Transportation/Class A CDL Program 

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 understand Class B vehicle operation while also getting your Class A CDL. The 90 hours of face-to-face training 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. Registration deadline is 11:59 PM on the Sunday before class start date.

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 (BTW) training (90 hours), and testing with a third-party Iowa DOT certified examiner on-site.

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

Upcoming Offerings:
Begins March 24th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 151636)
Begins April 21st, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 151637)
Begins May 19th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 151639)
Begins June 23rd, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 151808)
Begins July 21st, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 151807)

Click here to view a full list of ELDT Class B to A CDL Fusion Program 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 A Commercial Driver License (CDL), upon satisfactory course and test performance.

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:

• Class A Learner’s Permit (CLP) with air brakes dated at least 14 days prior to class: $12 (Valid for 1 year)
• Register as a “student driver” on the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearing house by the first day of class (https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register)
• Pre-employment Drug Screening must be completed within 30 days of class: $50-$100
• Clearinghouse Query completed: $20-55
• DOT Physical: $80-150. A valid medical card (Valid for 2 years is required for students wanting to cross state lines
• ELDT online theory training must be complete prior to arrival for the first day of in-person Behind the Wheel training. The online theory is a student-paced training through ELDT Direct. Students will get an email from the National Highway Safety Administration with an online link within 24 hours of class start. ELDT course is included in tuition.
• Copy of your Class A CLP, Driver's License, Medical Card, Drug Screen results and Query results will need to be provided to or verified by your instructor on the first day of class.
• All prerequisites must be completed prior to the first day of in-person Behind the Wheel (BTW) training.

Delivery Method:
Hybrid: Online theory followed by Behind the Wheel (BTW) training and testing.

Length of Program and CEU Credits:
98 hours, 11.76 CEU’s

Program Completion Requirements:
This is a pass/fail course. Students must attend class sessions, complete and pass the online Entry Level Driver Theory with a grade of 80% or higher, and meet Iowa DOT requirements via 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:
Students have a high likelihood of leaving this course with a CDL:

• Class A CDL
• Class A CDL with manual restriction
• Class B CDL

Pathway to Credit Program:
None.

Related Information: Find out more about our Truck Driving program at www.kirkwood.edu/truckdriving.