Best Truck Driving Schools in Chicago, Illinois

Truck drivers often move valuable goods and materials over extremely long distances. Doing so successfully sometimes requires driving late at night under extenuating circumstances.

For this reason, having a high level of training before securing employment is imperative. For Chicago, Illinois, residents looking to become a truck driver , there are several alternatives within and around the city to consider.

Sifting through the options to select the best can be challenging, but you don’t have to worry. Below is a detailed yet concise list containing the top truck driving programs across the city and their notable highlights.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Chicago

To become a truck driver in Chicago, you must fulfill a handful of requirements, including being at least 18 years old to drive within the state or 21 years old to move between states.

You will also have to meet a few medical requirements, such as having no visual or hearing impairments. Of course, the most crucial step in the process is obtaining a CDL by passing the state’s CDL test.

To do so, most candidates enroll in CDL training programs. Once you graduate, you may apply for the CDL test by paying an application fee of $60.

The CDL test in Illinois consists of a knowledge test, which assesses a candidate’s proficiency in federal/state rules and regulations, and a skills test, which evaluates their real-world truck driving abilities.

Top Truck Driving Schools in Chicago, Illinois

Below are some of the most prominent truck driving schools in and around Chicago.

#Illinois

Progressive Truck Driving School

Chicago, IL Campus Only

Progressive Truck Driving School trains CDL truck drivers in the Class A category. The program combines classroom instructions with hands-on training, and it always continues to use its fleet of model trucks and equipment to give students a complete, all-around training experience.

Tuition

$3,500 - $7,000

Contact

(773) 736-5522
bills@cdltruck.com

#Illinois

Harper College

Prospect Heights, IL Online + Campus

Harper College in Prospect Heights, Illinois, is usually voted among the best vocational schools in the state. The school is known for its modern facilities, friendly instructors, and emphasis on getting students behind the wheel as much as possible.

Tuition

$135 - $468 per Credit

Contact

(847) 925-6001
lcc@harpercollege.edu

#Illinois

Elgin Community College

Elgin, IL Online + Campus

One of the oldest learning institutions in the entire state, Elgin Community College prides itself on its comprehensive program, of which there are numerous vocational initiatives such as the CDL training program.

Tuition

$135 - $310 per Credit

Contact

(847) 697-1000
admissions@elgin.edu

#Illinois

Columbia Driving School

Chicago, IL Campus only

Located on Archer Avenue, Columbia Driving School could be considered one of Chicago's best facilities for aspiring truck drivers, thanks to its quality facilities and equipment alone. The school boasts a modern campus with high-level instructors and comprehensive coursework combining classroom instructions with training behind the wheel.

Tuition

$200 - $800 per Program

Contact

(773) 735-1775
Columbia@bestcdlschool.org

#Illinois

Premier CDL Training Services

Granite City, IL Campus Only

Premier CDL Training Services prides itself as a hands-on truck driving school with a purposefully small class size. Here, the focus is on quality instruction and what the school website calls "specialized attention."