Truck Driver Training

The requirements for this program will 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 truck driver training program is designed for people with no commercial driver experience. This training provides a basic orientation on commercial driver's license requirements. Concentration will be on rules, regulations, and other requirements necessary to prepare students for passing 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 truck driver training program provides students with detailed knowledge of advanced operating practices for driving a commercial vehicle. This training will include information on federal/state rules and regulations. Students are expected to 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, the student will take a test at the DMV.

Trucking jobs include tractor-trailer drivers, school bus drivers, city transit drivers, package delivery carriers, or over-the-road (OTR) drivers, among other possibilities. There are jobs 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 allows 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 — CLP topics in classroom, truck and yard
• Weeks 2-5 — Pre-trip inspection in truck and yard
  • Yard Skills — behind-the-wheel driving in truck yard
  • Road Skills — behind-the-wheel driving on the road
  • CDL exam at DMV

• 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 be successful.

Financial aid and payment plans are not available to cover Kish’s Truck Driver Training program costs. Funding is available to those who are eligible and approved from:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (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 Greg Putra, Director of Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs at gputra@kish.edu) 

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

Learn More

$4,000 for the course 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 test should be completed two weeks prior to class.

• The first week of the course is based in the classroom, learning the material to pass the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) written exam.
• The next part of the course will be a hands-on inspection of trucks, practicing techniques, and on-the-road driving.

To learn more about the program, fill out the Truck Driver Training interest form.

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING Interest FORM

To register for the program, fill out the Truck Driver Training registration form.

Truck Driver Training REGISTRATION FORM

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.

Learn more about Professional Licensure