CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 35 verified training programs serving the Clear Lake, Iowa area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Clear Lake, IA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Clear Lake?We have identified 35 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Clear Lake area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

35 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Clear Lake, IA

CDL License Types
Class A, Class B, Class C
Average Training Cost
$3,000, $8,000
Program Length
3-8 weeks
Weekend / Evening Options
Available at select schools
FMCSA Registration Required
Yes
Verified Schools
35

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Clear Lake, IA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Clear Lake, IA should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 35 training programsserving the Clear Lake area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

35 CDL Schools Near Clear Lake

Top Picks in Clear Lake

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Latimer Iowa Dept. of Transportation

Latimer, IA

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Riverland Community College

Albert Lea, MN

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Riverland Community College Customized CDL Training

Austin, MN

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Latimer Iowa Dept. of Transportation

Latimer, IA
25.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Riverland Community College

Albert Lea, MN
37.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Riverland Community College Customized CDL Training

Austin, MN
41.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Swea City Iowa Dept. of Transportation

Swea City, IA
50 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Northeast Iowa Community College

New Hampton, IA
54 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Kingsland Schools ISD 2137

Spring Valley, MN
62.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Iowa Lakes Community College

Emmetsburg, IA
66.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

RDL Training

Dodge Center, MN
67 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

BYRON SCHOOLS IDS 531

Byron, MN
72.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Northeast Iowa Community College

Calmar, IA
76.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Mankato Area Public Schools

Mankato, MN
76.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

South Central College

North Mankato, MN
79.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

West Union Iowa Dept. of Transportation

West Union, IA
79.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Pine Island Public School ISD #255

Pine Island, MN
82.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

TDT CDL MADE SIMPLE

Kasota, MN
82.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Meskwaki Settlement School

Tama, IA
87 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Independence Community School

Independence, IA
87.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

4.0 School Services

St Peter, MN
87.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Spirit Lake Community Schools

Spirit Lake, IA
89.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

College City Beverage

Dundas, MN
89.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Showing 20 of 32 schools

CDL Training in Clear Lake, Iowa

Clear Lake, Iowa offers 35 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you need a Class A CDL for tractor-trailers or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, compare the programs below by tuition, training length, public enrollment status, and available endorsements. Full-time CDL training often takes 4-8 weeks, while part-time, evening, and weekend options may take longer. Before enrolling, confirm the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and ask whether the school offers job placement, manual transmission training, WIOA or veteran funding support, and behind-the-wheel practice that matches your target CDL class.

Why Get CDL Training Near Clear Lake?

  • Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
  • Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
  • Financial Aid: Schools in Iowa often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Iowa

CDL training in Iowa typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

Trucking Jobs Near Clear Lake

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Iowa
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Iowa

Top employers hiring near Clear Lake: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Compare CDL Schools in Clear Lake

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
160 Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Bondurant
Class AClass BHazmat
160 Driving Academy - Rochester MN - Classroom and Yard
FMCSA Verified
Rochester
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
4.0 School Services
FMCSA Verified
St Peter
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.VA Approved
BYRON SCHOOLS IDS 531
FMCSA Verified
Byron
Class AClass BTanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Cattle Drive Express
FMCSA Verified
Strawberry Point
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
CDL4All, LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Cleveland
Class A
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
College City Beverage
FMCSA Verified
Dundas
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Hawkeye Community College
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Independence
Class AHazmatTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Iowa Central Community College/Transportation Technology Center
FMCSA Verified
Fort Dodge
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Emmetsburg
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Spring Valley
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Latimer
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.
Mankato
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Clear Lake

Avg. Private School
$4,500
Avg. Public School
$3,000
Price Range
$2,600 - $5,800

Strong community college system.

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

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DOT Physicals Near Clear Lake

Required for your CDL medical card

Quick Care Urgent Care Clinic

1420 4th St SE, Mason City
4.7

Sande Chiropractic

1529 S Monroe Ave, Mason City
4.3

MercyOne North Iowa Occupational Health

1501 4th St SW, Mason City
3

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam typically costs $55-$150 and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & DOT MVD in Clear Lake

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local DOT MVD office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find DOT MVD Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Clear Lake, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Clear Lake

How long does CDL training take in Clear Lake?
CDL training programs in Clear Lake, IA typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
How much does CDL school cost in Iowa?
CDL training costs in Iowa range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.
Can I get a CDL in Clear Lake without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Clear Lake area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.
How do I know if a CDL school in Clear Lake is legitimate?
All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Iowa?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Iowa: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.
What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Clear Lake?
The CDL driver job outlook near Clear Lake, IA is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Iowa experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.
Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Clear Lake?
The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers), this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Clear Lake CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A, it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.