CDL Semi-Truck Driving

Power Mechanics and Transportation
Award
Career Pathway Certificate
Credits
Noncredit
Locations
New Hampton, Peosta, Waukon
Time to Complete
1 Month
NICC Semi Truck

The semi-truck driving training program is a competency-based Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program and is designed to prepare you for a career that offers freedom, stability and competitive pay. You will develop skills in backing, turning and safe driving, on both rural and suburban roads. Training techniques including CDL simulator, Bumper-to-Bumper online coursework, classroom lecture and hands-on Behind-The-Wheel meet the Federal Motor Carrier Entry-Level Driver Training requirements from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and will prepare you for Class A CDL testing with Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) examiners. All commercial drivers, by federal law, must be able to "read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records."

The course can be completed in four weeks, but students proficient in pre-trip inspection, range and road skills may complete CDL testing prior to the end date. Endorsement certifications for Hazardous Materials, Bus Driving and Tanker are available and will require additional training and testing.

The College is an approved Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration training provider for Entry-Level Driver Training.

Enrollment Information Request Information

Paying for the Program

Tuition and Fees

$4,995*
* Approximate cost. Amount reflects the estimated tuition and student fees based on rates at the time of publication. These rates do not include additional expenses (books, tools, supplies, living expenses, licensures, remedial or pre-requisite coursework or partnership tuition and fees, etc.) related to your NICC education. Rates are subject to change.
The dollar amount of $4,995 went into effect 11/1/2023 and will remain in effect until 7/1/2030.

Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance

There are many options available for tuition savings. Credit programs may have opportunities for Financial Aid eligibility, while non-credit programs have separate tuition savings available on a per-program basis.

Career Pathway Certificate

You may qualify to earn a Career Pathway Certificate at no cost if you meet all eligibility requirements.

Employer Partners

Geothermal logo    Portzen logo    Caledonia Haulers logo    Lime Rock logo    

Foodliner Quest Liner logo    Tucker logo

Enrollment Process

  1. Apply for tuition assistance if needed. You will need to contact Business and Community Solutions to complete the following:
    • Tuition Assistance Program Application
    • CASAS Assessment
    • Interview with NICC staff
  2. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) which includes three tests taken at the Department of Transportation (DOT):
    • General Knowledge
    • Air Brake
    • Combination Vehicle
  3. Register with the FMSCA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
  4. Pass and pay for your Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, receive a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
  5. Schedule and complete a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening within 30 days of class start date.
  6. Register and pay tuition (if no funding assistance).
  7. Submit CLP, DOT Drug Screening, DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, and Clearinghouse query results to Program Developer.

Program Information

This program consists of 16 classroom hours and 128 lab hours (30 behind the wheel). Total hours: 144.

Program Contacts

Martin Hemann
Martin Hemann
Program Developer, Transportation
  • hemannm@nicc.edu
  • 844.642.2338, ext. 1236
  • Calmar