ELDT Class B to A CDL Fusion Program

In less than a month, you can have a commercial driving career after completing Kirkwood's ELDT Class B to A CDL Fusion Program. Commercial driving is an in-demand career with tremendous local job opportunities. Learn the safe driving skills necessary to get your Class A CDL and a well-paying job. The 90 hours of in-person Behind the Wheel (BTW) training and testing, includes 50 hours of Class B skills and pre-trip training before transitioning to Class A skills for an additional 40 hours. Operating a semi requires a special set of skills, which includes being able to safely maneuver and back the vehicle. You will learn the necessary skills to prepare for real-life backing situations which include: straightening, off set, parallel, blindside, and angle backing. Additional maneuvering and backing skills will include encountering obstacles such as cars, posts, curved entrances, docks, and buildings. Vehicle options include manual and automatic transmissions. Kirkwood is an approved Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Provider. Course tuition includes online entry-level driver theory training (8 hours), entry-level driver behind-the-wheel training (90 hours) over a 3 week period. Tuition assistance may fund up to 100 percent of your registration costs for this program. Fill out our funding referral form at www.kirkwood.edu/cefunding.

After holding a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days and completing both the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and the hands-on driving portion of the class, students are required to pass the CDL skills and drive test. To schedule this test, students must complete the CDL Drive Test Request form, available on the Iowa Department of Transportation website: Schedule a CDL Drive Test Iowa DOT.