Iowa CDL Requirements

Iowa CDL Classes

You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of Iowa (intrastate) and at least 21 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle across Iowa state lines (interstate). You need an Iowa CDL in order to operate either commercial or non-commercial motor vehicles that fall into the following categories:

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Class A
Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B
Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 or more pounds, as well as any vehicle towing another vehicle that does not exceed a weight of 10,000 pounds.
Class C
Any vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the criteria of either Class A or Class B, but is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or is used in transporting materials classified as hazardous in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Each applicant must also have a passenger or hazardous materials endorsement in order to obtain a Class C commercial driver’s license.

Applying for an Iowa Commercial Learner’s Permit

You must already possess an Iowa commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can take the CDL Skills Test. Before applying for an Iowa commercial learner’s permit, you must already possess a valid Iowa noncommercial Class C driver’s license (operator’s license). You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days and complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before you can take the CDL Skills and Drive Test. You will be issued an Iowa commercial driver’s license (CDL) when you pass both the written general knowledge test and the CDL Road/Skills Test.

In order to obtain an Iowa commercial learner’s permit, you must:

• Provide a valid Iowa noncommercial Class C driver’s license (operator’s license).
• Prove that you are at least 18 years old (you must be 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate travel).
• Provide proof of your legal U.S. status.
• Pass the vision exam (you must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye).
• Certify how you will use your commercial motor vehicle, which may require you to obtain a medical certificate.
• Pass the CDL general knowledge written test.
• Pay the $12 fee for the commercial learner’s permit.

A commercial learner’s permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance, with no renewal period. With a CLP, you may drive a commercial vehicle specific to the type of CLP you obtained only when accompanied by another driver who holds a CDL valid for the same type of commercial vehicle.

Over 60% of first time CDL applicants fail the written test! Be sure to buy the Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package, as it contains practice tests containing questions and answers specifically designed to help you pass the actual CDL written tests administered by the DMV. You may also want to buy the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package as it includes a collection of study guides with key information designed to help you rapidly learn all the sections of the CDL manual you must know in order to pass the CDL written exams.

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Complete Iowa CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package

Why risk failing your CDL written exams on the first try? Get the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package and be fully prepared for your CDL written exams. Best of all, there’s a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you fail your CDL written exams!

 

Our Free CDL Test will help prepare you for the actual CDL knowledge tests administered by the DMV.

Click here to see a map and clickable list of Iowa CDL test locations that offer the CDL general knowledge written tests.

Applying for an Iowa Commercial Driver’s License

You will need the following in order to obtain a commercial driver’s license in the state of Iowa:

• A valid Iowa commercial learner’s permit, held for at least 14 days, or a valid commercial driver’s license from another state.
• Proof of your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
• Completion of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) if you are applying for your first CDL or an upgrade that requires a skills test.
• Proof of your current Iowa residency that shows your name and current address (your Iowa license showing your Iowa address will meet this requirement).
• Certification of how you will use your commercial motor vehicle, which may require a current medical certificate.
• A passing interstate driving record check showing you are eligible for commercial licensing in all other states.
• A vehicle that has a valid registration, is in good working order, and is representative of the class of license you are applying for.
• The $8 per year fee for the Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial driver’s license (issued for an eight-year term).

The CDL Road/Skills Test

The CDL Road/Skills test is a three part test and consists of the following:

• Pre-trip Inspection: Before you can take the CDL driving tests, you will first be tested on your knowledge of the class of vehicle you plan on driving once you obtain your CDL. You will walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the license examiner what you are checking and why. You must also successfully demonstrate all components of the air brake check before you start the pre-trip vehicle inspection test.
• Skills Test: Before you can take the CDL Road Test, you will first need to prove that you have the skills to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads. This test consists of various maneuvers around cones and backing maneuvers.
• Road Test: Once you pass the first two tests, you will be required to drive your commercial vehicle on public roads in various traffic situations. You will be required to operate the same class of commercial vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.

The CDL Road/Skills Test must be taken in the same class and type of motor vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL. If you take the CDL Road/Skills Test in a commercial vehicle that is not equipped with air brakes, then you will have an air brakes restriction attached to your commercial driver’s license.

Once you obtain your Iowa commercial driver’s license, it will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued (licenses issued to persons 78 and over are valid for two years).

Be sure to download and study the Iowa Commercial Driver License Manual as it contains the information you need to pass the CDL Road/Skills test.

