CDL Schools in Iowa (2026): FMCSA TPR-Registered Providers Directory

CDL Schools in Iowa (2026): FMCSA TPR-Registered Providers Directory

Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the FMCSA TPR. Neutral directory per CDL Editorial Policy.

Iowa's $60,590 state median (28,680 drivers) reflects a carrier-dense state with CRST International (HQ Cedar Rapids), Heartland Express (HQ North Liberty), Barr-Nunn (HQ Granger), and Ruan Transportation (HQ Des Moines) all driving significant in-state hiring.³ ELDT at 49 CFR §380 Subpart F requires TPR-registered training.¹²

Key Takeaways

• TPR search: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ → State = Iowa.
• Typical IA tuition (2026): CC $2,000–$5,000; private $3,000–$7,000; company-sponsored $0 + 8–12 mo tenure.
• IA CDL agency: Iowa DOT.
• Pay context: state median $60,590.

Provider Categories

Community colleges

• Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).
• Kirkwood Community College — Cedar Rapids.
• Iowa Central Community College — Fort Dodge.
• Hawkeye Community College — Waterloo.
• Eastern Iowa Community Colleges — Quad Cities.
• Western Iowa Tech — Sioux City.

Tuition $2,000–$5,000.

Private CDL schools

• 160 Driving Academy — IA locations.
• Truck Driver Institute (TDI) — Mount Sterling area.
• SAGE Truck Driving Schools — IA franchise.

Tuition $3,000–$7,000.

Company-sponsored programs

• CRST International (HQ Cedar Rapids) — in-house training including team-driving program for new CDL-A drivers.
• Heartland Express (HQ North Liberty) — historically strong solo OTR training.
• Barr-Nunn Transportation (HQ Granger).
• Ruan Transportation (HQ Des Moines) — dedicated contract carriage.
• Schneider Training Academy — IA terminals.

Endorsement-only upgrades

TPR-registered H/P/S theory; see Hazmat (H) endorsement guide.

Costs + Earnings

CC $2,000–$5,000 / private $3,000–$7,000. State median $60,590.³ Experienced LTL + specialty push $85k+. Full pay: Truck Driver Salary in Iowa.

Iowa CDL Licensing

Iowa CDL Requirements.

FAQs

How much does CDL school cost in Iowa in 2026? CC $2,000–$5,000; private $3,000–$7,000; company-sponsored $0 + 8–12 month tenure.

Is CRST a good Iowa-based option for new CDL-A drivers? CRST (HQ Cedar Rapids) operates a team-driving program that pairs new CDL-A drivers for early experience. Verify program specifics in writing. See Team driving guide.

Are Heartland Express and Ruan good targets? Both are Iowa-HQ carriers with significant hiring. Heartland is historically strong for solo OTR; Ruan specializes in dedicated contract carriage.

Sources