Class A Commercial Driver's License

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Class A Commercial Driver's License

Accelerate Your Career

You have the drive to build a successful career, and this program gives you the tools to do just that. By earning your CDL A license, you unlock a world of opportunities in local and long-haul trucking.

You’ll focus on hands-on experiences, ensuring that you spend most of your time behind the wheel, mastering the skills you need to excel in the trucking industry. Take control of your future in a high-demand field with significant earning potential.

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Class A Commercial Driver's License At A Glance

Degree

Workplace Certificate

Length of Study

6 weeks

Course Format

Face-to-Face

Class Meets

Daytime, Evening

Program Start

Continuous

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

U.S. heavy truck drivers

11B

Tons of goods transported by trucks

The Hawkeye Difference

24-Acre Driving Facility

Features an open driving area, 26-foot wide road, inclines, and right and left turns. Indoor facility features classrooms and drive through truck bays.

Peek Inside

Play

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 doesn't qualify for financial aid, but other funding options may be available.

Discover your funding options

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.

Call 319-296-4286 or email the Regional Transportation Training Center for information.

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: Train at a time that works best for you with daily class options.

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, Iowa, and Waukon, Iowa.

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. "