DMACC Class A CDL (FMCSA Veteran Grant)
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Transportation Institute
At a glance
- Cost: Free with grant
- Format: In-person
- Who qualifies: Vets · Service members · Spouses
- Applications: Open
Full details
- Cost
- List price $4,900. DMACC says training, books and supplies are free to qualified applicants through the FMCSA CMVOST "Veteran Grant". Grant approval is required before you register, and a grant does not guarantee a seat. Confirm with DMACC.
- Who qualifies
- Current military, veterans, or the spouse or child of a veteran may qualify for the FMCSA Veteran Grant. You must get an Iowa CDL permit before the course, and get grant approval before registering.
- Format
- Online theory course, then a 3-week in-person behind-the-wheel course, mostly on automatic trucks; 160 hours total.
Check current terms: Individual eligibility, seats and coverage must be confirmed with the provider.
- Credential
- Professional certification / license pathwayClass A CDL (pass Iowa DOT test)
Before you decide
- What is free
- DMACC lists the course at $4,900 and says training, books and supplies are free to qualified applicants; the FMCSA Veteran Grant is the military-connected route.
- Who qualifies
- Current military, veterans, or the spouse or child of a veteran may qualify for the FMCSA Veteran Grant. You must get an Iowa CDL permit before the course, and get grant approval before registering.
- What you get
- 160-hour Class A CDL entry-level driver training (online theory plus 3 weeks behind the wheel). DMACC is an Iowa DOT third-party tester, so you test in house. Free training, books and supplies for qualified applicants through the FMCSA Veteran Grant.
- Credential and key limits
- Class A CDL entry-level driver training; the license requires passing the Iowa DOT CDL test (DMACC tests in house).
- Format
- Online theory course, then a 3-week in-person behind-the-wheel course, mostly on automatic trucks; 160 hours total.
- Duration
- 160 hours: online theory (15 hours to 30 days) plus a 3-week behind-the-wheel course
- Location
- Iowa (DMACC Transportation Institute); theory course online
- Deadline
- Status evidence: Course offered fall, spring and summer. Application window: Apply for the Veteran Grant first; payment is requested at registration. Availability limits: Grant approval required before registration; limited seats.
- Next start
- Fall, spring and summer classes; see DMACC's upcoming classes.
- Stipend / housing / travel
- No general stipend or living-cost coverage is established.
- Notes
- Limited seats; a grant approval is not an automatic seat. Questions: CDLPrograms@dmacc.edu or 515-965-7450.
- Availability
- Open
- Details checked
- 2026-10-13
Application and credential details
- How to apply
- Get an Iowa CDL permit.
- Fill in DMACC's FMCSA Veteran Grant application and watch your email for next steps.
- After grant approval, register for the online theory course, then the behind-the-wheel course.
- Documents to prepare
- Iowa CDL permit; proof of military, veteran or family status as DMACC requests.
- Additional requirements and limits
- Grant approval must come before registration.
- Seats are limited.
- Application link
- Open official application page
- Credential or outcome
- Class A CDL entry-level driver training; the license requires passing the Iowa DOT CDL test (DMACC tests in house).
- Application details checked
- 2026-10-13
- Application review status
- Official-source review completed; grant approval, seats and fees remain
- Sources for these details
- https://www.dmacc.edu/careertraining/commercial-vehicle-operator.html — checked 2026-10-13
- https://www.dmacc.edu/transportation-institute/tuition.html — checked 2026-10-13
- Availability checked
- 2026-10-13
- Current availability
- Open
- Status evidence
- Course offered fall, spring and summer.
- Application window
- Apply for the Veteran Grant first; payment is requested at registration.
- Program start
- Fall, spring and summer classes; see DMACC's upcoming classes.
- Availability limits
- Grant approval required before registration; limited seats.
- Timing sources