Frequently Asked Questions

To enroll in our Class A CDL program, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license, and pass a DOT medical examination. We can help you with the medical exam right here at our Schaumburg, IL facility. No prior trucking experience is required. Students from across the Chicago metro area are welcome — we're conveniently located off I-90.

Our 160-hour Class A program typically takes approximately 4 weeks to complete, depending on your schedule and availability. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working adults.

You will need a CLP before you can begin behind-the-wheel training. We can help you obtain your CLP as part of our enrollment process — it's one of the many ways we make the process as easy as possible.

You must be at least 18 years old to enroll. Note that federal regulations require drivers to be at least 21 years old to drive commercially across state lines (interstate commerce). Drivers aged 18-20 can operate within Illinois (intrastate commerce).

The program includes 100 hours of classroom instruction covering federal regulations, vehicle systems, safety, and pre-trip inspections; 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training with certified instructors; and 20 hours of observation time. You'll also receive help with your permit application and access to our on-site DOT medical and drug testing services.

Both. We train on manual and automatic transmission trucks so you graduate with a fully unrestricted Class A CDL. An unrestricted CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle, which opens significantly more job opportunities and higher-paying positions than an automatic-restriction CDL. There is no extra charge for manual transmission training — it is included in the standard 160-hour program.

ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training, a federal requirement mandated by the FMCSA. All new CDL applicants must complete ELDT from a school listed on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). GetCDL School is fully ELDT compliant and TPR-registered, meaning your training will be recognized by the state and federal government.

We keep our class sizes small to ensure every student gets personalized attention from our instructors. This is one of our key differentiators — you won't get lost in a large group.

Our students are thoroughly prepared for the CDL knowledge and skills tests. Our instructors focus on exam preparation throughout the program, and our hands-on training ensures students are confident behind the wheel on test day.

Our full 160-hour Class A CDL program is priced at $3,000 — one of the most competitive rates in the Chicago area. This includes all classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, observation hours, and access to our on-site DOT services.

Yes! We offer 0% interest financing to all of our students. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to a better career. Our admissions team will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget.

The $3,000 tuition covers your core training. Additional costs may include your state CDL application fee and any required testing fees paid directly to the state. Our team will provide a complete breakdown of all costs during your enrollment consultation.

There may be workforce development grants or employer-sponsored training programs available depending on your situation. Contact our admissions team to discuss your options — we're happy to help you explore all available resources.

Absolutely. Job placement assistance is a core part of what we offer — and we're proud to maintain a 95% job placement rate across all 500+ of our graduates. Nearly every student who has completed our program has been placed in a trucking career. We maintain active relationships with a network of trucking companies in the Chicago area and nationwide, provide resume assistance, interview coaching, and host on-site recruiting sessions where employers come to meet our students.

Entry-level CDL drivers in the Chicago area typically earn between $45,000 and $55,000 per year. With experience, salaries rise significantly — the median annual salary for truckload drivers in Illinois is $76,420 according to the American Trucking Associations' 2024 Driver Compensation Study. Top earners in specialized or OTR roles in the Chicago metro can make $90,000 or more. Chicago's position as a major logistics hub means strong local demand for CDL drivers year-round.

Yes, a Class A CDL allows you to drive commercially across state lines once you are 21 years of age. Drivers aged 18-20 can operate within the state of Illinois. Many of our Chicago-area graduates start with local or regional routes — the Chicago metro has an abundance of local and regional trucking opportunities — and transition to OTR (over-the-road) driving as they gain experience.