How to obtain a Iowa CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit)
Getting Started . . .
Getting a Iowa CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency
requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.
- The first step is to get a free copy of the Iowa CDL Manual - IA CDL Handbook. The Iowa manual is available in the Iowa field
locations, downloaded from the Iowa website and printed. Iowa has
its own process to get your Iowa CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit).
- The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what
kind of driving you want to get the CDL for.
- There are 3 classes of Iowa CDLs with endorsements
for specialized qualifications for vehicles like school buses, tank
trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each type of Iowa CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) and endorsement
requires you to pass written tests and in some cases a 3-part skills test in a representative type vehicle. It
is important to make sure you pass all the required tests or risk having
restrictions on your license.
Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are two basic
steps to getting a Iowa CDL:
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
Iowa
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which IA CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
Step 1: Get the Iowa Commercial Learners Permit (IA CLP)
A
Iowa Commercial Learners Permit (IA CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public
roads with a qualified Iowa CDL holder
sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing
all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make
sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10
years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You need to bring in
the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified.
Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a
DOT physical. Your state may require specific documents it wants to see
to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the
Iowa CLP. Reading and following the instructions
found in the specific
Iowa CDL Information will streamline the process.
Step 2: Get the Iowa Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
You are required to possess the Iowa CLP for 14 days before taking the Skills Test.
Some states require the successful completion of Iowa CDL training prior to
testing. Regardless, it is highly recommended that you practice the inspection
tests and maneuvers in the Iowa CDL Manual that you will be tested on with a
qualified individual before showing up for the test. You must pass all 3 parts
of the Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test,
and the Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their "training aid"
to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist. Taking the
Skills test is no guarantee that you will pass.
Once you have passed the Skills Test you need to take the documentation to the
counter for processing. Some states will give you the Iowa CDL that same day,
while others send it to you in the mail. Regardless make sure that everything
is correct before you leave the counter. It can be costly and embarrassing
if you find a mistake later.
Checklist . . .
- Possess current valid regular driver's license in Iowa.
- Show proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, payroll
check stub, W-2 Form).
- For interstate driving, submit proof of DOT Medical Certificate. For
intrastate driving, complete an application which includes a statement
certifying that you meet medical and driver qualifications. If you have
had any change in your physical condition since your last driver license
renewal which may affect your ability to drive, you may need a special
form from the branch office for your physician to fill out before you
can apply for your license.
- Meet driver record eligibility requirements as determined by your
Iowa DMV office personnel.
- Pass the required knowledge and vision tests. You must pass all required
knowledge tests to obtain a Iowa CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP).
This allows you to practice driving under supervision of a driver who
has a CDL for the type of vehicle you wish to drive. A Iowa CDL Temporary
Instruction Permit (TIP) is also required for taking the IA CDL skills
tests. If you do not pass a knowledge test on your first attempt, you
must wait one day to retake the test. There is a one-day wait period
for any subsequent retest.
- Pay your Iowa CDL fees.
- Schedule your Iowa CDL skills test.
- Upon successfully passing your Skills Tests, return to the Iowa DMV
office.
- Receive your Iowa CDL.
Are YOU ready to get YOUR Iowa CDL?
Prepare for YOUR Iowa CDL Tests NOW . . .
In addition to the Iowa CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the Iowa CDL and in the free Iowa CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
Iowa CDL Practice Test prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
Iowa CDL written exams to get your Iowa CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
behind the wheel work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The Iowa CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .
- Covers ALL Eight Iowa CDL written tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- Covers ALL Three Iowa CDL skills tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- 670 practice Iowa CDL test questions with actual answers.
- Access to CDL videos covering written and skills tests.
- CDL study guide in both text and audio - listen as you read along.
- CDL study Quick Reviews.
- Interactive online CDL Quizzes.
- and much more!
May your new CAREER be prosperous!!!
Michael Hamilton
Director
"Just want to thank you for the help. Upgraded my Class B to a Class A CDL. I liked all the options including audio, video, quizzes and all. I'll recommend it to others.
" - H.L., Houston, TX
"I needed to get my CDL permit before starting my skills training the following week. I started using it two minutes after my purchase. Got my CDL permit with time to spare. I highly recommend it.
" - P.M., Rochester, NY
"Just what I needed. Prepared me for my Class B CDL. It was fast and efficient. I passed my CDL written tests on my first try. Helped me get a handle on the skills tests so that it went much easier.
" - A.H., Des Moines, IA
"I just want to thank you for your program. Much better than expected. I got my Class B permit on my first try. I am now studying your CDL skills tests material before I start my hands-on training.
" - M.K., Lakeland, FL
