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Iowa

Online CDL Permit Practice Tests
state Iowa

Ace Your Iowa CDL Exam: Free Practice Tests
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Our free online CDL practice tests cover all the essential topics, including General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. Practice at your own pace, anytime, anywhere, to build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for your CDL exam.

General Knowledge Test

The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants.

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Air Brakes
Test

The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants.

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Combination Vehicle Test

The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a CDL in Iowa

Step 1: Determine Your CDL Class and Endorsements

Before applying for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Iowa, you must determine the correct CDL class and any necessary endorsements based on the vehicle you plan to operate and the type of cargo you will carry. This is required by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT).

CDL Classes in Iowa:

  • Class A CDL:
    Required to operate a combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with the vehicle being towed weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Example: Tractor-trailers.

  • Class B CDL:
    Required to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing a unit weighing 10,000 pounds or less. Example: Large buses, dump trucks.

  • Class C CDL:
    Required to operate vehicles not meeting Class A or B requirements but designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials that require placarding. Example: Small passenger vans, hazmat transport vehicles.

CDL Endorsements in Iowa:

Depending on the type of vehicle or cargo, you may need additional endorsements, which require passing specific knowledge tests (and sometimes skills tests):

  • H – Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): For transporting hazardous materials; requires TSA background check.
  • N – Tank Vehicles: For vehicles transporting liquids or gases in bulk.
  • P – Passenger: For vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers.
  • S – School Bus: For operating a school bus (must also have a Passenger endorsement).
  • T – Double/Triple Trailers: For pulling double or triple trailers.
  • X – Tanker and Hazmat Combination: For driving tank vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
Why is this step important?

Determining your correct CDL class and endorsements ensures you are prepared for the proper knowledge tests, skills tests, and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), if required. Your CDL and endorsements must match the specific type of commercial driving you intend to do.

For full official details, visit the Iowa DOT website:
https://iowadot.gov/mvd/cdl/CDL-homepage

Step 2: Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):

After determining your CDL class and required endorsements, the next step to obtaining a CDL in Iowa is applying for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The CLP allows you to legally practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads while accompanied by a qualified CDL holder.

Requirements to Obtain a CLP in Iowa:
  • You must already have a valid Iowa Class D (non-commercial) driver’s license.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle within Iowa (intrastate) and 21 years old for interstate driving, hazardous materials transport, or passenger transport.
  • You must provide acceptable proof of identity, Social Security Number, Iowa residency, and lawful presence in the U.S.
  • You must pass the required written knowledge tests, which vary based on your CDL class and desired endorsements (such as General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles).
  • You must complete a valid DOT physical exam and provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, unless you qualify for an exemption.
  • You must complete self-certification regarding the type of commercial driving you intend to do (intrastate or interstate).
CLP Validity:
  • The Iowa CLP is valid for 180 days and may be renewed once for another 180 days if needed.
CLP Driving Rules:

While holding a CLP, you may only operate a commercial motor vehicle while accompanied by a qualified CDL holder who:

  • Is at least 21 years old.
  • Has a valid CDL for the same class of vehicle.
  • Holds all required endorsements for the vehicle and cargo.
  • Must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times while you drive.
Before Your Skills Test:

You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before you can schedule your CDL skills test.

Step 3: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT):

Before taking your CDL skills test in Iowa, you may be required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). This is a federal requirement enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Iowa fully follows these regulations.

Who must complete ELDT in Iowa?

You must complete ELDT if you are:

  • Applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
  • Upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL.
  • Getting your first endorsement for:
    • Passenger (P)
    • School Bus (S)
    • Hazardous Materials (H)
What does ELDT include?
  • Theory Instruction: Covers key topics like vehicle control, safety procedures, hours of service, cargo securement, and inspections. This training can be completed online or in-person through an approved provider.
  • Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training: Hands-on driving experience on both a closed course and public roads with a qualified instructor.
How do I complete ELDT?
  • You must use a provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).
  • Your provider will electronically submit proof of ELDT completion to the FMCSA.
  • You cannot schedule your CDL skills test (or certain endorsement tests) until your ELDT is officially recorded.
Important Notes
  • ELDT is a one-time requirement per CDL class or endorsement.
  • If you held the same CDL class or endorsement before February 7, 2022, you are exempt from completing ELDT for that same credential.

For current details and approved providers, visit the official Iowa DOT or FMCSA websites.

Step 4: Practice with Your CLP:

After obtaining your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) in Iowa, you are required to practice driving a commercial vehicle to prepare for the CDL skills test. You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before becoming eligible to take the skills test.

CLP Driving Rules in Iowa
  • You may only operate a commercial vehicle while accompanied by a qualified CDL holder.
  • The supervising CDL holder must:
    • Be at least 21 years old.
    • Hold a valid CDL for the same class of vehicle.
    • Have all necessary endorsements.
    • Be seated in the front passenger seat at all times during driving.
What to practice with your CLP

Use this time to focus on the skills that will be tested during your CDL skills exam, such as:

  • Performing a complete pre-trip vehicle inspection.
  • Mastering basic vehicle control maneuvers like backing, turning, and parking.
  • Driving on public roads, including intersections, lane changes, turns, and highway driving.
Helpful tips
  • It is recommended to practice in the same type of vehicle you will use for your skills test.
  • If you test in a vehicle with certain limitations (such as an automatic transmission or no air brakes), those restrictions may appear on your CDL.

The CLP practice period is essential for building confidence and ensuring you are fully prepared for the CDL skills test. For official practice guidelines, refer to the Iowa CDL Manual.

