Hawkeye Class A CDL (Trucking with the Troops Grant)
Hawkeye Community College
At a glance
- Cost: Free with grant
- Format: In-person
- Length: 6 weeks
- Who qualifies: Vets · Service members · Spouses
- Applications: Open
Visit official page for Hawkeye Class A CDL (Trucking with the Troops Grant) (opens in a new tab)Checked
Full details
- Cost
- List price $4,995 (course fee, books and testing fees). Hawkeye says its Trucking with the Troops grant (FMCSA-funded) covers tuition and program fees, including the Commercial Learner's Permit, DOT physical, DOT drug test and CDL, and can cover up to 100% of Class A training costs. Grant funds are awarded first-come, first-served, so a grant-funded seat is not guaranteed. Not eligible for federal financial aid.
- Who qualifies
- Veterans and active service members from all U.S. Armed Forces branches, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their spouses and children. You must read, speak and write English, get an Iowa Class A permit, pass a DOT physical and drug screen, and register with the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Format
- Face-to-face classroom, driving simulators and behind-the-wheel training at Hawkeye's Regional Transportation Training Center in Waterloo, IA. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions; up to 6 weeks.
Check current terms: Individual eligibility, seats and coverage must be confirmed with the provider.
- Credential
- Professional certification / license pathwayClass A CDL (pass Iowa CDL test)
- Exam coverage
- IncludedGrant covers permit, DOT physical, drug test and CDL fees, per Hawkeye.
Before you decide
- What is free
- Hawkeye lists the Class A course at $4,995 and says the Trucking with the Troops grant covers tuition and program fees, including permit, DOT physical, drug test and CDL fees, for eligible veterans, service members, and their spouses and children.
- Who qualifies
- Veterans and active service members from all U.S. Armed Forces branches, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their spouses and children. You must read, speak and write English, get an Iowa Class A permit, pass a DOT physical and drug screen, and register with the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- What you get
- Up to 6-week Class A CDL entry-level driver training (classroom, simulators and behind-the-wheel on a 24-acre driving range). The Trucking with the Troops grant covers tuition and program fees for eligible military-connected students.
- Credential and key limits
- Hawkeye workplace certificate; the Class A CDL requires passing the Iowa CDL skills test.
- Format
- Face-to-face classroom, driving simulators and behind-the-wheel training at Hawkeye's Regional Transportation Training Center in Waterloo, IA. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions; up to 6 weeks.
- Duration
- Up to 6 weeks
- Location
- Waterloo, IA: Regional Transportation Training Center (6433 Hammond Ave); also offered in Peosta and Waukon, IA with Northeast Iowa Community College
- Deadline
- Status evidence: Official grant page offers Trucking with the Troops funding; Class A classes start about every 3 weeks. Application window: Rolling; contact Hawkeye about grant funds and the next class. Availability limits: Grant funds are first-come, first-served.
- Next start
- Classes start about every 3 weeks; contact Hawkeye for the next grant-funded start.
- Stipend / housing / travel
- No stipend or living-cost coverage is stated.
- Notes
- Grant funds are first-come, first-served. Contact the Regional Transportation Training Center at 319-296-4286 (program coordinator Marcus Deree) or Pathway Navigator Michele Clark at 319-296-4296 ext. 3108. Separate from the NICC CDL program.
- Availability
- Open
- Details checked
- 2026-10-16
Application and credential details
- How to apply
- Confirm you qualify: veteran, active service member (including Guard and Reserve), or the spouse or child of one.
- Contact the Regional Transportation Training Center (319-296-4286) or Pathway Navigator Michele Clark (319-296-4296 ext. 3108) about the grant and the next class.
- Pass the Iowa DMV General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination tests to get your Class A permit, pass a DOT physical and drug screen, and register with the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Enroll in the next available Class A session once grant funding is confirmed.
- Documents to prepare
- Proof of military, veteran or family status as Hawkeye requests; Iowa Class A Commercial Learner's Permit; DOT physical and drug screen results.
- Additional requirements and limits
- Grant funds are awarded first-come, first-served; a grant-funded seat is not guaranteed.
- You must read, speak, write and understand English; interpreters are not allowed under CDL rules.
- Application link
- Open official application page
- Credential or outcome
- Hawkeye workplace certificate; the Class A CDL requires passing the Iowa CDL skills test.
- Application details checked
- 2026-10-16
- Application review status
- Official-source review completed; grant funds and seats remain
- Sources for these details
- Availability checked
- 2026-10-16
- Current availability
- Open
- Status evidence
- Official grant page offers Trucking with the Troops funding; Class A classes start about every 3 weeks.
- Application window
- Rolling; contact Hawkeye about grant funds and the next class.
- Program start
- Classes start about every 3 weeks; contact Hawkeye for the next grant-funded start.
- Availability limits
- Grant funds are first-come, first-served.
- Timing sources