Tractor-Trailer Training

The Kishwaukee College 160-hour truck driver training program puts well-trained drivers on the road. The training combines classroom presentation with hands-on experience that leads to a Class A Commercial driver’s license.
The course will provide you with the basic skills to become a safe, professional truck driver. Upon successful completion, you will be able to secure an entry-level position in the trucking industry.

Trucking industry recruiters—local and over-the-road—visit our classroom on a regular basis. Our CDL coordinator will counsel you about job selection. Through the Kishwaukee program you will receive lifetime placement assistance.

Your CDL enables you to:

• Earn $28,000-$40,000 in the first year
• Have a career with medical and retirement benefits
• Have access to thousands of openings nationwide
• Choose from local and regional positions
• Take advantage of a rapidly growing, non-traditional job market for women

• Class Schedule
• Course Outline
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Information

 

Upcoming Class Schedule

 

Day Classes:

Day classes meet for 4 weeks* from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• April 7 – May 2, 2008
• May 5 – June 2, 2008
• May 27 - June 23, 2008
• June 2 –June 27, 2008
• June 30 – July 28, 2008
• July 28 –August 22, 2008
• August 25 – September 19, 2008
• September 22 – October 20, 2008
• October 20 – November 14, 2008
• November 17 - December 19, 2008

 

Night Classes:

Evening classes meet for 8 weeks** from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• April 7 – May 30, 2008
• June 2 – July 25, 2008
• July 28 – September 19, 2008
• September 22 – November 17, 2008
• November 17, 2008 – January 23, 2009

*The day class can be completed in 4 weeks, but may take longer depending on the student, holidays, or other factors.

**The night class can be completed in 8 weeks, but may take longer depending on the student, holidays, or other factors.

Class dates are subject to change. Contact BID Center for confirmation: bid@kishwaukeecollege.edu or 815-825-2086 Ext. 205.

 

Course Outline - 160 Hours

 

• Orientation
• CDL Permit Study
• Endorsement 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
• Pre-Trip Inspection
• Couple/Uncouple
• Straight Backing
• 45 Degree Backing
• 90 Degree Backing
• Blindside Backing
• Shifting
• Double Clutching
• Turns
• Uphill/Downhill
• Ramps
• Lane Changes
• Tractor-only Backing

Modern, well-maintained equipment is provided for you throughout your instruction.

Program Certified by Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs involved?

The cost of the course is $3,700.00. 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.

When are day classes offered?

Day classes are held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The class can be completed in  4 weeks, but  may take longer depending on the student, weather conditions, holidays, or other factors. Student must complete 160 hours of attendance.

When are night classes offered?

Evening classes are held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday. The evening class can be completed in 8 weeks, but may take longer depending on the student, weather conditions, holidays or other factors. Students must complete 160 hours of class attendance.

Where are the classes held?

Classroom training is held in Room A-220 (a clean, comfortable room with multi-media equipment) in the Kishwaukee College Conference Center. The remainder of the class time is spent in yard and road training.

 

Do I receive college credit for the class?

Yes, successful completion of the class is worth 7.5 vocational credit hours.

Is financial aid available?

To inquire about training grants unemployed or displaced workers in Ogle County should contact Partners for Employment, 805 W. Lincoln Ave., Rochelle,  815-562-3478. Unemployed or displaced workers in DeKalb County should contact the Illinois Employment & Training Center, 1701 E Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, 815-756-4893.  Illinois Veterans’ benefits are accepted and student loan information is available.

How many students will be in my class?

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

What things might disqualify me from taking the class?

You must be 18 years of age to receive your CDL license, hold a current Illinois driver’s license, and be able to pass a physical and drug screening.

Can I succeed if English is my second language?

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

How do I register?

Call 815-825-2086 Ext.548 or X205 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 Business & Industrial Development (BID) Center.

If I am unable to complete the course, will my money be refunded?

$100 is non-refundable. In order to receive a refund you must turn in an official withdrawal form within the first 2 days of class. The refund policy will be discussed in detail at your orientation interview.

Who do I contact if I have other questions?

Please call 815-825-2086 Ext. 548 or email . Our CDL Coordinator will be happy to answer your questions or assist you in any way she can.

Contact Information

Rebekah Casner
Kishwaukee College
Business & Industrial Development (BID) Center
21193 Malta Road
Malta, IL 60150
Phone: 815-825-2086 Ext. 548
FAX: 815-825-2305
Email: