Truck Driver Training

No previous experience is required.

Our 160 hour Truck Driver Training course prepares you to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. The first week prepares you for the CDL Learner’s Permit. The remaining three weeks are behind the wheel training. At the end of the course, you will take a Class “A” License road test, administered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.  

The course covers the following topics to prepare you as a professional truck driver:

• Endorsement preparation
• State and federal regulations
• Log books
• Map reading and trip planning
• Complete vehicle training 

Instruction includes classroom lecture, demonstration and behind-the-wheel experience in a Class “A” vehicle. 

Before you register for the program, you must:

• Have a current driver's license issued by the State of Illinois.
• Be 18 years or older.
• Complete and pass the DOT Physical and Drug screening. 
  • Download and complete the DOT Physical/Drug screen form for OSF St. Joseph (PDF) in Normal or OSF St. James in Pontiac. 
  • Go to OSF St. Joseph in Normal or OSF St. James in Pontiac to have your screening done. While there, you will turn in your DOT form (above). 
  • The results will go directly to Heartland Continuing Education.

Registration and other fees:

• The course fee is $4,049, of which a $608 down payment is required at registration. (See below for payment plan options and assistance.)
• You are responsible for the $99 fee paid to OSF St. Joseph or the $107 fee paid to OSF St. James for the DOT physical/drug screen listed above.
• When you take the permit exam you are responsible for a $50 fee paid to the DMV. 

Students for Whom English is Not a First Language

Basic English language literacy and communication skills are vital to the safety of the student, instructor, and others on the road. Please contact HCC Adult Education with any concerns related to this requirement as they can assess your skillsets and may enroll you in Heartland’s free ESL class as a first step.

Daytime classes run 4 weeks, Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30PM.

Evening classes run 8 weeks, Monday-Friday, 5-9PM. 

2021 Class Dates

Daytime Classes in Normal

• June 28 - July 28
• August 2 - August 31

Evening Classes in Normal

• September 13 - November 9

Daytime Classes in Lincoln

• Coming in 2022

Daytime Classes in Pontiac

• September 7 - October 5

Refresher courses are available for those with a current or expired CDL.

• Our instructor performs a detailed needs assessment for a fee of $299. This fee does not include a drug screening, which must be taken before the assessment is given and is an out-of-pocket expense for the student. 
• A report is completed and you are given an estimate of the practice hours needed.
• Refresher practice hours are billed at $129/hour.
• A Certificate of Completion to document your practice hours is available on request.

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