Iowa Driver’s License Classes (A Complete Guide)

Did you know that there are different Iowa driver’s license classes?

Yep, it’s not just commercial and non-commercial licenses. 

There are license classes for motorcycles and different types of trucks, too! 

So if you’re just getting started with your license application, this guide can help you figure out what class you need and how you can apply for it.

This way, you don’t end up wasting your time going through all the requirements. 

What are the Driver’s License Classes in Iowa?

There are 6 main driver’s license classes in Iowa: 

• Class A CDL 
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL
• Class C Operator
• Class D
• Class M

The sections below explain each class in detail. 

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL is a commercial driver’s license that can operate trucks and trailers that fall under the Class A category. 

Class A commercial vehicles are those that have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds. If towing a unit, the towed item should have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more. 

Some examples of Class A vehicles are double and triple trailers. 

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL is for commercial vehicles that have a GCWR of more than 26,000 pounds. But unlike the Class A CDL, Class B vehicles’ towed units should have a GVWR of fewer than 10,000 pounds. 

Examples of Class B vehicles are trucks, trailers, and tractors.

Class C CDL

The last type of commercial license is a Class C CDL. With this, you can operate a vehicle with a GCWR of less than 26,000 pounds and a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. 

These are vehicles that transport hazardous materials that need placarding. Part of this classification is transport vehicles that can carry at least 16 passengers. 

Class C Operator 

Class C Operator is your regular driver’s license. You can operate private sedans, SUVs, pickups, trucks, or any vehicle with a GVWR of less than 16,000 pounds and not used for commercial purposes. 

Class D Chauffeur

The Class D Chauffeur license is required if you’re going to drive a taxi, uber, etc. It’s used for commercial purposes but does not operate trucks. 

Class M

A Class M driver’s license is for the operation of motorcycles only. If you have this license, you’re not allowed to use it to operate any other vehicle, commercial or non-commercial. 

How to Get a Class C Operator License in Iowa

The application process for a Class C Operator license depends on your age.

If you’re below 18 years old, you have to go through the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) Program. If you’re 18 and above, you can simply apply directly for a Class C Operator license. 

Graduated Driver’s License Program

The GDL has 3 stages: 

• Instruction permit
• Intermediate license
• Adult driver’s License

The purpose of this program is to ease you into driving. 

Here is how to get your Iowa instruction permit:

1. Be at least 14 years old.

2. Schedule an appointment for a knowledge test. You can schedule it online here. 

3. Submit the following documents:
   1. Proof of name and birth date
   2. Proof of citizenship or naturalization
   3. Proof of residence in Iowa
   4. Social Security Number
   5. Written parental or guardian’s consent

4. Pass a vision test. 

5. Pass the knowledge test.

6. Pay the instruction permit fee of $6. 

7. Get your Iowa instruction permit.

And here is how to get an Iowa intermediate license:

1. Be at least 16 years old. 

2. Hold your instruction permit for 12 months.

3. Complete a state-approved driver’s education course.

4. Schedule an appointment to get your intermediate license. You can do it online here. 

5. Go to the DMV and submit the following: 
   1. Proof of name and birth date
   2. Proof of citizenship or naturalization
   3. Social Security Number
   4. Proof of residence in Iowa
   5. Written parental or guardian’s consent
   6. Certificate of Completion of a driver’s ed

6. If required, pass a driving test. Make sure you schedule it ahead of time. 

7. Pay $8 for the license fee.

8. Surrender your instruction permit.

9. Get your intermediate license. 

Finally, here is how to change your intermediate license into an adult driver’s license:

1. Be at least 17 years old. 

2. Hold your intermediate license for 12 months.

3. Have a clean driving record.

4. Complete 10 hours of supervised driving (2 hours should be between sunset and sunrise).

5. Get written consent from your parent/legal guardian. 

NOTE: If you are already 18 years old, you no longer need to fulfill the requirements above. You can go straight to renewing your intermediate license to a full, adult driver’s license. 

Getting A License for 18+ Years Old 

As we said, if you’re getting your first license at 18 years old or older, you can go straight to a Class C Operator license. 

Here are the steps: 

1. Schedule an appointment for your knowledge test AND drive test. You can schedule both here. 

2. Submit these documents at the DMV office:
   1. Proof of identity and age 
   2. Proof of legal presence in the US
   3. Proof of Iowa residency
   4. Social Security Number

3. Pass a vision test.

4. Pass the knowledge exam.

5. Pass the driving test.

6. Pay the license fee of $4 per year or $32 for 8 years

For even more information about your driver’s license requirements in Iowa, click here. 

How to Get Class A, B, and C Licenses in Iowa

The application process for a Class A, B, and C license is almost the same. 

This requires you to undergo 2 stages:

• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Here are the steps to getting an Iowa CLP:

1. Schedule an appointment for your CDL knowledge test. Again, you can schedule this online. 

2. Pass the CDL knowledge test.

3. Submit the following documents: 
   1. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
   2. Proof of Iowa residence
   3. A completed Self Certification for Commercial Driver’s License form 
   4. If your self-certification requires it, bring a medical certificate from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners 

4. Pass a vision exam.

5. Pay the CLP fee of $12. 

6. Get your CLP. 

To get your Iowa CDL, complete these steps:

1. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days.

2. If applicable, complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) 

3. Schedule an appointment for your CDL skills and driving test. Click here to schedule online.  

4. Pass the skills and driving test. 

5. Pay the CDL fee of $8/year.

6. Give up your CLP.

7. Get your CDL.

If you want more information, you can read our Iowa CDL requirements article here. 

How to Get a Class D License in Iowa

To get a Class D license, you need to have a valid driver’s license, a clean record and be at least 16 years old. 

If you don’t have all those requirements, you need to follow this application process: 

1. Schedule an appointment for a written and driving test at a licensing office here. 

2. Pass the written exam. 

3. Pass a vision test. 

4. Pass the driving test. 

5. Pay the $8 license fee. 

If you already have a valid driver’s license and no points on your driving record, you don’t have to take the written and driving tests. You just need to visit a licensing office and apply for a Class D Chauffeur license. 

The only test that you will be asked to take is a vision test. If you pass, you will be given a Class D license. 

How to Get A Class M License in Iowa

Just like the other license classes that were discussed above, a Class M license also needs an instructional permit before applying for the full motorcycle license. 

Complete these steps to get a motorcycle instructional permit in Iowa: 

1.  Be at least 14 years old. 

2. Schedule an appointment for your motorcycle knowledge exam. 

3. Visit the Iowa DOT office and bring the following documents:
   1. Proof of name and birth date
   2. Proof of citizenship or naturalization
   3. Social Security Number
   4. Proof of residence in Iowa

4. Pass a vision exam. 

5. Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam. 

6. Pay the permit fee of $2 per year. You are only allowed to have an instructional permit for up to 4 years. 

Here is how to get a Class M license in Iowa: 

1. Be at least 16 years old. 

2. Complete an approved motorcycle rider safety course. NOTE: this can waive your need to pass a motorcycle skills test. 

3. Schedule your motorcycle skills test. 

4. Go to the licensing office and bring these documents: 
   1. Proof of name and birth date
   2. Proof of citizenship or naturalization
   3. Social Security Number
   4. Proof of residence in Iowa

• Pass the motorcycle skills test OR complete an approved motorcycle rider safety course.

• Pay the Class M fee of $6 per year. 

Conclusion

So that was your complete guide to Iowa driver’s license classes. 

Which license class do you need?

Find the one that best suits the vehicle you will operate and start working towards that license class. 

Best of luck!