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Get your Iowa CDL — government fees ($52), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Most information on this page has been verified.
80% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testers are available throughout Iowa
Third-party fee: $100–$300 (Varies by provider)
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
| 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
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
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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Iowa.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#35 of 51
Cost
#5 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$47,100
25th percentile
Median
$55,080
-4% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$63,180
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
37,430 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Iowa.