Class A Commercial Driver's License

Drive Your Career Forward

Hawkeye’s Class A CDL program puts you on the fast track to a career in trucking. In just six weeks, you’ll build real driving experience, train on industry-standard simulators, and learn from expert instructors who know the road. By the time you finish, you’ll be prepared to earn your CDL A license and step into a career that’s in high demand—whether you choose local routes or long-haul opportunities, you’ll find steady, well-paying jobs waiting for you.

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Class A Commercial Driver's License At a Glance

Award
Workplace Certificate
Length of Study
Up to 6 weeks
Course Format
Face-to-Face
Classes Meet
Daytime, Evening
Program Start
Every 3 weeks

Explore all Driver and Operator Training options at Hawkeye

Proven Success: High Placement Rates, Decades of Experience, and Top Certification Achievements

98%

Placement rate into career

48+

Years of training truck drivers

90%+

Obtain CDL license

Your Future in Truck Driving

Obtaining a CDL A is a smart move. A Class A CDL opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities that offer financial stability, independence, and a recession-proof skill set.

Become highly employable across various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and more. Earn a great living and build a lasting career in a variety of truck driving jobs.

  • Over-the-Road (OTR) Truck Driver
  • Long-Haul Truck Driver
  • Yard Spotter, Yard Driver, Shag Driver
  • Local Truck Driver
  • Regional Truck Driver
  • Class A CDL Truck Driver
2M

U.S. heavy truck drivers

11B

Tons of goods transported by trucks

The Hawkeye Difference

24-Acre Driving Facility Regional Transportation Training Center

Hawkeye's Regional Transportation Training Center features an open driving area, 26-foot wide road, inclines, and right and left turns. The indoor facility features classrooms and drive through truck bays.

Peek Inside

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Driving Simulators - Risk-Free Learning

Grasp an understanding of controls, gauges and vehicle systems before getting behind the wheel of a bus.

Program Overview

Blend online and classroom lessons with practical, real-world applications with an entry-level driver training (ELDT) provider.

Gain essential, field-specific skills to confidently and safely operate a full-size semi-tractor and trailer. Key skills include:

  • Safe maneuvering in traffic and mastering backing techniques.
  • Conducting thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
  • Accurately maintaining log books and navigating using an atlas.
  • Learning to drive both 10-speed manual and automatic transmission trucks.

Gain confidence as you explore controls, gauges, and vehicle systems in a stress-free setting using driving and brake simulators.

See the simulator in action

  • Must be able to read, speak, write, and comprehend English. No interpreters are allowed per CDL regulations.
  • 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.
  • Pass and pay for a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and pre-employment drug screening.
  • Register with the Clearinghouse.

This program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, but other funding options may be available. We'll help you with the options.

Discover your funding options

Trucking with the Troops Grant

Eligible military members, veterans, and their families may qualify for the Trucking with the Troops grant, which can cover up to 100% of Class A CDL training costs—including tuition, testing, and required fees.

Explore the Trucking with the Troops Grant

You can earn additional CDL endorsements at Hawkeye.

Hazardous Material Training: Prepare to transport hazardous materials with this online class.

Tanker Training: Prepare to safely haul bulk liquids and gas.

Double/Triple Endorsement: Pass a knowledge exam to earn an endorsement to pull double or triple trailers.

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Contact a Program Coordinator to learn about the next session or connect with a Pathway Navigator to discuss your goals.

Flexible Schedules to Fit Your Needs: Pick the class times that work for you. Train once a day or more often to fit your schedule and goals.

  • Morning: 8 AM – 12 PM
  • Afternoon: 1 – 5 PM
  • Evening: 5 – 9 PM

Locations: Classroom instruction, virtual driving training, and hands-on driving sessions will take place at Hawkeye's Regional Transportation Training Center. Training is also offered in Peosta and Waukon in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College.

Cost: $4,995 – includes course fee, books, and 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's License (CDL): $8
*Estimate costs; prices may vary by provider.

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" Hawkeye exceeded my expectations. The instructors are all very informative, and they prepare you for what's going to actually happen when I'm out on my own. "
  • Rachael Kern
  • Class A CDL Graduate

Program Contacts

Regional Transportation Training Center

319-296-4286
Email the Regional Transportation Training Center

6433 Hammond Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50701

Map and Directions

Program Coordinator

Celeste Turner
319-296-4286
Email the Transportation Manager

Pathway Navigator

Michele Clark
319-296-4296 ext.3108
Email Michele Clark

Business and Community Education Registration

319-296-2490
Email to Register