Removing my auto restriction from my license in Iowa.

I was looking for a local school to help me remove my automatic restriction. Which I had no luck, mostly due to schools wanting $1500+ for a one day course or a week course on learning how to shift.

I received a random message from an instructor who works at a community college called Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg,Iowa. He said that he would be able to help get the auto restriction lifted for only $300. That included 1 on 1 training with an instructor for 4-6hrs then you take the road test the same day. They are a certified ELDT CDL school and a third party tester so no need to go down to the dmv and test.

You're able to take your out of state CDL permit and test in Iowa without needing to transfer your license over. As long as you held your permit for a minimum of 14days and have a valid medical DOT card.

At first, I thought it was a scam because all the schools i been calling has been asking $1500+ to help me get it removed. After talking to him for a little while and researching the college, I knew it was the real deal.

The college just kicked off their CDL training program back in April or May, and they only had 10 students come through the program so far. Most of the time, he just sits in his office trying to get students to come through the program until its time to go home. So he had nothing going on that week and offered to train me if I came out to Emmetsburg.

I took a big risk and booked a round trip plane ticket that night and flew out to Des Moines, IA the next morning, grabbed a rental and drove 3hrs to Emmetsburg,IA.

The next morning,I drove to the college to meet the instructor, Lloyd. Upon meeting him, Lloyd was just very welcoming, and laid back he had that welcoming southern hospitality. Lloyd gave me a tour of his shop and the college.

They have a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia 10speed with a 40ft flat bed trailer and a brand new 2025 Cascadia 10speed with a new flatbed trailer. He actually let me choose which truck I wanted to practice on and test in. I opted for the new Cascadia. Let me tell you that truck shifts so smooth like butter! It made learning how to shift and double clutch a 1000times easier! They do not have junk trucks to learn on. The trucks and trailers are very well maintained.

He starts by showing you a 5-10min demonstration on how to double clutch, upshifting, and downshifting. Then you hop in the driver seat and start driving all day. He takes you on the actual road course that you will be taking the test on and lets you run that course as many times as you want until you're confident. He takes the time to tell you on what you're doing wrong and gives you tips and techniques on how to improve.

At the same time, he lets you drive and just let you figure out how to shift on your own. It is a very relax environment no yelling or scolding. He'll give you a mock road test near the end of the day before the actual test and tell you on what you need to improve on and what you’re doing fine at.

At the end of the day, you take your actual road test with another examiner and you go on the same exact road test that you been driving on all day. Once you pass, Lloyd uploads the test results to CSTIMS and you're able to go back to your home state DMV and ask for a new license without the restriction on your license.

Overall, It was a great experience! I highly highly recommend this college for anyone who wants to get their restriction removed or trying get your CDL. If you live close to Emmetsburg,IA or if you're able to travel into town.

They only charge $1500 for their full ELDT CDL course and $300 for the automatic restriction removal class.

Contact Info:
Iowa Lakes Community College
3200 College Drive, Emmetsburg,IA,50536
Lloyd Throop
Office # 712-852-5388
Email: Lthroop@iowalakes.edu
Iowa Lakes Community College Launches CDL-ELDT Training Program - Iowa Lakes Community College

 

Yup, the casino you're thinking about is the Wild Rose Casino. The town doesn't even have a walmart.

 

my school only had autos and 1 manual. The manual truck broke down before I was able to take my CDL test.

I'm glad that I was driving for 4yrs before I took this auto restriction course because I didn't have to worry about learning how to drive a truck. I was able to just focus on how to double clutch and how to shift.