Truck Driving Registration Process

Here's the details about signing up for our Truck Driving program.

  Step 1: Get your DOT Medical Exam

Get a DOT physical before taking your Commercial Learner's Permit test, at our preferred Vendor Alltest.  Call them at 563-326-5855 to schedule your physical. You will need to pay for the cost of the DOT physical, which starts at $85, unless you are working with an agency that will pay it for you. Please wait 48 hours after completing your physical before scheduling your CLP test to ensure your results are visible to the DMV.

Our preferred vendor for both your physical and drug test is Alltest. Alltest is located at 4711 N. Brady St., #3 (Walnut Center).       

  Step 2: Prepare for Your CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) Test

Study thoroughly and reach out to your local DMV to schedule your test appointment. On test day, you'll need to present documentation that verifies your identity, citizenship, legal presence, Social Security Number, and residency.

Requirements vary by state, so be sure to confirm specific guidelines with your DMV. Some states require a REAL ID before testing. If you do not have a REAL ID, you may be required to obtain one beforehand. In most cases, the documentation required for your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) is the same as for a REAL ID, so it may be efficient to apply for both during the same visit.

Commonly Accepted Documents Include:

• Proof of identity: U.S. or foreign passport, U.S. military ID, state driver’s license or ID, or other government-issued photo ID with a signature
• Proof of citizenship: For U.S. citizens: U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport
• Proof of legal presence: For non-citizens: Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa, or other specific immigration documents
• Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, or pay stub with your name and SSN
• Proof of residency: Utility bills, bank statements, rental agreements, insurance policies, or official mail from government agencies

Need more information about commonly accepted documents? Visit these websites:

• Iowa DOT Commercial Learner Permit
• Iowa DOT Real ID Required Documents
• Illinois Drivers Services Commercial Learner Permit

Important: Your driver’s license must be valid and not within six months of expiration.

Test for your learner’s permit at the DMV. Take the General Knowledge, Combinations, and Air Brakes tests. Pass and pay $12* for your permit.

To prepare for the test, use these helpful resources**:  

• Iowa DOT CDL Inspection Checklist
• Iowa DOT CDL Manual        
• Iowa DOT CDL Testing

* Price of permit varies by state

** These study guides are for the state of Iowa, please check with your local DMV for your state's study guides.

  Step 3: Obtain your Driving Abstract

After passing the CLP exam, request your Certified Abstract of Driving Record (this is your official driving record) from your state's DMV. Costs vary by state. This document verifies that you hold a valid CLP, current medical card, and driver's license. Before leaving the DMV, double-check that all three credentials are clearly listed. 

  Step 4: Application & Registration

Submit your completed application with all required documentation. Once your eligibility is verified, you will be contacted with your class start date and instructions for scheduling your drug test. The drug test must be completed within seven days of starting class. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and daily attendance is mandatory.

CDL application

  Step 5: Drug Screening

All students are required to complete a DOT pre-employment drug screen before starting class. We recommend scheduling your test with Alltest, our preferred vendor. The screening starts at $65 and must be completed within seven business days of your class start date.

If you choose a provider other than Alltest, your class start will be delayed until official results are available.

On the first day of class, EICC staff will assist you in registering with the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, where your results will be added to your driver file.

  Step 6: ELDT (Online Theory)

You will receive an email with instructions to complete the 16-hour online theory course from Carriers Edge. This must be finished before your scheduled class start date. The course is self-paced, so you may start and stop at your convenience. Students who do not complete the course on time will be deferred to a future class.

Classes begin every few weeks throughout the year, see all upcoming start dates here.

Once we verify that you qualify, we'll reach out through email with more information and a link to the program application.

If a training provider is paying your $5,700 tuition, they will assist you with registration.  If you are paying for the program register by phone at 563-441-4217.

Additional Registration Information

Classes begin every six weeks throughout the year – see all upcoming start dates here: CDL Truck Driving Dates.

If a training provider is paying your $5,700 tuition, they will assist you with registration. If you are paying for the program yourself, register by phone at 563-441-4217.

Questions? Contact: