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 200 verified training programs serving the Madison, Illinois area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Madison, IL

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Madison?We have identified 200 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Madison area (Pop: 269,840).

Quick Stats

200 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 269,840

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Madison, 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
200

200 CDL Schools Near Madison

CDL Training Market in Madison, IL (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

  • Active Schools2
  • ELDT Verified2
  • Average Tuition$3,500
  • Starting From$3,500
  • Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in Madison have access to 2 FMCSA-verified training programs for the 2026 academic year.

The market is competitive, with tuition ranging from an affordable $3,500 up to premium programs around $7,500.

Many schools in Madison offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes.

Many schools partner with major carriers to offer job placement assistance upon graduation.

*Data verified by CDL Schools USA via the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Last updated: December 2026.

Top Picks in Madison

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Madison County Highway Dept.

Edwardsville, IL

Call Now
#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

JON PAUL MUELLER

Edwardsville, IL

Call Now
#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Lewis and Clark Community College

East Alton, IL

Call Now

Madison County Highway Dept.

Edwardsville, IL
6.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

JON PAUL MUELLER

Edwardsville, IL
7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Lewis and Clark Community College

East Alton, IL
7.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bethalto Community Unit #8 School District

Cottage Hills, IL
7.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Windstar Lines Inc - St. Louis

Roxana, IL
8.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Roxana CUSD #1

Wood River, IL
8.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

East Alton School District #13

Wood River, IL
8.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

20293 Edwardsville

Glen Carbon, IL
8.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Evergreen North America Industrial Services

Wood River, IL
8.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Roxana CUSD #1

Roxana, IL
8.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

wood river hartford school district15

Wood River, IL
9.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Foster Township Highway Dept

Bethalto, IL
9.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Village of Roxana

Roxana, IL
9.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

East Alton School District #13

East Alton, IL
9.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Strohmeier Farms

Bunker Hill, IL
9.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

East Alton Wood River Community High School Dist. 14

Wood River, IL
9.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bunker Hill CUSD 8

Bunker Hill, IL
9.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Woodriver - Apple Bus Company

Wood River, IL
9.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

River Bend Head Start and Family Services

Wood River, IL
9.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Kienstra Illinois LLC

Wood River, IL
9.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 153 schools

CDL Training in Madison, Illinois

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Madison, IL</strong> offers <strong>200 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs</strong> for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification.</p> <p>CDL drivers in IL earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Madison schools.</p> <p>Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis.</p> </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Madison?

  • 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 Madison

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 Madison: 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 Madison

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
01Heartland Coca Cola
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Weekend Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
12755 Granite City
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Weekend Classes
Class A
Weekend Classes
Class A
Evening Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
20281 Kirkwood
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
20293 Edwardsville
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.
20294 Collinsville
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
20336 Highland
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
27037 Cahokia
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
VA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Airport Lot
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Alhambra Township
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Madison

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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DOT Physicals Near Madison

Required for your CDL medical card

NextCare Urgent Care - Central St. Louis

5283 Wellness Blvd, St. Louis
4.7
$119-$186
Walk-ins OK

Concentra Urgent Care - West St. Louis

4176 Washington Blvd, St. Louis
4.7
$106-$189
Walk-ins OK

NextCare Urgent Care - St. Louis

4058 Medical Center Dr, St. Louis
4.5
$83-$124

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Madison

2001 Bartillon Dr, Madison, WI 53704

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Madison DMV. State capital - CDL testing

Visit Madison CDL Secretary of State

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Madison

How long does CDL training take in Madison?
CDL training programs in Madison, 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 Madison without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison?
The CDL driver job outlook near Madison, 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 Madison?
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 Madison CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

Complete CDL Training Guide for Madison Area Residents

While CDL training options directly in Madison are limited, there are excellent opportunities throughout Illinois and nearby areas. Here's everything you need to know to start your trucking career.

CDL Jobs in Illinois

Average Salary
$50,000 - $68,000
Key Industries

logistics hub, manufacturing, agriculture, and finance

In-Demand Specializations
  • Intermodal from Chicago
  • Refrigerated
  • Grain hauling
Major Routes

I-55, I-57, I-80, I-90

Top Employers

Schneider, JB Hunt, CRST, local carriers

Funding Options

Illinois Workforce WIOA, DCEO training grants

Nearby Cities with More Options

Consider these nearby cities with more FMCSA-verified CDL schools:

View All Illinois Schools

Illinois CDL Requirements: What You Need to Know

  • Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate)
  • Hold a valid driver's license
  • Pass a DOT physical examination
  • Complete ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider
  • Pass CDL knowledge and skills tests
3-8
Weeks to complete
View Full Requirements

Can't Afford CDL School?

Many trucking companies offer FREE CDL training with employment commitment.

View Paid Training Programs