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 40 verified training programs serving the Poplar Grove, Illinois area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Poplar Grove, IL

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Poplar Grove?We have identified 40 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Poplar Grove area (Pop: 10,000).

Quick Stats

40 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 10,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Poplar Grove, 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
40

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Poplar Grove, IL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Poplar Grove, 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 40 training programsserving the Poplar Grove area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

40 CDL Schools Near Poplar Grove

Top Picks in Poplar Grove

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Rock Valley College

Belvidere, IL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sharon Community School

Sharon, WI

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Blackhawk Technical College

Janesville, WI

Call Now

Rock Valley College

Belvidere, IL
6.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-921-2076

Sharon Community School

Sharon, WI
10.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 262-736-4477

160 Driving Academy - Rockford Yard

Loves Park, IL
12.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-205-1773

Blackhawk Technical College

Janesville, WI
18.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 608-757-7714

Lakeside DieselTech Academy

Janesville, WI
26.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 414-336-0441

Kishwaukee College

Malta, IL
29.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-825-9547

Johnsburg High School Diesel Equipment Technology

Johnsburg, IL
30.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-385-9233

Grant Community High School

Fox Lake, IL
33.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 847-973-3451

Wolf Driving School

East Dundee, IL
34.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 847-301-7720

4006- Antioch - IL - Summit School Services, LLC

Antioch, IL
37.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 847-754-9792

Fremont School Dist 79

Mundelein, IL
38.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 847-566-0305

4163 - RTC - Grayslake, IL - Summit School Services, LLC

Grayslake, IL
39.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 800-950-0485

Ruler CDL School Inc

West Chicago, IL
43.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 513-575-6968

160 Driving Academy - Freeport Classroom and Yard

Freeport, IL
43.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-205-1108

alpha truck driving school inc.

West Chicago, IL
44.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 630-628-1111

Proway CDL LLC

Libertyville, IL
44.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 847-305-9875

Illinois Central School Bus - Batavia

Batavia, IL
44.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 815-409-4000

Warren Township High School

Gurnee, IL
46.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 847-599-4809

GETCDL SCHOOL LTD

Arlington Heights, IL
47 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 773-636-5094

KOTRA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

Park City, IL
47.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 773-531-4522

Showing 20 of 39 schools

CDL Training in Poplar Grove, Illinois

Poplar Grove, Illinois has 40 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 Poplar Grove, 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 Poplar Grove?

  • 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 Poplar Grove

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 Poplar Grove: 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 Poplar Grove

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class ATanker
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Weekend Classes
Class ATanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
DESA Logistics Inc
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Weekend Classes

Tuition Costs in Poplar Grove

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.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Poplar Grove

Required for your CDL medical card

MedPro Occupational Health - South Rockford

7691 Second St, Rockford
4.6
$81-$164

CVS MinuteClinic - East Rockford

4086 Industrial Pkwy, Rockford
4.8
$93-$148
Walk-ins OK

MedExpress Urgent Care - Rockford

9904 Lincoln Ave, Rockford
4.7
$64-$119
Walk-ins OK

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

CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Poplar Grove

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

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Poplar Grove, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Poplar Grove

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