ELDT Professional Truck Driver Training

390 hours of student training, a minimum of 51 sessions (approximately 11 weeks).
Meets and exceeds the FMCSA ELDT Theory and BTW standards and requirements.
The course consists of classroom work, range, public road driving and testing.
We are an authorized 3rd party testing center and testing is done on-site with our certified DOT tester.
Training is done in automatic and manual trucks.
This is a certificate course.
Classes are held Monday through Thursday 7am-3:30pm and Friday 7am-2:30pm.
This course is recommended for someone that is interested in a career as a Professional Semi Truck Driver (local or OTR).
Students learn the concepts of operating a tractor and trailer with hands-on operation that applies the learned knowledge into practical application.

The 11 weeks will be spent covering:

Inspections (all types)
Basic control
Serpentine driving (control of trailer)
Backing (all types)
Proper set ups
Turns
Shifting
Coupling and uncoupling
Driving in rural, city and interstate conditions. Students average 200 hours of driving.
Teaching a student to operate an 80,000-pound truck safely will also include: map reading, trip planning, logging, load securement, and proper weight distribution.

Tuition is $7,000 plus. On-site, furnished housing is available for $700.

On-the-job training (OJT) consists of 210 hours (4 weeks) with the student’s new employer (pay provided by employer).
A Training Evaluation Worksheet must be returned to Iowa Central upon completion.

Upon completion, students will receive two certificates: one for the 390-hour ZST-206 course and one for the 210-hour ZST-207 course.

Upcoming CDL Course Start Dates in Fort Dodge, IA: (Subject to Change):

Must be 18 years of age.
Must be able to speak, read and comprehend English (per DOT and FMCSA regulations).
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Must have a class A CDL permit (CLP) from the state where you reside. Out-of-state can use their permit to attend school in Iowa.
Get a DOT approved physical. (Physician must be listed on the FMCSA register of certified doctors). Do not do the drug screen – we do that when you start classes.
Fill out our application under the CDL Admissions tab.
Call us and pay for the online Theory to be done prior to attendance (this will be reimbursed when you start classes). The cost is $75.
All students are required to take a drug screen when class starts (included in the fees).
Driving record and criminal backgrounds will be reviewed and approved prior to starting.
Attendance and being on time are required.
Excessive absences or tardiness may result in dismissal of students from the program. (Full course allows 2 excused absences, but the time must be made up with homework or by making up the hours.)

Financial aid is available (Pell grant/Stafford loan)
www.studentaid.gov. Create and account and fill out the FAFSA for the 22-23 school year and the 23-24 school year for classes June 2023 and after.
Qualify for free training: (Iowa residents only.) Contact Liz 515-574-1906 or Neely 515-574-1973 for more information about the GAP grant.
Proteus is a scholarship program for those that have worked with agriculture or livestock. 712-363-1435
Iowa Workforce Development Center (IWD) 515-576-3131
Women and Minorities in Construction 800-850-5440 smendoza@eicc.edu
Private loans

For more on Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information, click here.

Contact Us

Thank you and we look forward to assisting you with the start of your new career! If you have any questions, please contact:

Kelsey Klaver (Recruitment & Student Specialist)
klaver_k@parkcitiesflowermarket.net
515-574-1965 call or text 515-570-3524

I love having a home away from home with all the friendships I have created.

Ayrton Peterson
General Studies

ELDT Professional Truck Driver Training