Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Get the credentials you need to prepare for a well-paying job in the trucking industry! College of DuPage is offering a new program for Commercial Driver License (CDL) training. Students can be trained and "ready to roll" with a fully endorsed Class "A" license in as little as four weeks. Learn on the road as you build confidence and gain understanding of the trucking industry and the requirements of safe truck driving.

Along with classroom instruction, pre-trip preparation and road skills are taught on up-to-date road equipment of the type students will be driving when licensed and employed in the industry. Two options are available:

240-Hour Course: Based on your background and previous experience, you may want more exposure and prefer the longer course. More time is spent on the road and in the yard.

160-Hour Course: This program involves both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

The goal of both training options is to allow you to complete all Illinois Secretary of State requirements and pass the CDL Class A license exam. You can choose one license endorsement for tanker, hazardous material, or double/triple trailer driving. Training and testing is at our Addison Regional Center, 301 S. Swift Road #6, Addison, IL 60101.

Careers

There is a growing need for skilled drivers, with employment opportunities for truck drivers expected to grow with over 290,000 new jobs created over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21 percent growth for heavy and tractor/trailer drivers through the year 2020. Salaries vary depending on many factors, but range from $24,730 to $57,480. The CDL program can help you find a job and allow you to follow your dream of driving the open road.

What People are Saying

“The [CDL] license itself is not enough. We will hire you if you come to us with that license after graduating from a good truck driving school like this one where we know you have been comprehensively trained." —Darrell Comer, Regional Recruiting Manager, Schneider National

"I took the four-week accelerated CDL course, because I had previously driven a truck before I became a stay-at-home dad. But licensing requirements have really tightened up. The COD instructors were very good, with a good mix of theory and practical application. They were hands-on and you could tell they had been drivers themselves, which I liked. When I passed the state exam, I had multiple job offers, so I could be selective with the company I chose to go with. I would absolutely recommend COD's CDL program to others." —Butch Sill, CDL Graduate

“I chose COD’s truck driving program over two other schools, because of COD’s educational reputation, and because they did more in-depth coverage of the material. This is a great program, with great instructors. I went from being unemployed to having three job offers in just over six weeks! I’ve even recommended it to my sister, who is looking for a job change.” —Al Garcia, CDL Graduate

—ABC 7 News Special Segment: 'Now Hiring'

Upcoming Courses

240-Hour Course

Depending on factors such as background and previous experience, some students need more exposure to a new field and prefer the 240-hour course. More time is spent on the road and in the yard. All three of license endorsements — tanker, hazardous material and double/triple trailer — are part of this course. Instructor: C. Bell Training hours: 240, six consecutive weeks

Courses start every 4 to 6 weeks

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PROED-0038-003, $4,500

Addison Regional Center

160-Hour Course

This program involves both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. You will be able to complete all of the Secretary of State requirements and choose one license endorsement for tanker, hazardous material or double/triple trailer driving. Instructor: C. Bell Training hours: 160, four consecutive weeks

Courses start every 4 to 6 weeks

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PROED-0038-004, $3,200

Addison Regional Center

Getting Started Checklist

Admission

Talk to a program coordinator to learn about the program.
Join one of our monthly information sessions to hear first-hand how our program can help you reach your goals, including how to apply, the career outlook, financial assistance options, and our job placement services.
Provide your official Court Record, which is available through the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Ask us about getting your Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam, which includes a health and drug screen.
Fill out your application to the CDL program.
Learn about the pre-permit process, education and pre-testing through COD.

Prepare for the CDL Permit Exams

We will provide you with the CDL Study Guide and set up an appointment for you to view the General Knowledge DVD and take the General Knowledge practice test.

You will also receive training materials and take practice tests for the Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles exams.

One-on-one assistance will be provided to help you complete all three pre-tests successfully.

Complete the Program Prerequisites

Before beginning the program, you must have completed the following:

Pass the DOT physical and drug screen
Pass the written exams at the Secretary of State's office:
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes
- Combination Vehicles Information

Job Placement and Financing

Job placement assistance is available for license holders. We have a 100 percent placement rate. This program is on the COD approved list for the Workforce Investment Act.