How much does CDL training cost in Serena, IL?

CDL training in Serena, IL typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Serena?

Most CDL training programs in Serena take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in Serena, IL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Serena area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in Serena 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's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

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 36 verified training programs serving the Serena, Illinois area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Serena, IL

Name: CDL Schools in Serena, IL
Creator: CDL Schools USA
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Serena?We have identified 36 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Serena area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

36 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Serena, 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

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Serena, IL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Serena, 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 36 training programsserving the Serena area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

36 CDL Schools Near Serena

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Top Picks in Serena

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Rutland Grade School

Ottawa, IL

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Newark Community High School

Newark, IL

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Wallace Grade School

Ottawa, IL

Call Now

Rutland Grade School

Ottawa, IL

5.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-433-2949

Newark Community High School

Newark, IL

8.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-695-5164

Wallace Grade School

Ottawa, IL

9.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-433-2986

Leland School

Leland, IL

9.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-495-3231

Paw Paw School

Paw Paw, IL

19 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-627-2671

Mendota High School

Mendota, IL

20.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-538-6211

Illinois Valley Community College

Oglesby, IL

22.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-224-0265

Illinois Central School Bus - Coal City

Coal City, IL

28 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-409-4000

Dwight Township High School/Transportation

Dwight, IL

31.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-584-6270

160 Driving Academy - Crest Hill Classroom

Crest Hill, IL

31.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-572-4300

CDL America Inc

Aurora, IL

32.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadhazardous_materials_theory

+1 630-299-3434

Kishwaukee College

Malta, IL

32.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-825-9547

Illinois Central School Bus - Wilmington

Wilmington, IL

32.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-409-4000

27012 - Northern Illinois Training Center

Crest Hill, IL

32.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 513-846-6975

Illinois Central School Bus - Batavia

Batavia, IL

34.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-409-4000

alpha truck driving school inc.

West Chicago, IL

38.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 630-628-1111

Princeton Elementary Schools

Princeton, IL

38.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-875-6417

Ruler CDL School Inc

West Chicago, IL

38.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 513-575-6968

PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL

Princeton, IL

38.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-875-3308

Illinois Central School Bus - Dixon

Dixon, IL

44.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 815-409-4000

Showing 20 of 35 schools

CDL Training in Serena, Illinois

Serena, Illinois has 36 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 Serena, 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 Serena?

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.

View all CDL schools in Illinois

Trucking Jobs Near Serena

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 Serena: 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.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Serena

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Crest Hill Classroom FMCSA Verified	Crest Hill	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Joliet - Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Joliet	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Oswego - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Montgomery	Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Oswego - Range and Road FMCSA Verified	Montgomery	Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Palos Hills Classroom FMCSA Verified	Palos Hills	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
27012 - Northern Illinois Training Center FMCSA Verified	Crest Hill	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Advantage Driver Training LLC FMCSA Verified	Joliet	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
alpha truck driving school inc. FMCSA Verified	West Chicago	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
BULLDOG DRIVING SCHOOL (SOUTH) FMCSA Verified	Palos Hills	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
CDL America Inc FMCSA Verified	Aurora	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
CENTER CASS SCHOOL DISTRICT #66 FMCSA Verified	Downers Grove	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
College of DuPage Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Addison	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Diesel Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Villa Park	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Dwight Township High School/Transportation FMCSA Verified	Dwight	Class AHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Elgin Community College FMCSA Verified	Elgin	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Serena

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.

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CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Serena

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 Serena, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

DOT Reasonable Suspicion Hazmat Awareness Hazmat Recurrent Defensive Driving HIPAA for Couriers Heat Stress & Slip/Trip Dry Ice Handling HOS / ELD Compliance Lithium Battery Shipping Bloodborne Pathogens Cargo Securement FSMA Sanitary Transport Forklift Certification

View All Certification Courses

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Serena

How long does CDL training take in Serena?

CDL training programs in Serena, 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 Serena without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Serena 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 Serena 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 Serena?

The CDL driver job outlook near Serena, 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 Serena?

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 Serena CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Illinois, including training programs in Serena and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Illinois

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Serena, IL

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Serena, IL

How should students compare CDL schools in Serena, IL?

36 CDL Schools Near Serena

Top Picks in Serena

Rutland Grade School

Newark Community High School

Wallace Grade School

Rutland Grade School

Newark Community High School

Wallace Grade School

Leland School

Paw Paw School

Mendota High School

Illinois Valley Community College

Illinois Central School Bus - Coal City

Dwight Township High School/Transportation

160 Driving Academy - Crest Hill Classroom

CDL America Inc

Kishwaukee College

Illinois Central School Bus - Wilmington

27012 - Northern Illinois Training Center

Illinois Central School Bus - Batavia

alpha truck driving school inc.

Princeton Elementary Schools

Ruler CDL School Inc

PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL

Illinois Central School Bus - Dixon

CDL Training in Serena, Illinois

Why Get CDL Training Near Serena?

CDL Training Costs in Illinois

Trucking Jobs Near Serena

Compare CDL Schools in Serena

Tuition Costs in Serena

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Illinois

CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Serena

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Serena

Essential Reading for CDL Students

How to Get Your CDL in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

CDL School Scams to Avoid in 2026

Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Why Students Fail the CDL Road Test (And How to Pass)

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