Transportation/Commercial Driving Programs

ELDT Class A CDL CTTK-1100

In three weeks or less, you can be earning a good living driving a semi after completing Kirkwood's ELDT Class A CDL Professional Driving course. There are tremendous job opportunities through our placement service. Learn the safe driving skills necessary to get your Class A CDL and a well-paying job. Tuition includes online entry level driver theory training, entry level driver behind the wheel training, along with testing with a third party Iowa DOT certified examiner at our site. Operating a semi requires a special set of skills, which includes being able to safely maneuver and back the vehicle. The advanced backing skills portion of the course will prepare students with real-life backing situations which include: straightening, off set, parallel, blindside and angle backing. Additional backing skills will include encountering obstacles such as cars, posts, curved entrances, docks and backing through parking lots and around building corners. All of our vehicles are 10-speed manual transmissions. Kirkwood is an approved FMCSA Training Provider. Class will consist of 8 hours of online theory which will need to be completed prior to the 108 hour face to face hands on training.

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

Upcoming Offerings:
Begins March 27th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 133675)
Begins April 17th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 133712)

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

Tuition Assistance:
Yes. Full tuition assistance is available to support your career goals.*Click here to learn more.
*Some eligibility restrictions may apply.

Industry Credentials Earned:
Class A CDL

Careers:
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Average hourly earnings: $30*
Average Salary in Iowa: $47,214 - $66,332**
*Source: zippia.com, Iowa region
**Source: salary.com and indeed.com, Iowa region, updated 2022

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 A CDL permit from any Iowa 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 combination vehicle 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:
116 hours, 13.92 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 10 speed manual transmission semi attached to a 53 ft trailer 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 A CDL and be able to operate a semi truck or find other possible careers in the transportation industry. Students are assisted in finding full-time 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: 
Call (319) 398-7130 for a brochure and more information.
www.kirkwood.edu/td