ELDT Professional Truck Driver Training

ZST-206

• Want to get your CDL for free? Call to see if you qualify for one of the available grants!
• 390 hours of student training, a minimum of 52 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 Friday 8:00am-4:00pm.
• 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 approximately 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 $7,000 plus. On-site, furnished housing is available for $700.

ZST-207

• On-the-job training (OJT) consists of 210 hours (approximately 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 CDL Course Start Dates in Fort Dodge, IA: (Subject to Change):

• January 7 - March 25, 2025
• February 7 - April 25, 2025
• March 18 - May 30, 2025
• April 23 - July 8, 2025
• May 29 - August 12, 2025
•  July 2 - September 16, 2025
• August 1 - October 15, 2025
• September 10 - November 20, 2025
• October 7 - December 19, 2025

Entrance Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age (Iowa Residents) / 21 years old (Out-of-State Residents),
2. Must be able to speak, read and comprehend English (per DOT and FMCSA regulations).
3. Must possess a valid US driver’s license.
4. Must have a class A CDL permit (CLP) from the state where you reside. Out-of-state students can use their permit to attend school in Iowa.
5. Out-of-state students must pass a DOT approved physical before attending (to be able to drive commercial vehicles in Iowa), Iowa Residents must pass DOT physical while in school.
6. All students are required to take a drug and alcohol screen in class (included in the fees). (Please be aware that no marijuana- neither CBD or medical marijuana is allowed.)
7. Fill out our application under the CDL Admissions tab.
8. Driving record and criminal backgrounds will be reviewed and approved prior to starting.
9. Completion of the online Theory modules (while in school) is required to obtain your CDL. 
10. Attendance and being on time are required.
11. 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 and Grants

1. Financial aid is available (Pell Grant/Direct Loan)
   www.studentaid.gov. Create and account and fill out the FAFSA for the 24-25 school year and the 25-26 FAFSA for classes starting July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.
2. Qualify for free training: (Iowa residents only.) Contact Liz 515-574-1906 or Neely 515-574-1973 for more information about the GAP grant.
3. Proteus is a scholarship program for those that have worked with agriculture or livestock. 712-363-1435
4. Iowa Workforce Development Center (IWD) 515-576-3131
5. Private loans

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information

For more on Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information, click here.

Contact Us

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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