Iowa Central Community College

Introduction to Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central Community College has delivered semi-truck driving students to the industry since 1971. We have an excellent 98% placement (per 2017 PTDI reporting), into the job. Semi-Truck Driving is a great paying career with excellent opportunities. Our hands on training prepares you for the career you have chosen. There are many truck driving schools across our nation, and rest assured that we have a good school involving hands on training, loaded trailers, over the road trips and miles of experience.

Courses offered at Iowa Central's Transportation Technology Center

• Full CDL Course - The classroom prepares the student for the concepts of operating a semi-tractor and trailer. The hands on operation, applies the learned knowledge into practical application. This time will be spent on inspections (all types), basic control, serpentine driving (control of trailer), backing (all types), proper set ups, turns, shifting, coupling and uncoupling, along with driving (all types) rural, city and interstate conditions. Teaching a student to operate a truck safely at 80,000 pounds will include map reading, trip planning, logging, load securement and proper weight distribution. This program is 390 total hours, with a break down of 139.25 classroom hours, 52.75 lab hours and 198 truck training hours. Tuition is listed below for the full CDL course.
• Class A CDL Course - A one day of training consisting of pre-trip inspection, backing/skills training and road testing. This course is designed to obtain a CDL for personal use (such as grain, livestock, motor coach, ETC). The one day program is not for individuals who wish to be over the road truck drivers; the course and test are issued on the same day, this is not a certificate program. Cost $400, $100 deposit required.
• CDL Refresher Course - This program is for individuals having recent truck driving experience, but lacking in Over The Road (OTR) familiarity. The Refresher Course is based on a free evaluation of the individual to be certain they have the skill level needed. Average length is 80 hours, but is ultimately dependent of the individual skills. Tuition: $1900.00, $950.00/week plus any fees incurred (physical/drug test etc.)
• Accelerated CDL Course - The Accelerated Course is the condensed version of our full course, as previous experienced individuals should have advanced skills. This program is 6 weeks with 195 hours of student training. Tuition: $3,500, Fees: $675, Housing Fee: $400.

Financing and Tuition

Tuition is $5,500.00 plus $800 in fees (books/DOT physical & drug test/MVR/criminal background check, & fuel). Housing is available for $500. Grants and financial aid are available for individuals meeting the financial aid requirements.

Grants and financial aid include:

• Montgomery GI Bill for qualifying veterans
• Pell Grant
• Stafford Loan
• Partnership Loan
• Many trucking companies have tuition reimbursement plans that will pay you back all or part of your tuition after a certain amount of employment with the company.
• Students may qualify for assistance through Workforce Development (WIA), Proteus, Green Thumb, Promise Jobs, or Vocational Rehabilitation. If you are receiving unemployment or are laid off (displaced worker), you can check with your local WIA office and see what resources may be available. Please inquire about GAP funding.
• The GAP Tuition Assistance program provides tuition funding for approved Continuing Education certificate training programs in occupations including information technology, health care, advanced manufacturing and transportation.

To qualify for Financial Aid both courses (ZST-206/390hour, ZST-207/210) are required for a total of 600 hours (15 weeks). The course is Pell Grant and Stafford Loan eligible requiring a total of 600 hours (15 weeks). Student fees are non-refundable. Students will receive two certificates, one for the 390 hour ZST-206 course and one for the 210 hour ZST-207 course.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver license.
• Must possess a social security card (metal version not accepted).
• Must have no more than 5 moving violations in the last 3 years.*
• Must have no suspensions or serious moving violations in the last 12 months.
• Must meet all applicable requirements of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including, physical, mental and vision.
• No preventable accidents in the last 12 months.
• No alcohol related offenses in the last 3 years.*
• No drug related offenses in the last 3 years.*
• Must be able to verify the last 10 years of work history (if applicable).*
• Criminal history.*
• CDL Training/Licensing is Federally regulated. All must be able to read, speak, write, and comprehend in English (no interpreters are allowed per CDL Regulations/Laws).

*Must be approved prior to starting.

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  Iowa Central Community College
  One Triton Circle
  Fort Dodge, IA 50501
  515-574-1965

Find CDL Training Through Paid CDL Training Programs

Did you know there are also paid CDL training programs available? These are truck driving schools which are owned and operated by trucking companies. They're also known as company-sponsored CDL training programs. These programs can often turn out to be free CDL training! Check out that link to learn more.

Independent truck driving schools and company-sponsored schools are both worthy of consideration and are covered thoroughly in our truck driver's career guide.