CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 50 verified training programs serving the Clifton, Illinois area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Clifton, IL

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Clifton?We have identified 50 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Clifton area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

50 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Clifton, IL

CDL License Types
Class A, Class B, Class C
Average Training Cost
$3,000 – $8,000
Program Length
3-8 weeks
Weekend / Evening Options
Available at select schools
FMCSA Registration Required
Yes
Verified Schools
50

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Clifton, IL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Clifton, IL should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 50 training programsserving the Clifton area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

50 CDL Schools Near Clifton

Top Picks in Clifton

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

BRADLEY BOURBONNAIS HIGH SCHOOL

Bradley, IL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Tri-Point Schools

Cullom, IL

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BRADLEY BOURBONNAIS HIGH SCHOOL

Bradley, IL
15.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-937-3707

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL
15.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-928-5570

Tri-Point Schools

Cullom, IL
18 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-253-6299

Illinois Central School Bus - Momence

Momence, IL
21.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-409-4000

Milford Area Public Schools

Milford, IL
24.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-889-5176

North Newton School Corporation

Morocco, IN
27.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 219-285-2160

Dwight Township High School/Transportation

Dwight, IL
27.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-584-6270

Illinois Central School Bus - Wilmington

Wilmington, IL
28.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-409-4000

Illinois Central School Bus - Coal City

Coal City, IL
28.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-409-4000

South Newton School Corporation

Kentland, IN
30.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 219-474-5185

Tri-Creek School Corporation

Lowell, IN
35 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 219-690-2638

Hawkins inc. University Park IL

University Park, IL
35.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 708-334-0400

Hanover Community Schools Corp.

Cedar Lake, IN
37.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 219-374-3838

Illinois Central School Bus - Gibson City

Gibson City, IL
39.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-409-4000

Road Runner Driving School

Park Forest, IL
40.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 847-952-4555

Saint Joseph's CDL Academy

Rensselaer, IN
40.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 219-866-6000

DLM SCHOOL BUS LINE INC

Chicago Heights, IL
42.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 708-755-1100

160 Driving Academy - Chicago Heights Classroom

Chicago Heights, IL
43.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 708-340-6165

Horizon Driving School

Chicago Heights, IL
43.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 312-857-4711

Armstrong-Ellis Grade School

Armstrong, IL
43.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 217-569-2115

Showing 20 of 49 schools

CDL Training in Clifton, Illinois

Clifton, Illinois has 50 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. Chicago is the largest intermodal hub in North America, with 25% of all US rail freight passing through. Average CDL driver salary in Illinois is about $57,600 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $80,000. The intermodal & distribution sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders near Clifton, and major freight corridors such as I-80/I-55/I-94 corridors connect graduates to local, regional, and long-haul work. Every school listed on this page is tied to FMCSA Training Provider Registry review, which matters because ELDT completion must come from a registered provider before a first-time CDL applicant can take the skills test.

Why Get CDL Training Near Clifton?

  • Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
  • Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
  • Financial Aid: Schools in Illinois often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Illinois

CDL training in Illinois typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

Trucking Jobs Near Clifton

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Illinois
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Illinois

Top employers hiring near Clifton: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Compare CDL Schools in Clifton

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
160 Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Alpha School Bus
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.

Tuition Costs in Clifton

Avg. Private School
$5,500
Avg. Public School
$4,000
Price Range
$3,500 - $7,000

Midwest hub. 160 Driving Academy dominates here with mid-range pricing.

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

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CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Clifton

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local Secretary of State office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find Secretary of State Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Clifton

How long does CDL training take in Clifton?
CDL training programs in Clifton, IL typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
How much does CDL school cost in Illinois?
CDL training costs in Illinois range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.
Can I get a CDL in Clifton without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Clifton area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.
How do I know if a CDL school in Clifton is legitimate?
All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Illinois?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Illinois: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.
What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Clifton?
The CDL driver job outlook near Clifton, IL is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Illinois experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.
Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Clifton?
The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Clifton CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.