Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Certificate
Looking to start a career in truck driving? Hawkeye's Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Certificate program is a competency-based program designed for individuals to train for a career that offers freedom, stability, and competitive pay. You progress through the program as you master the content.
The program will focus on developing safe driving skills in backing, turning, and driving on rural and suburban roads.
Students will train using a variety of techniques including:
- Web-based and classroom instruction
- New state-of-the-art full-size automatic and 10-speed manual transmission semis
- Virtual driving simulators
Upon completion, students will take their DOT skills and driving tests to obtain their Class A CDL.
Class Information
Classes start every six weeks. View available class start dates.
Class meets: Daily with varied class times.
- Morning 8:00am–12:00pm
- Afternoon 1:00–5:00pm
- Evening 5:00–9:00pm
Location: Classroom, virtual driving training, and driving training will be held at Hawkeye's Regional Transportation Training Center.
Cost: $3,995 (course, books, testing fees)
Additional fees paid to providers:
- Commercial Learner Permit (CLP): $12
- DOT Physical: up to $180 *
- Pre-employment drug screen: up to $100 *
- Commercial Driver License (CDL): $8
* An estimated cost, price may vary by provider.
This program is not eligible for federal student aid, but may be eligible for other financial assistance.
Registration
Register for Class A CDL Request Information
Admission Requirements
All students must be able to read, speak, write, and comprehend English. No interpreters are allowed per CDL regulations.
Prior to starting, you must pass the General Knowledge, Air brakes, and Combination test at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and obtain your Class A Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) permit. You must also pass and pay for a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and pre-employment drug screening. You must also register with the Clearinghouse
Career Opportunities
Hawkeye has a placement rate of 98% (per 2017 PTDI reporting) into the career. Commercial truck driving is a great paying career with excellent opportunities. Our graduates can find employment in a variety of areas including:
- Truck driver
- Spotter
- Shag driver
- Freight agent
Truck drivers are in demand and the need for drivers is expected to increase over the next several years. Iowa Workforce Development projects more than 1,300 openings each year for truck drivers in Iowa through the year 2024.
Example Careers and Average Wages
| Career | Entry Wage | Average Wage | Experienced Wage |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $32,900 | $43,700 | $49,100 |
Source: 2020 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metro Area Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development
Hawkeye Community College cannot guarantee employment or promotion.
Our Experience
Hawkeye has been training commercial truck drivers since 1977. We are a member of the Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA) which helps us stay current on the changes taking place in the transportation industry and also the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS).
Questions? Need Help Getting Started?
Complete the form below and Hawkeye Business and Community Education will contact you to answer your questions and help you get started.