Step 5: Schedule and Pass the CDL Skills Test:

After holding your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days and gaining enough practice, you can schedule your CDL skills test in Iowa. This test ensures you can safely and correctly operate a commercial vehicle.

How to schedule your CDL skills test
  • Schedule your skills test through an approved Iowa DOT CDL testing location or with a certified third-party examiner.
  • Make sure your Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is completed and recorded, if required, before scheduling your test.
What to bring on test day
  • Your valid Iowa driver’s license.
  • Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
  • Your valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card), if required.
  • The vehicle you will test in, which must match the class of CDL you are applying for and be in safe operating condition.
What the Iowa CDL skills test includes
  • Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: You must demonstrate your ability to inspect the vehicle and identify any safety concerns.
  • Basic Vehicle Control Test: You will complete maneuvers like straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
  • On-Road Driving Test: You will drive on public roads, showing your ability to safely handle real traffic situations, including turns, lane changes, and highway driving.
Important reminders
  • If you take your test in a vehicle with certain features (such as automatic transmission or no air brakes), your CDL will have restrictions based on the vehicle.
  • You must provide your own vehicle for the test, and it must pass a safety inspection before testing begins.

After successfully passing all three parts of the skills test, your results will be submitted to the Iowa DOT, and you will be eligible to receive your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Step 6: Obtain Your CDL:

After successfully passing all three parts of the CDL skills test in Iowa, the final step is to receive your official Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

How to get your CDL

Once your passing test results are recorded with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), you must visit a driver’s license service center to complete the CDL issuance process.

What to bring to the Iowa DOT
  • Your valid Iowa driver’s license.
  • Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
  • Your valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card), if required.
  • Proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security Number, and Iowa residency (if not already on file).
  • Payment for the CDL issuance fee (fees vary based on CDL class and endorsements).
What happens next

After verifying your documents and processing your application, you will receive your CDL, which will display:

  • Your CDL class (A, B, or C).
  • Any endorsements you earned (such as Hazmat, Tanker, or Passenger).
  • Any restrictions based on the vehicle used during your skills test (such as automatic transmission or no air brakes).
After getting your CDL
  • Keep your medical certification updated with the Iowa DOT.
  • Renew your CDL before it expires (Iowa CDLs are generally valid for eight years).
  • Report any address changes or disqualifying incidents to the Iowa DOT.
  • Comply with all state and federal commercial driving laws.

Once issued, your CDL allows you to legally operate commercial vehicles based on your CDL class and endorsements in Iowa and other states (if eligible for interstate driving).

Additional Considerations:

When applying for and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Iowa, there are important rules and responsibilities to follow to remain compliant and protect your CDL status.

Medical Certification

Most CDL holders are required to maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card) and submit it to the Iowa DOT.

  • You must complete a self-certification form indicating the type of commercial driving you do (interstate or intrastate).
  • If your medical certificate expires or is not updated, your CDL may be downgraded, suspended, or canceled.
Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)

To transport hazardous materials, you must obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, which requires:

  • Passing the Hazmat knowledge test.
  • Completing a TSA background check with fingerprinting.
  • Renewing your background check every five years to keep your endorsement valid.
Military Skills Test Waiver

Iowa offers a Military Skills Test Waiver for eligible current or former military service members with recent experience operating military vehicles.

  • This waiver may allow you to skip the skills test but still requires passing all applicable knowledge tests.
Driving Record Requirements

CDL holders are held to higher standards than regular drivers. Serious traffic violations—such as DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony—can lead to CDL suspension, revocation, or permanent disqualification.

  • Violations in your personal vehicle may also affect your CDL.
CDL Renewal

CDLs in Iowa are typically valid for eight years, depending on your age and endorsements.

  • You are responsible for renewing your CDL on time and ensuring that all endorsements, medical certifications, and background checks are current.
Vehicle Restrictions

If you take your skills test in a vehicle with certain limitations (such as an automatic transmission or no air brakes), your CDL will have restrictions based on that vehicle.

Address and Status Updates

CDL holders must notify the Iowa DOT of any:

  • Address changes.
  • Medical certification updates.
  • Traffic convictions (even from out of state).

By staying informed and following all Iowa DOT regulations, you can protect your CDL and continue driving legally and safely. For complete and updated information, refer to official Iowa DOT guidelines.

Iowa Commercial Driver License Manual

DOWNLOAD MANUAL

Frequently asked questions

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL for intrastate driving (within Iowa). You must be 21 years old to drive interstate (between states), transport hazardous materials, or operate vehicles carrying passengers.

Yes, you must hold a valid Iowa Class D (non-commercial) driver’s license before applying for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or CDL.

A CLP allows you to legally practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads with a qualified CDL holder. In Iowa, you must hold a CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test.

To get your CDL, you must pass: The appropriate written knowledge tests (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and any required endorsements). The skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test.

Yes, ELDT is required in Iowa if you are:
Applying for your first Class A or B CDL.
Upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL.
Getting your first Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement.
ELDT must be completed through an FMCSA-approved training provider.

Yes, most CDL drivers must have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card) and submit it to the Iowa DOT. Failing to maintain a current medical card can result in your CDL being downgraded.

To obtain an HME, you must pass the Hazardous Materials knowledge test, complete a TSA background check, and meet all federal security requirements. The background check must be renewed every five years.

Yes, Iowa offers a Military Skills Test Waiver for eligible service members with recent experience driving military vehicles. The waiver may allow you to skip the skills test, but you must still pass all required knowledge tests.

If your medical certificate expires and you do not update it with the Iowa DOT, your CDL will be downgraded, suspended, or canceled.

You can find all official information, forms, and manuals on the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) website or by visiting a local driver’s license service center.

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