Commercial Driver Training

The Spoon River College Commercial Driver Training (CDT) certificate program is designed to offer individuals basic knowledge of the principles, techniques, and skills necessary for safe, efficient operation of tractor-trailer vehicles. The curriculum includes: classroom instruction, hands-on driving, and testing preparation for both the written exams and preparing for the behind-the wheel skills test. The CDT classes ensure the students have a broad-based knowledge of the concepts and skills necessary to become safe, efficient commercial drivers.

Commercial Driver Training Course Information

The CDT basic course is 160 hours in length, which includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of range and road.

Classes meet from 8am to 4pm for a total of 20 days. The first five days of the course are classroom instruction and are at the SRC Canton Campus, Votech Building. The last 15 days are dedicated to range and road hands-on driving skills, at the SRC CDT Training Facility, 1240 S. 4th Avenue, Canton IL.

Certificate

Admissions Criteria

  • You must be over 18 years of age
  • You must have a valid driver’s license, that does not expire within 1 year prior to start date of class
  • You must meet the federal physical requirements which includes having a Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical and Drug Screening (if you fail the drug screening you will not be allowed to participate in the program)
  • Unpaid fines, unpaid tickets, or unpaid child support can prevent you from taking the CDL permit test.
  • Being under the influence of any drugs or alcohol during your participation in the CDT Program, will not be tolerated.
    • The Department of Transportation (DOT) is a federal organization. While marijuana is legal in the State of Illinois, it’s NOT LEGAL when it comes to federal laws.
    • Random drug and alcohol testing can and will be done during class especially if a student is suspected of being under the influence.
CDT Program Information--Requirements--Checklist

 Spring 2026 CDT Course Offerings

CourseSessionTitleDaysStart TimeEnd TimeStart DateEnd Date
CDT1011Commercial Driver Training--BasicMTWRF8:00 AM4:00 AM1/20/20262/18/2026
CDT1012Commercial Driver Training--BasicMTWRF8:00 AM4:00 AM3/2/20263/30/2026
CDT1013Commercial Driver Training--BasicMTWRF8:00 AM4:00 AM4/13/20265/8/2026

Nature of Work

Businesses rely on truck drivers for the delivery and pickup of goods. Even if goods travel in part by ship, train or airplane, trucks carry nearly all goods at some point in their journey from producer to customer. Drivers report equipment that is inoperable, missing or loaded improperly to the dispatcher. The length of each transport may vary. Local drivers may provide daily service for a specific route, while other drivers travel throughout various regions of the country. This program is part of the Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Career Cluster.

Qualifications: Must have a valid Illinois Drivers License and no history of drug use (including marijuana or cannabis infused products). License must not expire within 1 year prior to start date of class.

Employment Opportunities

  • Over-the-road driver
  • Long distance driver
  • Local delivery driver
  • Fleet service technician
  • Fleet manager
  • Trucking dispatcher

Funding Sources for CDT

Illinois Veteran & National Guard Grant – Contact Charlie Cox, SRC Veteran’s Coordinator (309) 649-6267 or Teagan Markham, SRC Financial Aid/Veterans Specialist (309) 833-6065.

Bank Loans – Contact your local bank for personal loan information.

Many trucking companies offer 100% tuition reimbursement programs as part of their benefit package.

  • This program is offered as a sign-on bonus to attract new drivers
  • Tuition reimbursement usually begins after the student has been on the job for 90 days
  • The program pays you back at a rate of approximately $100.00 per month as long as you are employed
  • There are no contracts to sign & no obligation to stay
  • Current companies offering the full tuition reimbursement are: Sharkey Transport, DOT Foods, Roehl Transport, Paschall Truck Lines, & USA Truck Inc.
  • Call Spoon River College for more details: (309) 647-2794

MAP Grants are available for CDL training.

Current tuition for CDL training is $4,850 plus fees.

Career Link Grant

  • Career Link – Fulton County, 111 N. Main St., Canton, IL 61520 (309) 647-2946
  • Career Link – Mason County, 230 W. Main St. Havana, IL. 62644 (309) 543-1035
  • Career Link – Peoria County, 115 S.W. Adams Room 114, Peoria, IL 61602 (309) 999-4592​
  • Career Link-Tazewell County, 2956 Court St., Sunset Plaza, Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 347-8492
  • Cass County-Illinois workNet, 109 White Pine Lane, Beardstown, IL 62618 (217) 323-1859
  • Job Service – Tazewell County, 200 S. 2nd St. Suite 10, Pekin, IL 61555 (800) 662-1882

Workforce Investment Grant

Illinois Department of Human Services Grant

Must have a mental, physical, learning, or social disability/impairment or recovering addiction to qualify.

National Farm Workers Grant

For current or past agriculture workers.

Community Action Partnership Grant

Scholarships

Degree

Basic Commercial Driver Training Certificate:
10 Credit Hours

Required CoursesCredit Hrs.
Required CoursesCredit Hrs.
CDT101Commercial Driver Training - Basic 10
10