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CDL Licensing

Iowa's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Endorsements

3 min read

Commercial drivers in Iowa may need specific endorsements on their CDL to operate certain types of vehicles or transport particular cargo. These endorsements ensure that drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle specialized equipment or materials safely and in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement

Who Needs It: Drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding under federal regulations.

Requirements:

  • Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) specific to hazardous materials.
  • Pass the Hazardous Materials knowledge test.
  • Undergo a fingerprint-based background check through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) every five years.
  • Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

For more information, visit the Iowa DOT's CDL Endorsements page.

Passenger (P) Endorsement

Who Needs It: Drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Requirements:

  • Pass the Passenger endorsement knowledge test.
  • Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days.
  • Complete ELDT for passenger vehicles.
  • Pass a skills test in a representative passenger vehicle.

School Bus (S) Endorsement

Who Needs It: Drivers operating school buses.

Requirements:

  • Obtain both Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
  • Pass the School Bus endorsement knowledge test.
  • Complete ELDT specific to school buses.
  • Pass a skills test in a representative school bus.

Tank Vehicle (N) Endorsement

Who Needs It: Drivers operating vehicles designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks with individual capacities over 119 gallons and aggregate capacities of 1,000 gallons or more.

Requirements:

  • Pass the Tank Vehicle endorsement knowledge test.

Double/Triple Trailers (T) Endorsement

Who Needs It: Drivers towing double or triple trailers.

Requirements:

  • Pass the Double/Triple Trailers endorsement knowledge test.

Note: While Iowa law does not permit the operation of triple trailers, drivers may obtain the endorsement to operate in states where triple trailers are legal.

Removing Air Brake Restrictions

Who Needs It: Drivers who initially tested in vehicles without air brakes and wish to operate vehicles equipped with full air brake systems.

Requirements:

  • Pass the Air Brake knowledge test.
  • Obtain a CLP and hold it for at least 14 days.
  • Pass a skills test in a vehicle equipped with full air brakes.

Additional Resources

For further information on obtaining a CDL in Iowa, including training programs and testing procedures, consider the following resources:

For official information and updates, visit the Iowa Department of Transportation's CDL page.