Program requirements meet the requirements set by the state of Illinois. Those seeking a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or truck driver training for another state may need to meet additional requirements set forth by that state.

Classroom Portion: The classroom portion of the program is designed for people with no commercial driver experience. This training provides a basic orientation on commercial driver's license requirements. Concentration is on rules, regulations and other requirements necessary to prepare students to pass the written portion of the CDL examination. At this point in the program, students will need to complete the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).

Driving or Behind-the-Wheel Portion: This portion of the program provides students with detailed knowledge of advanced operating practices for driving a commercial vehicle. Training includes information on federal and state rules and regulations. Students will demonstrate the proper preparation, handling, safety and driving skills necessary to pass the CDL examination. Activities will involve on-the-lot driving and over-the-road driving on city streets, highways and interstates. After this class, students will take a test at an Illinois Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Facility (or the motor vehicle facility where they are seeking a license).

Trucking jobs include positions like tractor-trailer drivers, school bus drivers, city transit drivers, package delivery carriers, over-the-road drivers and more. Jobs are available in the public and private sectors. Trucking plays a vital role in U.S. commerce. Hospitals, stores, farmers, emergency services and more need products and equipment delivered safely and on time.

Trucks transport most of the freight in the U.S., and demand for truck drivers is expected to rise as households and businesses increase spending and demand for goods, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Trucking drivers have the opportunity to choose local, regional or national jobs, with long-haul options available to travel the country.

• 172.5 Hours — 7 am-3 pm Monday-Friday (Monday-Thursday for Summer semester)
• Minimum age — 18 years old to drive intrastate or 21 years old to drive interstate
• 1:4 students-to-instructor ratio

Week 1

• Commercial learner’s permit topics in the classroom, truck and yard

Weeks 2-5

• Pre-trip inspection in the truck and yard
• Yard Skills — behind-the-wheel driving in the truck yard
• Road Skills — behind-the-wheel driving on the road
• CDL exam at state motor vehicle facility

• At least 18 years old
• Current driver’s license for at least a year with no outstanding or unpaid violations anywhere in the United States
• Meet medical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) or prove exempt status of not being subject to the regulations
• Provide negative drug test results per Department of Transportation requirements
• Meet employment standards of the trucking industry

Do you own or manage a company that uses straight trucks, buses, box trucks, dump trucks, snowplows or tractor-trailers? Kish can work with you to create a plan for your organization. Call 815-825-9547 or email kccdl@kish.edu to see how your workers can receive the training needed to help your business succeed.

Funding is available to those who are eligible and approved from:

• Kane County Development Department 
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (a good option for people looking for scholarships)
• Driving Agriculture Forward Scholarship Program (for those enrolling in driver training)
• DeKalb County Community Foundation
• Women in Trucking Foundation
• Veterans Affairs (contact Adam Gisseler, Interim Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs, at agisseler@kish.edu) 

NOTE: Federal or state financial aid are not available to cover Kish’s Truck Driver Training program costs.

 

Kish offers online entry-level driver training (ELDT) for hazardous materials. The course prepares students to fulfill state-administered knowledge requirements for hazardous materials (H) endorsements.

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The course cost is $4,000. Payment is due two weeks before class starts. The program cost does not include fees for:

• Driver’s abstract
• Commercial learner’s permit
• Department of Transportation physical
• Department of Transportation drug screening

The physical and drug screening should be completed two weeks before class.

The Truck Driver Training program is designed to prepare students to apply for licensure or certification in Illinois. Program completion may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state other than Illinois.

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