Iowa · Iowa DOT

How to get your CDL permit in Iowa

In Iowa you add a $12 CLP to your license after passing your knowledge tests by appointment at a DOT site or some county treasurer offices. The permit lasts one year and cannot be renewed.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official Iowa DOT sources

Start the free Iowa permit classroom Official Iowa CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $12
Permit valid for: 1 year, not renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Be at least 18 and hold an Iowa driver's license; the CLP is added to your existing license.
2Get a DOT physical from a medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry if you will drive non-excepted interstate.
3Fill out Iowa's online Certification for Commercial Driver's License form to self-certify your type of driving.
4Book a knowledge test appointment at a DOT driver's license site or participating county treasurer office.
5Bring your identity, citizenship and Social Security documents, and pass the vision screening.
6Pass the General Knowledge test and any other tests you need, then pay $12 for your CLP.
7Practice with a qualified CDL holder for at least 14 days and finish ELDT if it applies to you.
8Book your skills test appointment with the DOT.

What to bring

Proof of full name and date of birth
Proof of citizenship or permanent residence, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card
Proof of your Social Security number
Your current Iowa license, or 2 proofs of Iowa residency if you don't have one
If you already have a REAL ID (gold star), you don't need to resubmit these documents

Medical card

You self-certify online with Iowa's Certification for Commercial Driver's License form every time you get or renew a CDL product. If you drive non-excepted interstate, your National Registry examiner sends your medical certificate electronically. In-state drivers must carry a medical card but don't submit it.

Fees

Commercial learner's permitOne-year permit added to your license.	$12
CDL (Class A, B or C)8-year term, or 2 years for age 78+.	$8 per year
Passenger or School Bus endorsement	$10 each
Doubles/Triples, Tank or HazMat endorsementHazMat and Tank together cost $10.	$5 each
Removing an air brake, manual transmission or tractor-trailer restriction	$10 each

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with Iowa DOT before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests such as Passenger, School Bus, Tank, Doubles/Triples or HazMat, if you want them

Testing in Iowa

Knowledge, skills and drive tests all require an appointment.
The General Knowledge test has 50 questions, and you can miss up to 10.
Knowledge tests are taken in person; Iowa's practice app is for studying only.
If you fail the air brake check or pre-trip inspection, you need a new appointment, which may be 2 to 3 weeks out.

Study for these tests in the Iowa classroom

Good to know in Iowa

Your CLP can't be renewed, so plan to finish training and testing within the year.
You can check your self-certification status in your My MVD account.
Iowa doesn't issue CLPs to students from other states attending Iowa CDL schools. Get your permit in your home state.

Non-domiciled applicants

Iowa limits non-domiciled CDLs to non-U.S. citizens with H-2A, H-2B or E-2 visas, or citizens of Freely Associated States. Out-of-state CDL school students must get their CLP from their home state.

Confirm with Iowa DOT before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether there is a separate knowledge or skills test fee.
Which languages the knowledge tests are offered in.
The vision standard you must meet.
How long you must wait to retake a failed knowledge test.
The edition of Iowa's CDL manual.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Iowa gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division. Rules and fees change, so always check with Iowa DOT before you apply.