How much does CDL training cost in Chicago, IL?

CDL training in Chicago, 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 Chicago?

Most CDL training programs in Chicago 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 Chicago, IL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Chicago 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 Chicago 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 99 verified training programs serving the Chicago, Illinois area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Chicago, IL

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Chicago?We have identified 99 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Chicago area (Pop: 2,746,388).

Quick Stats

99 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 2,746,388

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Chicago, 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 99 training programsserving the Chicago area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

99 CDL Schools Near Chicago

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Top Picks in Chicago

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Reavis High School Dist. #220

Burbank, IL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

BULLDOG DRIVING SCHOOL (NORTH)

Elmwood Park, IL

Harvey, IL

16 miles away

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CDL Training in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois has 99 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 Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago

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 Chicago: 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.

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Compare CDL Schools in Chicago

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Bensenville - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Chicago	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes
160 Driving Academy - Chicago - South Shore - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Chicago	Class AClass BTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved
160 Driving Academy - Chicago Heights Classroom FMCSA Verified	Chicago Heights	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Chicago South Shore Yard FMCSA Verified	Harvey	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Crest Hill Classroom FMCSA Verified	Crest Hill	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Niles Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Niles	Class AClass BTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Palos Hills Classroom FMCSA Verified	Palos Hills	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Prairie State Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Chicago Heights	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - South Holland Classroom FMCSA Verified	South Holland	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy -Prospect Heights Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Prospect Heights	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
18 Wheeler CDL Driving School FMCSA Verified	Northbrook	Class AClass BTanker	VA Approved	View Details
27012 - Northern Illinois Training Center FMCSA Verified	Crest Hill	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
4006- Antioch - IL - Summit School Services, LLC FMCSA Verified	Antioch	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
4163 - RTC - Grayslake, IL - Summit School Services, LLC FMCSA Verified	Grayslake	Class ATanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
All Pro Truck Driving School LLC FMCSA Verified	Chicago	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes

Tuition Costs in Chicago

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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DOT Physicals Near Chicago

Required for your CDL medical card

DOTDOC

7503 Roosevelt Rd, Forest Park

(708) 851-8243

Chicago DOT Physicals

5618 W 79th St, Burbank

(708) 423-0004

FirstCare Urgent care center P.C.

9115 S Cicero Ave #200, Oak Lawn

(708) 265-2702

View All 50 Clinics in Chicago All Locations

💡 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 Chicago

5301 W Lexington St, Chicago, IL 60644

(312) 793-1010

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Chicago West Secretary of State. Largest IL city - CDL testing

Visit Chicago CDL Secretary of State

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Chicago, 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 Chicago

How long does CDL training take in Chicago?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago?

The CDL driver job outlook near Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago, IL

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Chicago, IL

How should students compare CDL schools in Chicago, IL?

99 CDL Schools Near Chicago

Top Picks in Chicago

Reavis High School Dist. #220

BULLDOG DRIVING SCHOOL (NORTH)

Professional Truck Driving School Yard

Reavis High School Dist. #220

BULLDOG DRIVING SCHOOL (NORTH)

Professional Truck Driving School Yard

Westchester Public Schools

DIVISION TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

BULLDOG DRIVING SCHOOL (SOUTH)

Experior Truck Driving School

160 Driving Academy - Palos Hills Classroom

Leyden High Schools - District 212

160 Driving Academy - Niles Classroom and Yard

First International CDL school

Illinois Central School Bus - Chicago South

Alpha School Bus

Illinois School Bus

School Transportation

BTR WAY CDL Training School LLC

VIKING DRIVING SCHOOL INC

Viking Driving School

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

160 Driving Academy - Chicago South Shore Yard

CDL Training in Chicago, Illinois

Why Get CDL Training Near Chicago?

CDL Training Costs in Illinois

Trucking Jobs Near Chicago

Compare CDL Schools in Chicago

Tuition Costs in Chicago

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Illinois

DOT Physicals Near Chicago

DOTDOC

Chicago DOT Physicals

FirstCare Urgent care center P.C.

CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Chicago

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Chicago

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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