In the Chicago metro area, the average cost of a CDL-A class is $3679 and the average class length is approximately 8 weeks long
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$4,500 total
The CDL-A program is offered in in a weekday or weekend format. The weekday option meets Monday through Thursday, from 7 am-5:30 pm for four weeks and the weekend option meets Saturday and Sunday, 7 am-5:30 pm for eight weeks. Graduates will be prepared to test for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Students are given the opportunity to take the CDL driving test at their local DMV office in the same vehicle they used to complete their training.
To be accepted into the program, students are required to obtain and submit a South Carolina CDL Permit, a DOT physical, and a DOT drug screen before class starts. A 10-year driving record is obtained from the SCDMV during the application process as well. All paperwork must be completed and submitted before the student can be scheduled for a class. The program has been inspected, approved, and licensed by S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. All instructors meet the department’s standards and are certified by the DMV.
No cost info
The Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) program at Progressive Truck Driving School is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate commercial motor vehicles. Students will undergo classroom instruction as well as hands-on training to learn the rules and regulations of the industry and master the techniques of driving a large commercial truck. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be ready to take the CDL-A test and pursue a career in the trucking industry.
No cost info
The Commercial Driver's License Class A program at CDL Columbia Driving School CO is designed to help aspiring truck drivers obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a Class A vehicle. The program is comprehensive and covers all aspects of operating a truck including safety, vehicle inspection, and regulatory compliance. Graduates of the program will be prepared to take the CDL-A exam and enter the trucking industry as professional drivers.
$4,000 total
Alamo Truck Driving School offers a comprehensive 160-hour Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) program for aspiring truck drivers. The program covers both classroom instruction and hands-on training, including pre-trip inspection, backing, shifting, and driving on the road. Graduates of the CDL-A program are well-prepared to begin a career in the trucking industry.
$2,200 total
Our Class A Tractor/Trailer Operator program is designed for entry level driver preparation of the Illinois CDL test and successful employment through an intensive 4 Week program.
Field training includes both observation and behind the wheel time. The field training consist of driving in training areas that include a combination of highway, city and heavy traffic driving.
Drivers graduating from this course will be prepared to work nationwide, regionally and locally for the nation's largest truckload carriers.
No cost info
160 Driving Academy will give you all the knowledge and practice you need with 4 weeks of instruction in the classroom and in-depth training behind the wheel. Our CDL Class A certification course will prepare you to drive a "Class A" truck in any US state. You will be thoroughly prepared for your exam after 40 hours in the classroom and practice driving on local and interstate roads.
No cost info
Our Class A Tractor/Trailer Operator program is designed for entry level driver preparation of the Illinois CDL test and successful employment through an intensive 4 Week program.
Field training includes both observation and behind the wheel time. The field training consist of driving in training areas that include a combination of highway, city and heavy traffic driving.
Drivers graduating from this course will be prepared to work nationwide, regionally
No cost info
The Commercial Truck Driver class offered by Mid City Truck Driving Academy (MCTDA) located in Chicago, IL is a comprehensive program designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to become successful commercial truck drivers. The class covers topics such as defensive driving, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling, and provides hands-on experience with a variety of truck types. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to obtain their CDL and begin their career as a professional truck driver.
$5,000 total
Emerge Career offers a comprehensive Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) program to help individuals become professional truck drivers. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and behind-the-wheel experience to prepare students for the CDL-A exam. In addition, Emerge Career provides job placement assistance to help graduates find employment in the trucking industry.
No cost info
If you're seeking a career in the trucking industry, obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is your first step. This essential credential allows drivers to operate commercial vehicles. This blog post will guide you through the process of finding the best CDL-A classes in Chicago, using the platform Dreambound.com, which is not a school, institution, or university, but a platform that helps students find vocational training programs.
A CDL-A is a type of commercial driver's license that allows drivers to operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds. With a CDL-A, you can drive semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and tank vehicles. As a CDL-A holder, you are also permitted to tow vehicles over 10,000 pounds, opening up a wide array of job opportunities.
To obtain a CDL-A, you must meet specific training requirements.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within your state (intrastate) and at least 21 years old to drive across state lines (interstate), to drive a vehicle containing hazardous materials, or to transport passengers.
Physical Fitness: You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam every two years.
CDL Training and Testing: CDL training includes both classroom instruction and practical, behind-the-wheel training. Once you complete the training, you have to pass a written test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle controls test, and an on-road driving test.
When searching for CDL-A classes in Chicago, consider the following:
Comprehensive Training: Look for a program that offers both theoretical learning and practical, behind-the-wheel training.
Qualified Instructors: Ensure the instructors are experienced commercial drivers who are knowledgeable about industry standards and regulations.
Job Placement Assistance: Some schools offer job placement assistance, which can be beneficial when you are starting your career.
CDL-A classes typically consist of classroom learning and hands-on training.
Classroom Learning: During the classroom learning portion, you will study topics such as traffic laws, vehicle inspection, and basic mechanical knowledge.
Hands-on Training: The hands-on training will give you practical experience in driving a commercial vehicle. You'll learn how to operate the vehicle's controls, maneuver the vehicle, and practice safe driving techniques.
The certification process for a CDL-A involves a series of steps:
Written Test: After completing your training, you will take a written test covering topics you learned during your classroom instruction.
Skills Test: Once you pass the written test, you will take a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle controls test, and an on-road driving test.
CDL Issuance: After successfully passing both the written and skills tests, you will receive your CDL-A.
Once you have your CDL-A, you will be qualified for a variety of truck driving jobs. You can find these jobs through online job boards, company websites, and networking with other professionals in the industry. Some training programs may also offer job placement assistance.
After obtaining your CDL-A, you might want to consider additional training to expand your career opportunities. For instance, you might consider getting endorsements on your CDL, such as a Hazmat endorsement (allowing you to transport hazardous materials) or a Doubles/Triples endorsement (allowing you to haul double or triple trailers).
There are other vocational training opportunities that you might consider if you want to diversify your skills set or explore different career paths. Dreambound offers resources on a variety of vocational training programs. For example, you might be interested in becoming a HVAC technician or a pharmacy technician in Illinois.
Embarking on a career as a CDL-A driver offers many opportunities. Not only is there a high demand for commercial drivers, but the job also offers the chance to travel and work independently. While the process of obtaining a CDL-A requires dedication and effort, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile endeavor. Whether you're in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, there are quality CDL-A classes available to help you achieve your career goals.
Dreambound has written dozens of in-depth guides on how to get started in this field, with information specific to your city. If you're located somewhere else or thinking about moving, check out some other guides we've written:
Exploring diverse professional options? Dreambound has comprehensive guides to assist you in making well-informed decisions. Take a look at these resources:
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