Transportation/ Commercial Driving Programs

ELDT Class B CDL CTTK-1207

If you are looking for a career as a commercial driver, there are tremendous job opportunities with several local employers in the area. Learn the safe driving skills necessary to get your Class B CDL and a well-paying job operating buses, dump trucks, straight trucks, cement trucks and other Class B vehicles. The 30-hour course is designed for students who have some knowledge of commercial vehicles or experience driving large vehicles, while the 50-hour course is offers additional practice time for students with little to no knowledge of or experience with commercial vehicles. Tuition includes online entry level driver theory training, entry level driver behind the wheel training, along with testing by a third-party Iowa DOT certified examiner at our site. We have a variety of vehicles that students can use for practice on and test with. Kirkwood is an approved Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Provider. There will be additional online theory and driver training for students that wish to add the passenger and school bus endorsements.

Ready to learn more? Complete our online form or contact us at 319-398-1022.

Upcoming Offerings:
30 Hour:
Begins October 21st, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 146736)
Begins October 28th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 146755)
Begins November 4th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 146735)
Begins November 11th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 146756)

50 Hour:
Begins October 28th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 146746)
Begins November 11th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 146740)
Begins December 2nd, Cedar Rapids, (Class ID 146741)


Click here to view a full list of Class B CDL Professional Driving Certificate offerings.

Tuition Assistance:
Yes. Full tuition assistance is available to support your career goals. Fill out our referral form at www.kirkwood.edu/cefunding.
*Some eligibility restrictions may apply.

Industry Credentials Earned:
Class B CDL 

Careers:
Source: Career Coach 2020, Kirkwood Community College region.
Class B Truck Drivers
Starting hourly earnings: $16.86
Average hourly earnings: $23.98

Entrance Requirements/Prerequisites:
Students must be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are 18 – 21 years of age are only allowed to drive within state lines (intrastate). Students must have the following three documents obtained and/or completed before attending the course: 1.) A Class B commercial learners permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 14 days prior to the start date of the class. To obtain a permit, students must pass the general knowledge, airbrakes, and passenger tests at the DMV. 2.) A Department of Transportation long-form physical, completed within 10 days before the start of the class. 3.) A pre-employment drug test, completed within 10 days before the start of the class, as mandated by federal regulations. Random testing may be required during the length of the program. All students must register themselves as a student/trainee on the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearing House. Click the following link to register: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Delivery Method:
Hybrid (online and face to face)

Length of Program and CEU Credits:
38 hours, 4.56 CEU’s

Program Completion Requirements:
This is a pass/fail course. Students must complete and pass the Entry Level Driver Theory with a grade of 80% or higher and the pre-trip inspection, skills, and over the road test in order to pass the course and obtain their license

Course Objectives:
• Develop driving skills in maneuvering commercial fleet as required by the trucking industry, including shifting, double clutch, and backing techniques.
• Acquaint students with safety regulations and precautions throughout the training program.
• Identify Department of Transportation laws and regulations governing truck traffic.
• Develop the proper attitude of responsible employees who will perform their duties in a manner that will be a credit to the occupation.
• Provide a general overview of the trucking industry, how it functions, and what to expect as drivers.
• Acquaint students with driving on public streets and highways through applied “touch driving” experience in traffic.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will obtain their Class B CDL and be able to operate commercial fleet vehicles (passenger bus, dump truck, straight truck, etc.) or find other possible careers in the transportation industry. Students are assisted in finding employment with transportation companies that hire graduates directly out of the course. 

Other Items to Know About this Course:
Tuition includes FMCSA Entry level driver online theory and face-to-face behind the wheel training requirements, along with testing by an Iowa DOT 3rd party certified examiner at our site. Students are responsible for the fee at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the CDL permit as well as the fees for the Department of Transportation long-form physical and pre-employment drug test. Upon passing the class, students are responsible for the fee to obtain their commercial license at the DMV. Fees may vary depending on location, renewal of current license, and health insurance coverage. 

Pathway to Credit Program:
None.

Related Information: 
Find out more about transportation careers and opportunities at: https://explore-transportation.org and https://www.kirkwood.edu/td.