Truck Driver Training

Our curriculum guide outlines the topics we cover.

Some of our topics include:

• CDL permit study
• Log book
• Hours of service
• Map reading
• Trip planning
• DOT regulations
• Hazard perception
• Night driving
• Extreme driving conditions
• Railroad crossing safety
• Accident reports
• Job Procurement

Out in the yard and on the road, we’ll teach you:

• Pre-trip inspection
• Couple/uncouple
• Straight backing
• 45-degree backing
• Shifting
• Double clutching
• Turns
• Uphill/downhill
• Ramps
• Lane changes
• Truck backing

There is also the opportunity to practice for your CDL before taking the official test.

Yes. We offer endorsement study for combination, air brakes, doubles/triples, tanker and HazMat. You’ll need to apply for endorsements through HazMat. An additional fee for fingerprinting will apply.

Day classes can be completed in 4 weeks but may take longer depending on the student, holidays or other factors. Day classes meet 7:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. During the summer, day classes run Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Night classes can be completed in 9 weeks but may take longer depending on the student, holidays or other factors. They run from 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm Monday through Thursday.

Students must complete 160 hours of class attendance.

Classroom training is held in room A1220 in the Kish Conference Center. The remainder of the class time is spent in the yard and on road training.

Illinois Class-A CDL Day Classes (160 hours)
*Currently postponed due to COVID-19.

Illinois Class-A CDL Night Classes (160 hours)
*Currently postponed due to COVID-19.

Hazardous Material, Tanker, and Double/Triples Endorsement Classes (8 hours)
*Currently postponed due to COVID-19.

This 8-hour courses does not include the costs for the Transportation Security Administration risk assessment fingerprinting and the Illinois Secretary of State written test for the Hazardous Materials Tanker, and Doubles/Triples endorsements.

Class dates are subject to change. Email mgallagher1@kish.edu for information or call 815-825-9466.

Yes, successful completion of the CDL program is worth 10 vocational credit hours.

The maximum class size will be eight students with 2 instructors.

The cost of the CDL course is $3,870.00. This amount includes the DOT pre-employment physical and the NIDA 5 panel drug screen. Additional costs to the student are a $50 CDL permit fee paid to the Secretary of State and the student is required to obtain a 3-year driver abstract from the Secretary of State as well.

Funding is available through the WIOA Youth and WIOA Adult programs, click on link below for more information:

• WIOA Youth (18-24 years of age)
• WIOA Adult (over 24 years of age)

Training grants may be available for eligible unemployed or displaced workers. To find out more, contact:

For Ogle County:
Best, Inc.
810 S. 10th Street
Oregon, IL
815-732-0148

For DeKalb County :
DeKalb Workforce Development Office
650 N. Peace Road
DeKalb, IL
815-901-0177, ext. 239 or ext. 225.

Veterans’ benefits are accepted and student loan information is available.

In order to receive a refund you must turn in an official drop form within the first 2 days of class. Students who have paid for their own physical and drug screen will get a 100% refund when a withdrawal form is submitted prior to Day 3 of class. However, $170 is nonrefundable for students who’s physical and drug screen was paid for by Kishwaukee College, when a drop form is submitted prior to Day 3 of class.

You must be 18 years of age to receive your CDL license. For our truck driver training program, you must:

• Read and write in English
• Hold a current Illinois driver’s license
• Pass a physical and drug screening

Yes. Please be aware that State of Illinois CDL computerized tests, road and skills tests are only administered in the English language.

Call 815-825-9534 to schedule a short orientation interview designed to answer your questions and bring awareness of the rewards and demands of a trucking career. You may register after your interview through the Workforce and Community Education office in room C2150.

Yes! We offer various classes for truck drivers.

CDL Refresher Class Information

1 hour- $45.00 Initial Assessment Fee

16 Hours - $600.00

40 Hours - $1,100.00

Designed as a refresher course for individuals who currently possess a Class “A” CDL, this course may be taken for either 16 hours or 40 hours, depending on the individual’s needs and skill level. A one-time charge of $45.00 will be made for a BTW (behind the wheel) assessment of the student. This assessment will be done to assure the student receives the proper number of course hours needed. Instruction includes Pre-Trip Inspection review, a brush-up of basic control (yard) skills, and on-the-road driving with emphasis on the double clutch technique required for testing. The training is geared specifically toward the state of Illinois Pre-Trip Inspection, the Basic Control Skills and Road tests. The licensing test will be scheduled at an Illinois motor vehicle facility at the end of the course. A tractor/trailer will be provided. Applicant must currently hold an “Air Brakes” endorsement on their license.

Classroom Instruction (non-driving)

40 Hours - $500.00

Obtaining a CDL permit is the purpose of this five day class. The first 2 days is devoted to permit study and preparation.
Day one includes reading and study of the General Knowledge, Combination, and Air Brakes sections from the Illinois CDL manual.
Day 2 begins with a visual presentation of the tractor and trailer, specifically covering those areas which pertain to questions asked on the permit tests. Practice tests are used to further prepare for the actual permit tests.
Day 3 covers a number of topics through the use of video curriculum and question-and-answer periods. These include: Emergency Maneuvers, Accident Procedures, Night Driving, Extreme Weather Conditions, Hazard Perception, Backing and Driving Techniques and D.O.T. rules and regulations.
Days 4 and 5 consist of Hours of Service and keeping logs, map reading, and trip planning.

Permit Study

16 Hours - $240.00

Day one of this two day course includes reading and studying the General Knowledge, Combination, and Air Brakes sections from the Illinois CDL manual.
Day 2 begins with a visual presentation of the tractor and trailer, specifically covering those areas which pertain to questions asked on the permit tests. Practice tests are also used to prepare students for the actual permit tests.

Hours of Service Instruction

16 Hours - $240.00

This course of instruction teaches the rules and regulations concerning the “Driver’s Daily Log”. Topics include correctly entering data into the log, keeping track of hours using the Monthly Summary, trip planning, and map reading.

Hazardous Materials, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples Endorsement

8 Hours - $200.00

This eight hour class covers the basics needed to take and pass the State-administered written tests for Hazardous Materials, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples endorsements. Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the CDL manual will be studied and reviewed. Learning aids such as video, quizzes, and practice tests are used.

Contact mgallagher1@kish.edu or 815-825-9466 for information.

Attend one of our free information sessions to get all your questions answered. Melissa Gallagher, Short-Term Training & Continuing Education Coordinator, will be happy to answer your questions or assist you in any way she can. Contact her at mgallagher1@kish.edu or 815-825-9466.