Nussbaum Trucking Academy

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Academy Details

You may choose between a 4-week daytime class which runs 8AM-4:30PM Monday through Friday or an 8-week evening class which runs 5-9PM Monday through Friday for a total of 160 hours of training. Please note that evening classes run less frequently and have limited availability.

Classroom instruction includes preparation and transportation for the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) test, skill-building activities in areas including commercial driving regulations, performing inspections, hours of service, and Essential Workplace Skills training. Classroom instruction is 1 week for daytime classes and 2 weeks for evening classes.

Behind-the-wheel training includes a choice between an automatic or manual transmission semitractor-trailer, and preparation and transportation for the skills and road test at the Illinois Secretary of State’s facility.

Enrollment Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old at the start of class.
• You must have an Illinois driver's license with your current address, and the license must be valid for a full year after you complete the program.
• You must provide proof of legal presence before enrollment is finalized. Click this link for qualifying documents.
• You must resolve any fines, tickets, or suspensions in any state.
• You must resolve any outstanding debt with Heartland Community College. Please call the Business Office at 309-268-8140 to do so.
• You must pass a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical and a non-DOT drug screen before enrollment is finalized. Once you apply, a staff member will communicate with you about when to complete this step. Failure to pass a drug screen will result in a one-year suspension of enrollment.
• Financial support must be arranged prior to finalizing enrollment.
• If English is not your first language or you have not completed a certificate, degree, or higher credential, you may be required to take an assessment with HCC's Adult Education department. Once you apply, a staff member will be in contact with you to arrange testing if required.
• After enrollment steps are completed, a one-hour orientation is required and will be scheduled with you by a member of our enrollment staff.

Upcoming Class Dates 2026 and 2027

Daytime Classes

Class Dates	Registration Options
Oct. 12 – Nov. 6	Sept. 29, 9AM; Oct. 6, 1PM
Nov. 16 – Dec. 15*	Nov. 3, 9AM; Nov. 10, 1PM
Jan. 11, 2027 – Feb. 8**	Dec. 22, 9AM; Jan. 5, 1PM
Feb. 15 – March 12	Feb. 2, 9AM; Feb. 9, 1PM
March 22 – April 16	March 9, 9AM; March 16, 1PM
April 26 – May 21	April 13, 9AM; April 20, 1PM
May 24 – June 22**	May 11, 9AM; May 18, 1PM
July 6 – Aug. 2	June 22, 9AM; June 29, 1PM
Aug. 9 – Sept. 3	July 27, 9AM; Aug. 3, 1PM
Sept. 13 – Oct. 8	Aug. 31, 9AM; Sept. 7, 1PM
Oct. 18 – Nov. 12	Oct. 5, 9AM; Oct. 12, 1PM
Nov. 15 – Dec. 14**	Nov. 2, 9AM; Nov. 9, 1PM

Evening Classes

Class Dates	Registration Options
Sept. 14 – Nov. 6	Sept. 1, 1PM; Sept. 8, 9AM
Feb. 22, 2027 – April 16	Feb. 9, 1PM; Feb. 16, 9AM
April 26 – June 22**	April 13, 9AM; April 20, 1PM
July 12 – Sept. 3	June 29, 1PM; July 6, 9AM
Sept. 20 – Nov. 12	Sept. 7, 1PM; Sept. 14, 9AM

^*  Classes containing school holidays in 2026: Thanksgiving Break 11/25–11/27.

^** Classes containing school holidays in 2027: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 1/18; Memorial Day, 5/31; Juneteenth, 6/19; Labor Day, 9/6; and Thanksgiving Break, 11/24–11/26.

Program Realities

• The Nussbaum Trucking Academy at Heartland Community College is a fast-paced, intensive program. It is recommended that students do not schedule any significant events during this time and make appropriate arrangements with their employer.
• Classroom sessions take place on Heartland's Normal campus, and behind-the-wheel sessions take place on Nussbaum property: 19336 N 1425 East Road, Hudson, IL 61748.
• NTA@HCC has a strict no-absence or tardiness policy. Unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the program with no refund. Excused absences may result in additional fees to cover the cost of make-up time —approximately $30 per hour for classroom instruction and $120 per hour for behind-the-wheel make-up hours.
• Active participation is required in all classroom and behind-the-wheel sessions and is factored into the overall grade. Use of mobile phones is not allowed unless otherwise directed by the instructor.
• Students must earn 80% or higher in the classroom portion to be eligible to test for the CLP and must earn 80% or higher in the behind-the-wheel portion to be eligible to test for the CDL at the Illinois Secretary of State's facility.
• Two trips to the Illinois Secretary of State's facility are included in tuition. If a third attempt is needed, a fee of $550 will be incurred and must be paid before the trip to Springfield.
• The CDL study guide is included in tuition, as well as access to Heartland tutors and the Career Center.
• NTA@HCC does not guarantee job placement in the transportation industry.

So you want to drive a big rig? - Inside the trucking industry

View the transcript for this episode of the Random Acts of Knowledge podcast here.

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Contact Information

Nussbaum Trucking Academy at HCC

309-268-8030

Email: Truck.Driver@heartland.edu

Office Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8AM–4PM

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Meet the Staff

Alaina Waterman

Director, CE Operations

Alaina.Waterman@heartland.edu

Mary Willey

Coordinator, CE Operations

Mary.Willey@heartland.edu