To apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Iowa, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Iowa driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Whether you’re interested in coast-to-coast truck driving or a local passenger van business, you will need a commercial driver’s license to legally and safely start your new career. These vehicles are uniquely difficult to operate, so there are rigorous skill and knowledge tests for commercial drivers. To start, you’ll need a local license, proof of insurance, and a commercial vehicle.

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What is required for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Iowa?

To get an

Iowa CDL

, you need to verify your identity and pass several tests. You must also have a

clean driving record

and a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for taking your driving tests.

While there are some consistent federal (aka nationwide) requirements for commercial drivers, it’s important to understand state laws as well. Beyond the basic CDL, there are classes of CDL and endorsements that you may need if you plan to drive a specific type of commercial vehicle.

Iowa CDL classes

There are three classes of CDL in Iowa. From most to least comprehensive, they are: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class D is not considered a CDL.

Here are the types of vehicles each class allows you to operate:

Class A: Any combination of vehicles whose Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeds 26,000 pounds where the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle is over 10,000 pounds. A driver with a Class A CDL can operate vehicles in any class below.

Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds or any combination of vehicles where the GVWR of the towed vehicle is under 10,000 pounds. A driver with a class B CDL may drive a vehicle in any class below.

Class C: Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet Class A or B specifications but that is either designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers or hazardous materials. Hazardous materials require a special placard.

Class D: Private vehicle for hire, passengers fewer than 16, regular operator. This is also known as the chauffeur’s license.

A livestock carrier or tractor-trailer requires a Class A CDL, whereas a school bus or regular truck probably requires a Class B CDL. Note that Iowa does not currently permit the operation of triple trailers. HAZMAT vehicles and passenger vans require a Class C CDL—and special endorsements.

Endorsements

There are five types of endorsements for Iowa CDLs to allow the driver to operate specific types of vehicles:

H: for transportation of hazardous materials

P: for passenger vehicles

S: for school buses

N: for tank vehicles

T: for towing two or three trailers over a specific weight

X: for transportation of hazardous materials in a tank vehicle

There are also seven restrictions that may be placed on your CDL:

L: if the driver’s test is performed in a vehicle without a full air brake system

Z: if the driver’s test is performed in a vehicle without an air-over hydraulic brake system

E: if the driver’s test is performed in a vehicle without an automatic transmission

O: if the driver’s test is performed in a Class A vehicle with a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection

M: if the driver has a Class A CDL but gets the P endorsement in a Class B vehicle

N: if the driver has a Class B CDL but gets the P endorsement in a Class C vehicle

V: if a medical variance has been issued to the driver

K: for intrastate-only CDL operation

You may need to pass additional tests to achieve the above endorsements.

It is possible to remove some of the restrictions above by passing a knowledge examination in the relevant area, such as a CDL Air Brake knowledge examination. Some restrictions can be removed by passing a pre-trip inspection test.

Here is a

complete list of the codes

from the Iowa DOT.

Minimum age requirement

If your commercial driving will take place within the state of Iowa, the minimum age requirement for an Iowa CDL is 18 years old. However, you must be at least 21 years old to cross state lines with a CDL or transport hazardous materials.

Medical requirements

All commercial drivers must obtain a

Medical Examiner’s Certificate

to get an Iowa CDL license. This is a federal requirement, although there are

exceptions

for some types of drivers.

The medical test will measure:

Vision

Hearing

Blood pressure

Blood sugar

Drug use

Be aware that some prescription drugs may disqualify you if they could affect your ability to drive. Some drivers (

but not all

) must carry a copy of their Medical Certificate inside the vehicle at all times.

New ELDT requirements

As of February 2022, there are new requirements for

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

. If you do not yet have an Iowa CDL, you must train with a registered provider in

FMCSA’s registry

before you can take the CDL tests.

Once you have had a

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

for at least 14 days and completed the ELDT, you’re almost ready to get your full CDL in Iowa.

MORE:

Seat-belt laws in Iowa

How to apply for a CDL in Iowa

Let’s review the entire process of applying for a CDL in Iowa. To start, you will need a valid Iowa driver’s license and a pristine driving record.

Minor violations on your driving record could slow down your application, and major violations could prevent you from getting a CDL at all. For instance, distribution of controlled substances in a felony situation disqualifies you for life. A DUI could disqualify you for one year.

If your driving record is clean, then you can apply for the first step: a

commercial learner’s permit (CLP)

. You must have a CLP for at least 14 days before you can test for a full CDL.

To get a CLP, you will need:

Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency

Proof of Iowa residency

Social security number

Self-certification of medical status or medical examiner’s certificate, if necessary

Bring these documents to your

local driver’s license office

. Fill out the CLP application and prepare to pass the knowledge tests. The cost of a CLP in Iowa is $12 and it is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

After you have held the CLP for at least 14 days, you are eligible to apply for a full Iowa CDL.

The

base fee

for an Iowa CDL is $8 per year. You will need to pass a driving test, which you can schedule with the Iowa DOT. There is also a knowledge test that includes general questions about commercial driving as well as endorsement-specific questions. You can use the

Iowa CDL test app

to prepare, if you like.

Here are some of the areas you may need to know about:

General knowledge for any CDL

Combination vehicle for Class A

Air brake

Passenger

School bus

Doubles/triples

Hazmat

Tank

Iowa operator

You can still pass if you miss a few questions in each category, according to the

Iowa DOT

Once you finish the written test, it’s time to get behind the wheel! You must provide a commercial vehicle and perform a pre-trip inspection in front of the examiner. Then, you must perform every skill in the

skills test

and drive on a public road with the examiner.

Prepare to demonstrate that you can:

Start the vehicle

Off-set back up

Straight-line back up

Parallel park

Alley dock

Change lanes properly

Shift gears properly

Navigate curves safely

Handle railroad crossings

After you pass the driving test, congratulations are in order! You are now ready to hit the road with your official Iowa CDL.

MORE: Iowa road conditions

How long is a CDL valid in Iowa?

Once you receive your Iowa CDL, it will be valid for anywhere between five and eight years. Iowa staggers the validity period to make it easier for the DOT to handle license renewals in waves.

MORE:

Iowa road closures

How to save on car insurance in Iowa

Getting your Iowa CDL can be expensive and time-consuming. With safety at stake, it makes sense that the requirements are rigorous.

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