How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

How much does CDL training cost in Madison, IL?

CDL training in Madison, 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 Madison?

Most CDL training programs in Madison 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 Madison, IL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Madison 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 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'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 37 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 37 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Madison area (Pop: 269,840).

Quick Stats

37 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

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Madison, IL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Madison, 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 37 training programsserving the Madison area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

37 CDL Schools Near Madison

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Top Picks in Madison

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Lewis and Clark Community College

East Alton, IL

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

East Alton Wood River Community High School Dist. 14

Wood River, IL

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Illinois Central School Bus - Alton

Godfrey, IL

Call Now

Lewis and Clark Community College

East Alton, IL

7.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

East Alton Wood River Community High School Dist. 14

Wood River, IL

9.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Illinois Central School Bus - Alton

Godfrey, IL

13.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Illinois Central School Bus - East St Louis

Caseyville, IL

20.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Illinois Central School Bus - O'Fallon

O'Fallon, IL

21.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Belleville Yard

East St Louis, IL

25.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

harmony emge school dist. 175

Belleville, IL

25.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Belleville Classroom

Belleville, IL

25.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Missouri Central School Bus - Saint Louis South

St Louis, MO

26.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Cdl training and consulting

Overland, MO

27.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Missouri Central School Bus - Ladue

St Ann, MO

27.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Belleville School Transportation Services (BSTS)

Belleville, IL

27.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

MTC Truck Driver Training

St Ann, MO

28.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - St. Louis Yard

Bridgeton, MO

29.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Training Schools - Bridgeton MO

Bridgeton, MO

29.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Carrollton Community Unit High School #1

Carrollton, IL

37.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

D.H. Driving School,Inc

Arnold, MO

39.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Illinois Central School Bus - Waterloo

Waterloo, IL

41.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Vandalia Community Unit School Dist #203

Vandalia, IL

44.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Kaskaskia Yard

Centralia, IL

46.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 36 schools

CDL Training in Madison, Illinois

Madison, Illinois has 37 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 Madison, 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 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.

View all CDL schools in Illinois

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.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Madison

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 - Belleville Classroom FMCSA Verified	Belleville	Class A	Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Belleville Yard FMCSA Verified	East St Louis	Class A	Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Kaskaskia Yard FMCSA Verified	Centralia	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - St. Louis Yard FMCSA Verified	Bridgeton	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
3101 - House Springs - MO - Summit School Services, LLC FMCSA Verified	House Springs	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Abundant Transport Enterprise FMCSA Verified	Florissant	Class A	Evening Classes	View Details
ABUNDANT TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE FMCSA Verified	Florissant	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
Believe Academy School FMCSA Verified	St. Louis	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Belleville School Transportation Services (BSTS) FMCSA Verified	Belleville	Class AHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Carrollton Community Unit High School #1 FMCSA Verified	Carrollton	Class ATanker		View Details
Cdl training and consulting FMCSA Verified	Overland	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CDL Training Schools - Bridgeton MO FMCSA Verified	Bridgeton	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Centralia City Schools District #135 FMCSA Verified	Centralia	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
CSA TRAINING CENTER LLC FMCSA Verified	St. Louis	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
D.H. Driving School,Inc FMCSA Verified	Arnold	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details

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.

Nearby Cities

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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

(816) 598-9767

4.7

$119-$186

Walk-ins OK

Concentra Urgent Care - West St. Louis

4176 Washington Blvd, St. Louis

(314) 674-8882

4.7

$106-$189

Walk-ins OK

NextCare Urgent Care - St. Louis

4058 Medical Center Dr, St. Louis

(573) 494-7186

4.5

$83-$124

View All 7 Clinics in Madison 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 Madison

2001 Bartillon Dr, Madison, WI 53704

(608) 264-7447

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.

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

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Illinois

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Madison, IL

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Madison, IL

How should students compare CDL schools in Madison, IL?

37 CDL Schools Near Madison

Top Picks in Madison

Lewis and Clark Community College

East Alton Wood River Community High School Dist. 14

Illinois Central School Bus - Alton

Lewis and Clark Community College

East Alton Wood River Community High School Dist. 14

Illinois Central School Bus - Alton

Illinois Central School Bus - East St Louis

Illinois Central School Bus - O'Fallon

160 Driving Academy - Belleville Yard

harmony emge school dist. 175

160 Driving Academy - Belleville Classroom

Missouri Central School Bus - Saint Louis South

Cdl training and consulting

Missouri Central School Bus - Ladue

Belleville School Transportation Services (BSTS)

MTC Truck Driver Training

160 Driving Academy - St. Louis Yard

CDL Training Schools - Bridgeton MO

Carrollton Community Unit High School #1

D.H. Driving School,Inc

Illinois Central School Bus - Waterloo

Vandalia Community Unit School Dist #203

160 Driving Academy - Kaskaskia Yard

CDL Training in Madison, Illinois

Why Get CDL Training Near Madison?

CDL Training Costs in Illinois

Trucking Jobs Near Madison

Compare CDL Schools in Madison

Tuition Costs in Madison

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Illinois

DOT Physicals Near Madison

NextCare Urgent Care - Central St. Louis

Concentra Urgent Care - West St. Louis

NextCare Urgent Care - St. Louis

CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Madison

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Madison

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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