This program is designed to prepare you for employment in the trucking industry. The course exceeds 160 hours consisting of both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel experience satisfying requirements determined by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for entry-level driver training in accordance with 49 CFR 380.503.
Areas of classroom instruction include: Instrument Clusters, Brake System Operation and Inspection, Diesel Engines, Trailer Specifications, Coupling and Uncoupling Trailers Safely, Shifting Theory, Driving Techniques, Backing Tractor-Trailers, Safety Compliance (CSA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA), and log books. Behind-the-wheel experience will prepare attendees for the CDL Pre-trip/Vehicle Inspection test, the Basic Control Skills Test and the Road Test.
A class A CDL instructional permit, current driving record, textbook, DOT physical and drug screen are all required to begin the program.
By the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to test for your CDL. Multiple recruiters from area trucking companies visit each class to recruit; additional job placement assistance is available.
The Truck Driver Training at Western Iowa Tech has a 98% employment rate for its graduates. The median annual wage for a truck driver is over $40,000 a year in a variety of industries. The future outlook is strong with growth expected through the next several years.
Classes are located at the Western Iowa Tech Beltway Center, 3415 Hwy. 75 North. Evening classes are now being offered. Tuition assistance may be available for the four-week course. Call us to see if you'd qualify.
View our Truck Driving FAQs for more information.
Public CDL Testing Options
Third party examiners available. For more information, visit our Public CDL Testing page.
View IowaDOT for additional information.