How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

How much does CDL training cost in Waukegan, IL?

CDL training in Waukegan, IL typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Waukegan?

Most CDL training programs in Waukegan take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in Waukegan, IL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Waukegan area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in Waukegan is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 89 verified training programs serving the Waukegan, Illinois area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Waukegan, IL

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Waukegan?We have identified 89 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Waukegan area (Pop: 88,826).

Quick Stats

89 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 88,826

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Waukegan, IL

CDL License Types

Class A, Class B, Class C

Average Training Cost

$3,000 – $8,000

Program Length

3-8 weeks

Weekend / Evening Options

Available at select schools

FMCSA Registration Required

Yes

Verified Schools

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Waukegan, IL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Waukegan, IL should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 89 training programsserving the Waukegan area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

89 CDL Schools Near Waukegan

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Top Picks in Waukegan

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Illinois Central School Bus - Waukegan

Park City, IL

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

KOTRA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

Park City, IL

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

GURNEE SCHOOL DIST. 56

Gurnee, IL

Call Now

Illinois Central School Bus - Waukegan

Park City, IL

2.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

KOTRA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

Park City, IL

2.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Warren Township High School

Gurnee, IL

3.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Proway CDL LLC

Libertyville, IL

5.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

4163 - RTC - Grayslake, IL - Summit School Services, LLC

Grayslake, IL

11.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fremont School Dist 79

Mundelein, IL

13 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

4006- Antioch - IL - Summit School Services, LLC

Antioch, IL

13.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

18 Wheeler CDL Driving School

Northbrook, IL

14.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Proway CDL LLC

Wheeling, IL

15.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Grant Community High School

Fox Lake, IL

16.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy -Prospect Heights Classroom and Yard

Prospect Heights, IL

18 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

GETCDL SCHOOL LTD

Arlington Heights, IL

19.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Johnsburg High School Diesel Equipment Technology

Johnsburg, IL

20.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

TEZ CDL SCHOOL LLC

Sturtevant, WI

23.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Milwaukee CDL Institute

Sturtevant, WI

23.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

VIKING DRIVING SCHOOL INC

Park Ridge, IL

23.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Viking Driving School

Park Ridge, IL

23.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Metro Prep/Laureate Day School

Arlington Heights, IL

24.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Corso CDL School

Sturtevant, WI

24.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Niles Classroom and Yard

Niles, IL

24.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 86 schools

CDL Training in Waukegan, Illinois

Waukegan, Illinois has 89 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. Chicago is the largest intermodal hub in North America, with 25% of all US rail freight passing through. Average CDL driver salary in Illinois is about $57,600 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $80,000. The intermodal & distribution sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders near Waukegan, and major freight corridors such as I-80/I-55/I-94 corridors connect graduates to local, regional, and long-haul work. Every school listed on this page is tied to FMCSA Training Provider Registry review, which matters because ELDT completion must come from a registered provider before a first-time CDL applicant can take the skills test.

Why Get CDL Training Near Waukegan?

Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
Financial Aid: Schools in Illinois often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Illinois

CDL training in Illinois typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

View all CDL schools in Illinois

Trucking Jobs Near Waukegan

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Illinois

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Illinois

Top employers hiring near Waukegan: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Waukegan

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Bensenville - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Chicago	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Chicago - South Shore - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Chicago	Class AClass BTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Des Plaines - Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Des Plaines	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Milwaukee - Classroom FMCSA Verified	West Allis	Class AClass BTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Milwaukee - Yard FMCSA Verified	West Allis	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Niles Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Niles	Class AClass BTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Palos Hills Classroom FMCSA Verified	Palos Hills	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Waukegan - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Waukegan	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Waukegan - Yard FMCSA Verified	Waukegan	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy -Prospect Heights Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Prospect Heights	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
18 Wheeler CDL Driving School FMCSA Verified	Northbrook	Class AClass BTanker	VA Approved	View Details
2 WEEK CDL TRAINING FMCSA Verified	Racine	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
4006- Antioch - IL - Summit School Services, LLC FMCSA Verified	Antioch	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
4163 - RTC - Grayslake, IL - Summit School Services, LLC FMCSA Verified	Grayslake	Class ATanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
ALAMO TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	CHICAGO	Class A	Weekend Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Waukegan

Avg. Private School

$5,500

Avg. Public School

$4,000

Price Range

$3,500 - $7,000

Midwest hub. 160 Driving Academy dominates here with mid-range pricing.

Nearby Cities

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DOT Physicals Near Waukegan

Required for your CDL medical card

Physicians Immediate Care - East Racine

4679 Washington Blvd, Racine

(414) 583-9481

$118-$196

Walk-ins OK

Patient First - Racine

2946 Market St, Racine

(920) 665-6276

$107-$173

Walk-ins OK

OccuMed Clinic - West Waukegan

1314 Central Ave, Waukegan

(312) 311-9430

4.9

$85-$148

Walk-ins OK

View All 19 Clinics in Waukegan All Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam typically costs $55-$150 and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Waukegan

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local Secretary of State office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find Secretary of State Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Waukegan

How long does CDL training take in Waukegan?

CDL training programs in Waukegan, IL typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.

How much does CDL school cost in Illinois?

CDL training costs in Illinois range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.

Can I get a CDL in Waukegan without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Waukegan area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.

How do I know if a CDL school in Waukegan is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.

Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?

Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.

Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Illinois?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Illinois: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.

What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Waukegan?

The CDL driver job outlook near Waukegan, IL is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Illinois experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.

Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Waukegan?

The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Waukegan CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Illinois, including training programs in Waukegan and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Illinois

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Waukegan, IL

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Waukegan, IL

How should students compare CDL schools in Waukegan, IL?

89 CDL Schools Near Waukegan

Top Picks in Waukegan

Illinois Central School Bus - Waukegan

KOTRA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

GURNEE SCHOOL DIST. 56

Illinois Central School Bus - Waukegan

KOTRA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

Warren Township High School

Proway CDL LLC

4163 - RTC - Grayslake, IL - Summit School Services, LLC

Fremont School Dist 79

4006- Antioch - IL - Summit School Services, LLC

18 Wheeler CDL Driving School

Proway CDL LLC

Grant Community High School

160 Driving Academy -Prospect Heights Classroom and Yard

GETCDL SCHOOL LTD

Johnsburg High School Diesel Equipment Technology

TEZ CDL SCHOOL LLC

Milwaukee CDL Institute

VIKING DRIVING SCHOOL INC

Viking Driving School

Metro Prep/Laureate Day School

Corso CDL School

160 Driving Academy - Niles Classroom and Yard

CDL Training in Waukegan, Illinois

Why Get CDL Training Near Waukegan?

CDL Training Costs in Illinois

Trucking Jobs Near Waukegan

Compare CDL Schools in Waukegan

Tuition Costs in Waukegan

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Illinois

DOT Physicals Near Waukegan

Physicians Immediate Care - East Racine

Patient First - Racine

OccuMed Clinic - West Waukegan

CDL Testing & Secretary of State in Waukegan

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Waukegan

Essential Reading for CDL Students

How to Get Your CDL in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

CDL School Scams to Avoid in 2026

Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Why Students Fail the CDL Road Test (And How to Pass)

Related Resources