Truck Driving Schools in Chicago

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. For a complete understanding of the steps involved in becoming a truck driver in Chicago, including in-depth information on CDL training and testing, refer to our guide on how to become a truck driver in Illinois.

Top Truck Driving Schools in Chicago, Illinois

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

Progressive Truck Driving School

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.

The school is also notable for its job placement assistance, having helped numerous drivers secure suitable employment across the state and the country.

Established in 1974, the school has produced more than 50,000 truck drivers since it was created and continues to produce more.

Harper College

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.

Students meeting a few criteria may apply for the school’s financial aid initiative.

Harper College’s CDL program also helps with job placement assistance. What’s more, graduates who want to keep their CDL test in-house may also choose to take the Class A certificate test right at the school.

Elgin Community College

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.

Students who enroll in this program receive tutelage under experienced and dedicated instructors willing to share technical details and career advice for upcoming truck drivers.

Financial aid and hands-on training are available for those who qualify so that drivers can be confident when taking the CDL test and succeed in the fast-developing trucking industry.

Columbia Driving School

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.

Those who wish to complete their CDL Class A certificate program as quickly as possible so they can start working within a few weeks should try this place.

Premier CDL Training Services

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.”

The school not only tries to meet industry standards but also tries to surpass them. Ultimately, students who obtain their CDL training from this program are well-trained and proficient in a handful of entry-level driving skills and knowledge areas. Additionally, the school also prioritizes safety and courteousness. Since 2009, Premier CDL Training Services has produced more than 9,000 new drivers in the class A category.