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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

View available class start dates.

Class meets: Daily with varied class times. Choose the time(s) that work best for your schedule.

  • 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. Training is also offered in Peosta, Iowa and Waukon, Iowa.

Cost: $4,995

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.

Registration

Register online for Class A CDL or call 319-296-4286 to register.

Enrollment 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.
  • Pass and pay for a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and pre-employment drug screening.
  • 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 $37,300 $50,800 $61,200

Source: Iowa 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 the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS).

National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS). Dedicated to Quality Education. Partners in Transportation Industry.

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.

All fields marked with * are required.

How did you hear about this program?

Contact Information

Transportation Manager

Celeste Turner
319-296-2329, ext.1335
Email Celeste Turner

Business & Community Education

Regional Transportation Training Center
6433 Hammond Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50701

319-296-4286
Email the Regional Transportation and Training Center

Hammond Avenue Bridge over Sink Creek, south of Orange Road is closed. Please use an alternate route.

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Student Testimonial

"Staff and instructor engagement was awesome! They had an 'all in' attitude and were willing to help out in any way they could to ensure students reached their goals. Instructors were easy to talk to and work with - always friendly, fully engaged, and supportive."

Rodney Dostart, Class A Commercial Driver's License Certificate
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