual, and numerous test-taking strategies. Covering every aspect of a CDL professional's career, from pre-licensing to various endorsements like combinations, hazardous materials, and school buses, it offers a thorough review of essential topics.

• If you were issued a CDL or a school bus, passenger, or hazardous materials endorsement before February 7, 2022, you are not required to take the ELDT course.
• If you hold a CLP issued before February 7, 2022, but the CLP expired before you applied for your CDL, you must take the ELDT course.
• If you obtained a CLP on or after February 7, 2022, you must take the ELDT course.
• If you held a CDL prior to February 7, 2022, and apply to upgrade to a higher class for the first time, you must take the ELDT course.

While it may seem expensive to obtain a CDL, it's more affordable than you may think.

There are several resources available to help you enter this rewarding career including Gap Tuition Assistance, Proteus Financial Assistance, Iowa Workforce and Vocational Rehab.

For more information on financial assistance, contact us at (319) 208-5375 or cbiz@scciowa.edu

Yes. Register here for the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. It will walk you through the process.

You will need to retake the portion of the course you did not pass, which will require an additional tuition payment.

Your enrollment in the course will be discontinued, and you will be required to complete a return-to-duty process at your own expense.

No. You can enroll in SCC’s CDL class regardless of the state that issued your license.