Truck Driver Training

Start your CDL career today!

There has never been a better time to start a new career in truck driving! According to the 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly earnings of tractor-trailer drivers was $26.12. Entry-level truck drivers have the potential to earn between $54,000-$76,000 annually.

The trucking industry is a high-demand field! Between 2021 and 2022, we had over 300 students graduate successfully from our CDL program.

Branch Manager: Justin Price
Office: 1315 N. Mattis Ave. Champaign, IL 61821 (J building)
Phone: 630/642-5023 (call or text)
Email: jprice@160drivingacademy.com
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4:30 pm  

See our CDL Career Program Checklist to see career outlooks, program information, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Entry Requirements

In order to successfully obtain a CDL, individuals must be able to pass a Department of Transportation physical and drug screening. Learners must be able to read and write the English language. Additional requirements:

  • 18 years or older
  • Must meet DOT medical requirements
  • Must have a valid, unexpired driver’s license
  • Must have a certified birth certificate OR provide proof of legal residency
  • Must provide a copy of their court version Motor Vehicle Record (Driver's Abstract)
  • No outstanding tickets or child support
  • Felonies and misdemeanors are evaluated on a case by case basis

*High school diploma or GED is not required to obtain your CDL

Expectations of Students

The responsibility of the learning and teaching environment is shared by all members of the academic community. The updated student expectations is drawn to facilitate program completion in a timely manner and to clarify expectations for the student.

Attendance expectations:

  • Regular and prompt class attendance.
  • If class begins at 8 am, do not arrive at 8 am. Arrive early and be ready to begin class at 8 am.
  • You should be in attendance 100% of the scheduled class day.
  • Arriving late or leaving before the end of the training day may result in your removal from the program.
  • If you are going to be late or absent you must contact your instructor before class starts.
  • Unexcused absenteeism or tardiness may result in your removal from the program.
  • More than three absences, excused or unexcused, may result in your removal from the program.

Failure to adhere to the student expectations of this training program will result in the following:

  • The student will be directed to take a temporary leave of absence from the program until an outcome from a conduct hearing has been completed
  • A representative from either 160 Driving Academy or Parkland College will ask that a charge of Disruption of the Teaching and Learning Environment be filed against the student by the Dean of Students
  • The requested sanction for a violation of this charge will be administrative removal from the course
  • A conduct hearing will be conducted at the earliest available date to determine the outcome of these charges per the processes outlined in the Parkland Student Code of Conduct
Registration Process

You must first schedule an appointment. Please contact 160 Driving Academy at 877-350-0884 to schedule an appointment convenient for you..

Cost & Funding Options

The program cost includes your DOT physical, 40 hours of classroom training, 120 hours observation and behind the wheel training, testing fees for commercial learner's permit, and Secretary of State testing.

Program Cost: $5,495

Funding Options:

  • Self-Pay: personal check, credit card, and secondary financing
  • Support for Workforce Training Program at Parkland College (SWFT): SWFT is a grant program that provides free short-term training for high-skilled, high-wage jobs for qualifying students. Apply today at www.parkland.edu/SWFT.
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): WIOA is a grant program sponsored by the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission that assists qualifying adults with receiving the financial support needed for career training.
  • Carrier Sponsorship

Training Schedule

Training is scheduled around holidays and may be subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Classes start multiple times per month and follow the schedule below.

Day Class: FULL TIME
Week 1: Monday - Friday from 8 am – 4:30 pm
Weeks 2-4: Monday-Friday from 7 am – 3:30 pm
Duration: 4 weeks
Curriculum: 40 hours classroom training and 120 hours behind the wheel training

Start your CDL career TODAY! Connect with Justin Price, send an e-mail or call 217/353-2106.

Testimonials

"Do it, get in the program, listen to the instructors, and you can't fail."
Craig Roppel, CDL Graduate

"The information may seem challenging but once on the road you appreciate being presented the information in the classroom. The driving aspect of the course is the fun part. Although (you may not have driven a manual shift) in the beginning it is frustrating; but come the second week, you see light at the end of the road. The instructors will work with you patiently and if you need extra help, as I did, they will have no problem providing help to ensure you understand."

Linda Shelton, CDL Graduate

"The best way when you are getting old is to have someone help instruct you through it," says Rich, a former mechanic.  "I had to relearn car parts and the equivalent to semis, but I had the assistance and support of great instructors and a lot of fun during class. We were together 24/7 for a month!  Now I love trucking."

"The experience at Parkland was wonderful. Driving isn't for everyone, but it can make a helluva living!"

Rich Baker, CDL graduate

Employment Opportunities

Schneider

Swift*

PAM Transport*

Werner

Covenant

Drake Refrigerated Lines

Fed Ex*

Nausbaum*

Prairie Materials

Roanoke Concrete*

J.B. Hunt

Sysco*

Republic Disposal

Area Disposal

Steve Gilbert

Blager Concrete

Coca Cola Bottling Company

Pepsi

*=More common