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 12 verified training programs serving the Colchester, Illinois area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Colchester, IL

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Colchester?We have identified 12 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Colchester area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

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

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Colchester, 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
12

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Colchester, IL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Colchester, 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 12 training programsserving the Colchester area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

12 CDL Schools Near Colchester

Top Picks in Colchester

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Southeastern Community College - Macomb

Macomb, IL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Bushnell-Prairie City School Dist 170

Bushnell, IL

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Fort Madison Comm. School Dist.

Fort Madison, IA

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6123 - Western IL University - IL - National Express

Macomb, IL
6.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

6123 - Western IL University - IL - National Express

Macomb, IL
7.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Southeastern Community College - Macomb

Macomb, IL
9.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Fort Madison Comm. School Dist.

Fort Madison, IA
31.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Southeastern Community College - Keokuk

Keokuk, IA
32 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Southeastern Community College - West Burlington

West Burlington, IA
33.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Spoon River College

Canton, IL
41.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

John Wood Community College

Quincy, IL
43.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

FARMINGTON SCHOOL DIST. CUSD 265

Farmington, IL
45.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Regional Superintendent of School # 1/ Quincy Public Schools

Quincy, IL
46.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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CDL Training in Colchester, Illinois

Colchester, Illinois has 12 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 Colchester, 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 Colchester?

  • 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 Colchester

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 Colchester: 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 JobsGet Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Colchester

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 12 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Macomb
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.
View Details
Macomb
Class AClass BTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Bushnell
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Farmington
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
View Details
Fort Madison
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Quincy
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Quincy
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Keokuk
Class A
Evening Classes
View Details
Macomb
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.
View Details
West Burlington
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.
View Details
Spoon River College
FMCSA Verified
Canton
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
London Mills
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
View Details

Tuition Costs in Colchester

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 Colchester

Required for your CDL medical card

Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine - Macomb

130 S Lafayette St, Macomb
(309) 836-2500
5

McDonough District Hospital Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

525 E Grant St 3rd Floor, Macomb
(309) 836-1601
5

MDH Convenience Clinic

First Floor, 515 East Grant Street Health Services Building 2, Suite 112, Macomb
(309) 836-1700
4.6
View All 7 Clinics in ColchesterAll 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 Colchester

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

DOT Reasonable SuspicionHazmat AwarenessHazmat RecurrentDefensive DrivingHIPAA for CouriersHeat Stress & Slip/TripDry Ice HandlingHOS / ELD ComplianceLithium Battery ShippingBloodborne PathogensCargo SecurementFSMA Sanitary TransportForklift Certification
View All Certification Courses

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Colchester

How long does CDL training take in Colchester?
CDL training programs in Colchester, 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 Colchester without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Colchester 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 Colchester 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 Colchester?
The CDL driver job outlook near Colchester, 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 Colchester?
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 Colchester 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 Colchester and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

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Guide

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Grants

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Protection

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Related Resources

CDL Practice Tests by StatePaid CDL Training ProgramsFMCSA School Verification GuideTruck Driver Salary by StateVerify a CDL School