Click here to see a map and clickable list of Iowa CDL test locations that offer the CDL Road/Skills Test.

Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver’s License

To get a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, you must see a doctor who is active on the federally approved National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You can search for a qualified physician by using the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

As of October 23, 2025, CDL Medical Certificates are digital in Iowa. Your medical examiner will submit your Medical Examiner’s Certificate electronically through the National Registry, so you no longer fax, email, or mail a paper copy to the DMV.

When you receive a CDL product, you must certify how you use your commercial motor vehicle (self-certify). There are four categories to choose from:

• Nonexcepted Interstate: You must have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file, submitted electronically by your medical examiner.
• Excepted Interstate: No Medical Examiner’s Certificate is necessary, but driving options are limited.
• Nonexcepted Intrastate: A “K” restriction is added to your CDL. You must carry a medical certificate while driving, but it does not need to be turned in to the DMV.
• Excepted Intrastate: A “K” restriction is added to your CDL. No medical certificate is needed, but driving options are limited.

You can check your CDL certification status at any time by logging in to myMVD using your Iowa driver’s license number. If you do not keep your status updated, your license could be downgraded.

Hazmat Endorsement

Any person that is applying for a Hazardous Materials CDL endorsement is required to undergo a federal background check and federal fingerprint-based threat assessment according to guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration. All applicants must also provide the required documents to verify their identification and legal U.S. status. The hazardous materials endorsement fee is $5. If you haul hazardous materials in a tank vehicle, you will need a haz-mat/tank combination endorsement, which requires you to pass both the tanker and hazardous materials knowledge examinations and complete the fingerprint-based threat assessment, at a cost of $10. For more information, check out the Transportation Security Administration’s F.A.Q. page.

You can apply for the security threat assessment on the TSA Hazardous Material Endorsement Enrollment Website. You must begin applying at least 30 days before the expiration of your CDL. You can start the application process on the HTAP Online Application Website. To apply by phone call (855) 347-8371. Use the TSA Enrollment Center Locator to find the nearest TSA approved fingerprint office.

Military Drivers

If you have recent experience driving large trucks in the military, you may be eligible to obtain an Iowa commercial driver’s license without taking the skills test (and, with a qualifying military occupational specialty, the knowledge test). To be eligible for the waiver, you must be on active duty or have separated from service within the past year, have legally operated the same type of commercial motor vehicle you expect to operate as a civilian for at least two years immediately preceding separation (or for at least two years prior to applying if still in the military), have had no more than one civilian driver’s license and no driver’s license sanction or disqualifying conviction within the past two years, be an Iowa resident, and hold a valid Iowa driver’s license.

You must present acceptable evidence that you have operated a vehicle representative of a commercial motor vehicle (a valid or expired military CDL that clearly defines the vehicles you are or were authorized to drive) along with your military service record (DD Form 2 if you are active or reserve, or DD Form 214 if you are an honorably discharged veteran). Some circumstances may require written verification from your commanding officer. Complete the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver to start the process. If you have questions about the waiver, call the Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division’s help desk at 515-244-1052, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except official state holidays.

Iowa CDL Endorsements

H Placarded Hazmat Required to transport hazardous materials under DOT regulations. Endorsement fee: $5.

N Tank Vehicles Required to transport liquids in bulk containers of 1,000 gallons or more. Endorsement fee: $5.

X Tanker/Hazardous Materials Combination Required to transport hazardous materials in tank vehicles. Endorsement fee: $10.

T Double/Triple Trailers Indicates CDL holder is certified to operate multiple trailer haulers. Endorsement fee: $5.

P Passengers Indicates the CDL holder is certified to operate passenger vehicles. Endorsement fee: $10.

S School Bus Indicates the CDL holder is authorized to operate a school bus. The “P” endorsement is also required. Endorsement fee: $10.

If an endorsement is added outside your regular renewal period, a $10 fee will be charged for printing a new card with the new endorsement.

Important Iowa Commercial Driver’s License Resources

Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package
Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package
Iowa Driver’s License Types and Fees
Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
Self-Certify Using myMVD
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

Check out our list of truck driving schools in Iowa that will provide you with the necessary skills to obtain your commercial driver’s license and start your career in the exciting field of commercial truck driving! You may also want to check out our nationwide list of truck driving schools.

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Map of Iowa CDL Testing Locations

**The CDL Road/Skills Test is not offered at this location.

Some CDL testing locations require you to set up an appointment. CDL testing hours may vary. Please call the testing location for more information.

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