CDL schools in Chicago, IL

What is ELDT, and do you need it?

Entry-level driver training (ELDT) is a federal requirement that took effect on February 7, 2022. FMCSA says it applies to people getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading a Class B CDL to Class A, or getting a school bus (S), passenger (P) or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time. The training must come from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry, and the provider reports your completion to the registry before your state can give you the CDL skills test (or, for hazmat, the knowledge test). See FMCSA's ELDT overview and its applicability fact sheet for exceptions.

The registry lists two kinds of training for each license class and endorsement (hazmat is theory only). Theory is classroom or online instruction, which ends with an assessment you must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. Behind-the-wheel training is split into range (an area away from traffic where you practice maneuvers such as backing) and public road driving. Your instructor evaluates and documents your behind-the-wheel proficiency. Federal rules let you take theory and behind-the-wheel training from different providers, but the range and public-road portions must come from the same provider, and a behind-the-wheel provider must confirm you hold a valid commercial learner's permit (49 CFR 380.707, 380.715).

Class A or Class B?

A Class A CDL covers combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed vehicle is rated over 10,000 pounds: most tractor-trailers. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles rated 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a trailer rated 10,000 pounds or less: straight trucks, dump trucks and many buses. The definitions are in 49 CFR 383.91. A Class A holder with the right endorsements may also drive Class B and C vehicles, but a location registered only for Class B training cannot give you Class A training.

How to use this list

1. Pick the license class and endorsements you need, then use the training filter to match them.
2. Check that the location is registered for the parts you still need: theory, range and public road. Some locations register only theory, or only behind-the-wheel.
3. Call or visit the school's website to confirm schedules, cost and what is included.
4. Look the provider up in the official registry search to confirm it is still listed.
5. While you wait for class to start, get your learner's permit knowledge tests out of the way with our free CDL practice tests and your state's official CDL manual.

More CDL training in Illinois

Looking for Class B training only? See Class B CDL schools in Chicago.

Nearby cities in Illinois:

• Schaumburg (5)
• Joliet (4)
• Quincy (4)
• Springfield (3)
• West Chicago (3)

Also see the full list of Illinois CDL schools, the Illinois CDL practice test, the CDL school lookup, and our free CDL practice tests.

About this list

CDL Prep Hero is not affiliated with, paid by, or endorsing any school listed here, and we have not inspected or ranked them. Names, addresses, phone numbers, websites and training types come from the FMCSA Training Provider Registry download dated October 2, 2026. We do not add prices, ratings or reviews. Registry entries are self-reported by providers and can change daily, so confirm the location, schedule, cost and current registry status with the school, and look the school up in the official registry, before you enroll or pay.

We list only in-person locations that the registry marks Active and open to the public. Locations marked "private enrollment only" (usually carriers training their own hires), online-only providers, and records without an Active status are left out.