CDL Truck Driver in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.
Jobs (IA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Iowa
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Iowa, applicants must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), hold it for at least 14 days, and complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Subsequently, individuals must pass a CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test. A valid DOT medical certificate is also a mandatory requirement, and reciprocity is generally offered for out-of-state CDLs, though a hazmat endorsement necessitates retesting.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Iowa. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Iowa requirements
| Licensing body | Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($75) |
| Application fee | $64 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: $12 for CLP, $8/year for license ($64 for 8 years). Skills test fees are paid to the Iowa DOT or counties ($25 per section, total $75) or third-party providers (vary, $100-$200). Federal ELDT is required for new applicants and those upgrading or adding certain endorsements. Hazmat endorsement requires a knowledge test at each renewal and a TSA background check. |
workspace_premium Iowa license tiers
Iowa offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleIowa license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk