Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training offers you the skills and experience you need to get a well-paying job after graduation. Six weeks is all it takes to get a CDL license fully endorsed. Learn on the road as you build confidence and gain understanding of the trucking industry and the requirements of safe truck driving.
With a growing shortage of licensed drivers, the trucking industry offers strong job prospects. Employment opportunities for truck drivers are expected to grow over the next decade. Active job placement assistance is provided both during the program and after licensing. To date, the CDL program placement rate is 100 percent. During your course, you will meet with many recruiters to discuss employment opportunities and benefits.
Program Overview
Prepare for the CDL examination with in-depth training that includes over-the-road, maneuvers, skills yard, and classroom time. The course is up to 240 hours over 6 weeks. This program exceeds all requirements of the Illinois Secretary of State to test for the CDL Class A license.
Support materials to prepare you for permit tests you must pass prior to entering your six weeks of training are included in the program. Three license endorsements including hazardous materials, tankers and double/trip trailers are also included to advance your qualifications. The total cost of the program is $5,250
When the program is completed and you are ready to test for your CDL, State of Illinois examiners will come to COD. You will test in the yard, on test routes and equipment you have become familiar with during your training.
Upcoming Start Dates
Classes and exams are held at the College of DuPage Addison Center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Assistance is available for Spanish-speaking students.
- July 21 to Aug. 29
Register Today
Complete the steps below to register for an upcoming course. For assistance with registration, contact Jim Vegetabile at (630) 942-2275 or email vegetabilej@cod.edu.
Your first step is to schedule an appointment with a program coordinator to complete your application. You will learn key details about the program's pre-course requirements, upcoming information sessions and classes, the permit process, and receive guidance on what you will need to complete prior to acceptance in the program.
We will provide you with the CDL Study Guide and set up an appointment for you to take the practice tests for the General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles exams.
Before beginning the program, you must have completed the following:
- Provide us with a copy of your current, valid Illinois driving license.
- Provide a copy of your Court Purpose driving record (available at any Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles office)
- Pass the DOT physical and drug screen (form will be provided to you by CDL Program Manager)
- Pass the three written exams at the Secretary of State’s office to obtain the Commercial
Learner's Permit:
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes
- Combination Vehicles
- Complete your application and registration forms and submit them to the COD Truck Driving School.
You must have your permit and DOT card prior to the first class.
We are happy to work with you on financial options for your program, including funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) available through workNet DuPage. Additional fees not covered by tuition include $12 for your court purpose record and $50 for the CDL permit, both payable to the Secretary of State. If you apply for a Hazardous Materials endorsement, there is a fingerprinting fee of $86.50.
Meet the Instructors
Our CDL instructors have years of experience behind the wheel and in the classroom, providing students with practical insights and real-world knowledge that is essential for success in the trucking industry.
Mario Mendoza, Instructor
Mario Mendoza has over 25 years of experience as a commercial truck driver. He has driven everything from dump trucks to tankers, local and over-the-road. He drove a tanker at his previous employer for 19 years where he was awarded 19 years of accident-free driving. Mario’s history of accident-free driving and extensive experience led him to be a driver-trainer at his former company. Mendoza went on to obtain his CDL Instructor’s License because he wanted to make a difference and help people gain the skills and knowledge to be a safe driver. He says, “Truck Driving is a great career for people who like to drive. It’s fun and you can make a good living while doing something you love.”
Manny Valdes, Instructor
Manny Valdes has over 25 years of commercial driving experience with 17 years of experience as a CDL instructor. His driving experience includes local, regional and over-the-road, including driving the ice roads through Alaska. When asked what he enjoys most about being an instructor, he says, “I enjoy helping give others the same opportunities that I had for a better job with good wages.” He hopes that students will leave here with a good foundation needed to become a safe driver so that his students can improve their standard of living.
Charles Worley, Instructor
Charles Worley has 20+ years of experience as a commercial truck driver performing jobs locally, regionally and over the road in 47 states. Charles is also an experienced CDL instructor who discovered his love for teaching. Charles states, “I believe getting a job in the trucking industry is one of the best ways to improve one’s financial situation. And at the College of DuPage, it’s also one of the fastest, with COD offering a 6-week program”.
Contact Information
College of DuPage Truck Driving School
301 S. Swift Road, Door 6
Addison, Illinois 60101-1495
(630) 942-2275