Shift your career into high gear. Earn your commercial driver’s license and start a high-paying, in-demand career as a truck driver. Kish’s Truck Driver Training program can be completed in just four weeks. Fast-track your future and feel the freedom of the open road.
The truck driver training program allows students to:
Want more information before registering? Fill-out our Truck Driver Training Interest form.
| Class | Day/Times | Notes | Course Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Class A CDL (160 HR) |
July 22-Aug. 28 |
Prepare to pass the Illinois Class-A commercial driver's license (CDL) test. |
TRK 060 1003 |
| Illinois Class A CDL (160 HR) |
Sept. 3-Oct. 2 |
Prepare to pass the Illinois Class-A commercial driver's license (CDL) test. |
TRK 060 3001 |
| Illinois Class A CDL (160 HR) |
Oct. 7-Nov. 5 |
Prepare to pass the Illinois Class-A commercial driver's license (CDL) test. |
TRK 060 3002 |
| Illinois Class A CDL (160 HR) |
Nov. 10-Dec. 12 |
Prepare to pass the Illinois Class-A commercial driver's license (CDL) test. |
TRK 060 3003 |
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.
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:
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.
The course cost is $4,000. Payment is due two weeks before class starts. The program cost does not include fees for:
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.
Kishwaukee College will offer six Fast-Track career programs during the Fall 2025 semester. Kish Fast-Track programs provide students with the expertise needed to meet local workforce demands. The programs range from 8-15 weeks, allowing students to start a career immediately or build upon skills with additional training.
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