Class B CDL
This course is for those who desire a commercial driver career and have some knowledge of commercial vehicles or experience driving large vehicles, including commercial vehicles. This approved FMCSA Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) course is for interested students 18 years of age or older. To get a Class B CDL, you will utilize the Kirkwood Community College commercial vehicles to train and test for your license. After completion of the class, you will be able to drive qualifying Class B commercial vehicles such as a dump truck or bus with additional endorsements.
The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in‑person instruction and hands‑on learning experiences.
The program consists of 38 total hours of instruction and provides 4.56 CEUs upon completion.
Student Eligibility and Pre‑Course Requirements
- Students must be at least 18 years of age.
- Applicants 18–21 years old are restricted to intrastate (within state lines) driving only.
Required Documentation (must be obtained and/or completed prior to attending the course):
- Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
- Must be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at least 14 days prior to the class start date.
- To obtain the permit, students must pass the following DMV exams:
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes
- Passenger Endorsement
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Long‑Form Physical
- Must be completed within 10 days prior to the class start date.
- Pre‑Employment Drug Test
- Must be completed within 10 days prior to the class start date.
- Required by federal regulations.
- Random drug testing may be required during the course of the program.
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Registration
- All students must register themselves as a student/trainee.
- Registration link:
https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/
Program Information
Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and be prepared for entry‑level employment in the transportation industry. Graduates are qualified to operate commercial fleet vehicles such as passenger buses, dump trucks, straight trucks, and similar equipment. Students also receive support with job placement and assistance connecting with transportation companies that actively hire program graduates.
Through classroom instruction and hands‑on training, students will:
- Develop essential driving skills required by the trucking industry, including shifting, double‑clutching, backing maneuvers, and vehicle control.
- Gain hands‑on experience operating commercial vehicles on public streets and highways through applied “touch driving” in real traffic conditions.
- Become familiar with safety regulations, industry standards, and required precautions emphasized throughout the training program.
- Identify and understand Department of Transportation (DOT) laws and regulations governing commercial truck and passenger vehicle operations.
- Develop a professional attitude and sense of responsibility expected of commercial drivers, performing job duties in a manner that reflects positively on the occupation.
- Receive a general overview of the transportation and trucking industry, including how it functions and what new drivers can expect when entering the workforce.
This course is graded on a pass/fail basis. To successfully complete the course, students must earn a minimum score of 80% on the Entry‑Level Driver Theory assessment and pass all required evaluations, including the pre‑trip inspection, skills assessment, and over‑the‑road driving test.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by the State of Iowa.
Tuition covers the FMCSA Entry‑Level Driver Training (ELDT) online theory coursework and required face‑to‑face behind‑the‑wheel instruction. Students are responsible for all Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) fees related to obtaining a CDL learner’s permit, as well as the costs associated with the Department of Transportation (DOT) long‑form physical examination and pre‑employment drug testing. Upon successful completion of the course, students are also responsible for the DMV fee to obtain their commercial driver’s license. Fees may vary based on location, license renewal status, and health insurance coverage.
“Kirkwood has services for everything, like counseling and the food pantry. I didn’t really expect to have that many services available to help me get through life outside of school, and that has been really nice.”
Mackenzie Eichhorn,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Tuition Assistance
You may qualify for tuition assistance!
Kirkwood connects students with a variety of funding resources for eligible FastTrack Career Certificate programs. Although not every program qualifies, those that do may be fully covered, up to 100% of your tuition costs.
Request Tuition Assistance
Additional Questions?
Continuing Education Department
Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning
More Information