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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$52
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT through an FMCSA-registered training provider before testing
Varies by training program
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical with a certified medical examiner and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate
Medical certificates are now digital in Iowa as of Oct. 2025
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit an Iowa DOT service center with required documents, pass vision screening, and pass CDL knowledge test(s) for your desired class and endorsements
Bring proof of identity, citizenship, Iowa residency, and Social Security number
Fee: $12Practice with CLP
Hold your CLP for at least 14 days. Practice driving with a licensed CDL holder in the front passenger seat
CLP is valid for 12 months
Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass the three-part skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
Must provide your own vehicle for testing
Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL fee and receive your Iowa Commercial Driver's License
$8 per year for a 5-year CDL
Fee: $40Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($12) + CDL ($40) + state skills test (included)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testers are available throughout Iowa
Third-party fee: $100–$300 (Varies by provider)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Iowa
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$12
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Iowa has 47% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Iowa is one of the most saturated cdl truck drivers markets in the country.
Iowa ranks #3 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$40
$8 per year for 5-year renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDLs are issued at $8 per year. Iowa licenses can be issued for up to 8 years but CDL renewal cycle is typically 5 years.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit an Iowa DOT driver's license service center with required documents. Surrender your out-of-state CDL and apply for an Iowa CDL. Iowa will verify your driving record with all states where you have held a license in the past 10 years.
Transfer Fee
$40
$8 per year for CDL issuance
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Iowa residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; written and skills tests generally waived for valid CDL transfers
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Iowa waives the CDL skills test for eligible active duty military, National Guard, reserves, and recently separated veterans who have at least two years of safe driving experience operating military vehicles equivalent to commercial motor vehicles.
Eligibility
Active duty or separated within past 12 months from a military position requiring operation of equivalent CMVs, with at least 2 years of safe driving experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Iowa.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Iowa range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Start Your CDL Training in Iowa
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Iowa
Iowa CDL fees are calculated per year at $8/year, making them among the lowest in the nation. Licenses can be issued for up to 8 years.
CDL Schools in Iowa
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Iowa verified against Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: