
ELDT Full Course
ELDT Full Course
ZST-206
- 390 hours of student training, a minimum of 51 sessions (approximately 11 weeks).
- Meets and exceeds the FMCSA ELDT Theory and BTW standards and requirements.
- The course consists of classroom work, range, public road driving and testing.
- We are an authorized 3rd party testing center and testing is done on-site with our certified DOT tester.
- Training is done in automatic and manual trucks.
- This is a certificate course.
- Classes are held Monday through Thursday 7am-3:30pm and Friday 7am-2:30pm.
- This course is recommended for someone that is interested in a career as a Professional Semi Truck Driver (local or OTR).
- Students learn the concepts of operating a tractor and trailer with hands-on operation that applies the learned knowledge into practical application.
The 11 weeks will be spent covering:
- Inspections (all types)
- Basic control
- Serpentine driving (control of trailer)
- Backing (all types)
- Proper set ups
- Turns
- Shifting
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Driving in rural, city and interstate conditions. Students average 200 hours of driving.
- Teaching a student to operate an 80,000-pound truck safely will also include: map reading, trip planning, logging, load securement, and proper weight distribution.
Tuition is $6,875.00 plus. On-site, furnished housing is available for $650.
ZST-207
- On-the-job training (OJT) consists of 210 hours (4 weeks) with the student’s new employer (pay provided by employer).
- A Training Evaluation Worksheet must be returned to Iowa Central upon completion.
Upon completion, students will receive two certificates: one for the 390-hour ZST-206 course and one for the 210-hour ZST-207 course.
Upcoming Classes in Fort Dodge, IA: (start dates are subject to change)
- April 14, 2023
- July 7, 2023
- Sept 27, 2023
Entrance Requirements
Must be 18 years of age.
- Must be able to speak, read and comprehend English (per DOT and FMCSA regulations).
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must have a class A CDL permit (CLP) from the state where you reside. Out-of-state can use their permit to attend school in Iowa.
- Get a DOT approved physical. (Physician must be listed on the FMCSA register of certified doctors). Do not do the drug screen – we do that when you start classes.
- Fill out our application under the CDL Admissions tab.
- Call us and pay for the online Theory to be done prior to attendance (this will be reimbursed when you start classes). The cost is $75.
- All students are required to take a drug screen when class starts (included in the fees).
- Driving record and criminal backgrounds will be reviewed and approved prior to starting.
- Attendance and being on time are required.
- Excessive absences or tardiness may result in dismissal of students from the program. (Full course allows 2 excused absences, but the time must be made up with homework or by making up the hours.)
Financial Assistance Options
Financial aid is available (Pell grant/Stafford loan)
www.studentaid.gov. Create and account and fill out the FAFSA for the 22-23 school year and the 23-24 school year for classes June 2023 and after.- Qualify for free training: (Iowa residents only.) Contact Liz 515-574-1906 or Neely 515-574-1973 for more information about the GAP grant.
- Proteus is a scholarship program for those that have worked with agriculture or livestock. 712-363-1435
- Iowa Workforce Development Center (IWD) 515-576-3131
- Women and Minorities in Construction 800-850-5440 smendoza@eicc.edu
- Private loans
Contact Us
Thank you and we look forward to assisting you with the start of your new career! If you have any questions, please contact:
Kelsey Klaver (Recruitment & Student Specialist)klaver_k@iowacentral.edu
515-574-1965 call or text 515-570-3524
Jamie Hoshaw (Associate Dean)
hoshaw@iowacentral.edu
515-574-1964 call or text 515-570-3525

I chose Iowa Central because I loved the campus environment. Everyone was so welcoming. The softball team made it feel like a home away from home.