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 A CDL in just three short weeks, or a Class B CDL in one week!
Plus, we'll help you find full-time employment with trucking companies that hire our graduates directly out of the course. You can soon be enjoying the many advantages and benefits of employment as a full-time truck driver.
Enroll for Class A CDL Enroll for Class B CDLKeVonte completed Kirkwood's truck driving program for free, thanks to GAP tuition assistance from our Skills-to-Employment program. Learn more about his experience!
Kirkwood Community College is accredited by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the course follows the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. The course format for the ELDT Class A CDL and the ELDT Class B CDL is a combination of online and in-person instruction that includes driving skills, lecture, demonstrations covering U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations, preventive maintenance, and current events in the industry.
Each student receives 8 hours of online theory instruction plus 100+ hours (or 30 hours for Class B CDL) of in-person instruction, which includes pre-trip, backing skills, and behind-the-wheel road driving.
Major units include:
Class Times
The Class A CDL program meets Mondays through Thursdays from 8am-4pm, and Fridays from 8am-2pm. Classes occur every three weeks.
The Class B CDL program meets Monday through Friday from 8am-2:30pm. Classes occur once per month.
Online Learning
Class instruction will consist of 8 hours of online theory which will need to be completed prior to the hands-on training portion of the course. For CDL endorsements (hazmat, school bus, passenger), there is an additional 6 hours of online theory per endorsement.
Faculty
Kirkwood instructors are qualified driving instructors with extensive field experience and training and are approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
State Licensing
Testing will occur on site with Kirkwood's own certified 3rd party Iowa Department of Transportation examiner who will administer the test portion of the Class A CDL/Class B CDL. Program equipment is used for testing.
Equipment
Kirkwood uses conventional 10-speed manual trucks, 53’ vans, flatbeds, and reefers to train in our Class A CDL program. The Class B CDL uses a 10-speed manual truck (with no trailer attached) or a passenger bus.
Sequence of education is as follows:
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.
Applicants for the Class A CDL and Class B CDL programs 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:
Costs of this program are:
Tuition assistance is available depending on eligibility to cover the cost of your program. Click the link below to contact us to see how we can support your career goals.
Students are assisted in finding full-time employment with trucking companies that hire graduates directly out of the course. Federal regulations require each driver to be able to pass a Department of Transportation physical, drug test, and have a driving record free of violations which may hinder or prevent employment as a truck driver.
Representatives from the following companies will come in to the class to talk to students about driving opportunities:
Other Resources
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:
Please contact Ashley Grimm at 319-398-7130 or ashley.grimm@kirkwood.edu for more information.
The Truck Driving program at Kirkwood Community College is one of the longest running driver training programs in the state of Iowa.
Originally founded in the early 1970s, Kirkwood's Truck Driver Training Program is one of the premier driver training programs in the United States. Participants enter with little or no professional driving experience, and in just three short weeks, are equipped to handle a commercial vehicle in a safe and professional manner.