About the Program
Continuing and Professional Education at Richland Community College offers day and night classes to gain your class "A" Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Approved by the Illinois College Board, this course offers seven (7) hours of professional/occupational skill college credits. A certificate will be awarded upon completion.
The program can be completed in four (4) weeks by attending full time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The part-time evening program can be completed in eight (8) weeks, Monday through Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thirty (30) hours of home study is required during the program.
The Richland Community College truck driver program works with many trucking companies that will pre-hire students. The fact is, truck driving is one of the few occupations where students who complete training are almost certain to go to work immediately. Most students receive several job offers prior to completion of their training. Employment assistance is offered through Richland Community College's Truck Driver Training.
Students may register at any time. Full-time classes start every month. Part-time classes start periodically. Training is scheduled around holidays and interruptions caused by weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Highlights of the Class "A" license program
Designed for individuals with little or no commercial driving experience, the program includes:
- Department of Transportation Physical
- Department of Transportation rules and regulations
- Log books and map reading
- Trip planning
- Complete vehicle training to prepare you for an entry-level in the trucking industry.
- Illinois Secretary of State-administered Class A road test
Program Entry Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is preferred. Individuals must be able to read and write the English language, be over 21, be able to meet the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) physical requirements, and have a valid regular driver's license at the time of registration. You should obtain a copy of your Motor Vehicle Record from Secretary of State's Office (Driver's License Bureau) prior to starting the program. The program may train individuals 18 and over but has limited job placement assistance for individuals under the age of 21.
Physical Requirements
Must pass a certified Department of Transportation physical and drug screen prior to entering class.
The following may disqualify individuals:
- Driving record inconsistent with industry standards for entry-level driving positions.
- Any alcohol-related violations on motor vehicle record in the past three years.
- Recent felony convictions or criminal background.
- History of drug or alcohol abuse.
- History of mental disorder.
- Permanent disability or physical limitations.
Financing Methods
- Personal financing such as your own bank, loans from family or refinancing an existing loan.
- P.L.A.T.O. - A private bank that specialized in credit-based educational loans. Call (800) 467-5286 for more information.
- MasterCard, Visa or Discover
- Workforce Investment Solutions (WIS) - Contact your local job service office to see if you qualify for WIS at (217) 875-8750, Ext. 230.
- University of Illinois Extension - This is a program for displaced workers due to company lay off or closing. Call (217) 877-6042 for more information.
- Depart of Rehabilitation - Call (217) 875-4866 for more information.
Refund Policy
Canceled Classes: Richland Community College reserves the right to cancel programming due to insufficient enrollment. Should it become necessary to cancel or reschedule programming, registrants are notified as soon as possible.
The course tuition is non-refundable unless the class has been cancelled. Course fees and all other fees are non-refundable after the class begins.
Additional Training
The following options are also available:
- Refresher course for drivers wanting to get back in the driver's seat
- Class "B" license training for driving a straight truck
- Course for renewal of an "A" or "B" driver's license
- Customized employee training for the trucking industry
Contact Information
Jim Turnbull
CDL Coordinator
(217) 875-7211, Ext. 261
jturnbul@richland.edu
Lisa Eskew
CDL Secretary
(217) 875-7211, Ext. 261
leskew@richland.edu
