Frequently Asked Questions

What are your prices?

We have three different programs which have different pricing. And we also offer endorsements. We highly recommend calling our office at 630-299-3434 or showing up in-person at our location 851 Sard Ave Aurora, IL 60506

How long does it take to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

Our basic program is estimated to be completed within 6-8 weeks. (Please know this depends on the student’s dedication to the program and whether or not they’re studying). By the secretary of state law, a student cannot graduate before 4 weeks. As well the student has to have a permit for 2 weeks before they can be placed for an exam date.

What requirements do I need to enroll in your program?

  • A Valid Driver's License State of Illinois that won’t expire within a year

  • Be at least 18 years old or older

  • Have legal proof of residency in the United States: Social security, two proofs of address, Birth Certificate/passport or Green Card with a working permit.

    Note* if you’re DACA you qualify only if you have a working permit

When do classes start?

Classes start every Monday. You don’t need a permit to start school. If you don’t have a permit will would help you get your permit by providing you with our study guides. Please call the office for more information regarding on how to obtain your permit Our office phone is: (630) 299-3434.

What are the class times/days?

Classes run from Monday-Friday, and every other Saturday. The permit class is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Classes for the permit are considered independent study time. Your hours will count as long as you’re in the school building. Hours for your permit are the same as the office hours. You may come in at anytime (as long as the office is open) to complete your hours.

The Pre-Trip class is on Wednesday’s. We have different starting times our first-class Wednesday is from 9:30am-11:30am and our second class (if you can’t make it to the first) is from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Once you have a CLP you may go to the yard to study for your pre-trip as long as you have your driver license, permit (CLP), DOT and permission from the front office. You may come into study for your Pre-trip besides those days. Ex: Mon/Tue/Fri anytime as long as the office is open. you may be in the yard (with approval) or in the classroom. Ex: Saturday is ONLY in-classroom study time.

*NOTE you may make your classroom hours anytime while the office is open. The above times are suggested times. If you can’t make it on Wednesday for pre-trip classes the instructor may arrange a different date and time with you. But you will have to let him/her and the office know ahead of time.

Is it mandatory to attend school everyday?

It isn’t mandatory to attend school everyday. But keep in mind you have to complete 80 hours in the classroom, and 60 hours at our yard and 20 hours on the road, in order to graduate. 160 hours in total. Once you have a permit it will be mandatory to attend school at least Wednesday and one other day of your choosing (besides Thursday), for the Pre-Trip class. As well, in order to receive a behind the wheel schedule. You need to have all of your classroom hours completed. And on the day or your test you will need to have 160 hours minimum in order to graduate.

How do I apply for the W.I.O.A program?

You would have to get in-contact with One-Stop Career Resource Center, you may call at 630-762-2120 to see if you qualify, just let them know CDL America Inc recommended you. That you want more information on how you can qualify for the WIOA program, to get your CDL class A license. Keep in mind the process does take a little longer 1-3 months for them to approve you, before you even start class. They do require you to attend their workshops and submit a lot of paperwork, prior to even getting approved. Their email is info@worknetbatavia.com

How do I enroll/register in the school?

Enrollment/Registration has to be completed in-person, at the school.

  • You will need to bring a valid driver license from the state of Illinois that won’t expire within a year.

  • Either a downpayment or the amount disclosed on the phone/in-person (check/cash/debit or credit)/ Invoice.

  • If you aren’t a united states citizen, you will need to have a valid working permit.

Is your office at a different location from your yard or classroom?

No, the good thing about us is that are Office, Classroom, and Yard are located at the same facility at 851 Sard Ave Aurora, IL 60506

Will you help with job placement?

Yes! We have a list of companies that are actively looking to hire graduates. Ask about this list upon graduating!

How many facilities do you have/Are you partnered with any other school’s?

We only have one facility and aren’t currently partnered with any other school. Our only location is in Aurora at 851 Sard Ave Aurora, Illinois 60506

How do I upgrade my current CDL license to a class A license?

If you currently have a class B license then you will have to take the combination written test, at a cdl secretary of state facility. We do help you study, by providing you with our study guide and our application (for the practice test).

If you currently have a class C license then you will have to take the combination and air brakes written test’s, at a cdl secretary of state facility. We do help you study, by providing you with our study guides and our application (for the practice test).

If my CDL class A license expired, do I still have to complete 160 hours?

Yes, you will have to complete minimum of at least 160 hours if you allowed for your CDL class A license to expire. Meaning the class will not be a refresher course, just because you will have to complete at least 160 hours.

If I need a refresher course, how much do you charge?

Refresher courses are typically 2 weeks long. Typically you only need to re-new your written exam (General Knowledge, Combination, and Air brake). We will provide you with the study guides and the application (so that you can test yourself). You will need to come to the office in-person for pricing.

*In the instance you need to complete a 48 hour refresher program please come in-person for more information.

Are your instructors bilingual?

Yes, all of our instructors are bilingual and will teach you in Spanish or/and English.

Once I have a schedule for Skills and Road, will I be sharing a truck with someone else?

No. Once you have a schedule, it is a private lesson between you and one of our instructors at our yard. We also don’t teach you on simulators, all your behind the wheel hours are conducted behind the wheel on one of our trucks.

If I already have a schedule for skills and road, and i’m running late or can’t make it to class. What do I do?

Call the office or email the office at cdlamerica1016@gmail.com

-provide your name, date of absense, along with reason of absence (if less than 24 hour notice).

-If it’s an emergency, you must bring a letter stating it was an emergency (e.i doctors note, work note, receipt of car breaking down, etc.).

-if running a couple minutes late call the office, as long as you aren’t running 1 hour late.

How many hours do I need inorder to get a CDL class A License?

You will need a minimum of 160 hours:

-80 hours classroom

-20 hours observation

-20 pre-trip hands on

-20 hours skills

-20 hours road

Additional questions?

For additional questions, please visit our Contact Us to get in touch with us.

Call Today

Begin your journey in obtaining your CDL today. Ask us about the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) to see if you qualify for a free course.

Schedule an Appointment

Schedule your orientation today, free of charge! The orientation will consist of an in-person appointment (Approx. 10-15 minutes). We will answer any questions you have about the school Pricing, Programs, School times/days , Permit class, obtaining a permit, etc.