Looking for a secure future in an in-demand career field, with a little adventure on the side?

If you enjoy driving locally, and/or traveling across the country, this is the program for you.

Lewis and Clark’s Truck Driver Training program prepares individuals with little or no commercial driving experience for a lucrative career in tractor-trailer driving in just 8-16 weeks. Depending on how much time you can commit to training per day, our two certificate options provide flexibility to fit your schedule.

Students in Lewis and Clark's Truck Driver Training program receive classroom instruction about Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements to enable them to obtain their CDL learner's permit.

Additional classroom instruction, in conjunction with behind-the-wheel driving experience, provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Illinois Secretary of State-administered CDL Class A road test upon completion of the program. Graduates who successfully pass this test receive their CDL and are qualified to obtain employment in the transportation industry as entry-level truck drivers.

With such a high demand for drivers, many companies will pre-hire students so a job is waiting for them upon graduation. Our program has a 94 percent employment rate. 

Earnings for long-haul and local truck drivers vary by industry and the type of truck operated and are affected by mileage and/or the number of hours worked.

L&C’s Truck Driver Training program, housed at the college’s Bethalto Training Center, blends classroom instruction about Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements with valuable behind-the-wheel experience, using both state-of-the-art simulators and real tractor-trailers.

Offerings

  • This program prepares drivers for licensure examination. See the Licensure Statement below.

See the catalog for the course and degree information
*This is only meant as a guide. Please see an advisor when planning your courses.

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Admission Requirements

A student applying for admission to the program shall:

  • Be able to read and write in English. A high school diploma or GED is not required.
  • Be at least 18 years or older.
  • Be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screening, which requires the following.
    • Blood pressure less than or equal to 140/90.
    • Vision at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction.
    • Hearing at greater or equal to 5 feet from a forced whispered voice with or without hearing aids.
    • No insulin-dependent diabetes.
    • No history of epilepsy or seizure.
  • Have a valid driver's license with no unpaid tickets anywhere in the United States.
  • Participate in an interview with the program coordinator to verify eligibility to take classes (possession of valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, etc.) and to discuss truck driving as a career.

The following may disqualify applicants for admission.

  • Any alcohol-related violations on motor vehicle record in the past three years.
  • Recent felony convictions or criminal background.
  • Drug convictions.
  • Failure to pass a drug screen or US Department of Transportation physical.
  • Mental or physical impairment. All applicants and students must be able to fulfill certain essential func­tions. These functions are the requirements of the Truck Driver Program that students must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable in the trucking industry.

Skills and Abilities

Essential functions for students in the Truck Driver Program.

  1. All applicants and students must possess the physical strength, manual dexterity and visual capacity to perform all technical procedures and properly operate a tractor trailer vehicle.
  2. Students must be able to communicate in an effectual manner. Students will be required to read and comprehend written material. In addition, all students must be able to verbally communicate effectively with clients and coworkers.

Each applicant needs to assess his/her own ability to meet the essential functions described above. The program is designed to provide quality instruction on a short-term basis so that students can quickly move into the workforce.

Licensure Information

The Lewis and Clark Community College's Truck Driver Training Program meets all Federal and State of Illinois requirements of Theory and Behind the Wheel Instruction of Skills and Driving set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Training Provider Registry. Students considering credentialing in U.S. Territories should contact the appropriate agency in the area where they plan to seek employment prior to enrollment at Lewis and Clark Community College to ensure the coursework meets those requirements. Professional licensure compliance and agencies for each state/territory