IL-Resident

Maybe some financial aid or something?

Eagle is here:

ROCKFORD
2210 Harrison Avenue, Rockford IL 61104
Phone: 815-229-2954 Fax: 815-229-2956

LAKE IN THE HILLS
9182 Pyott Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 847-854-3218 Fax: 847-854-7627

I do know that while Eagle school isnt cheap or free, Roehl will reimburse up to $2800 for the cost of an 'approved' school. It takes a long time, but they do pay you back that money. I think Eagle costs $4k or so, but is FULLY IL state accredited and likely totally compatible with the new CSA2010 rules for CDL training.

Millis wants $2500 with $500 up front and then they payroll deduct the training but I dont know if/when classes are going to be in WI again and with the IL scandal you could run into a similar situation.

Some vocational schools like the ones here in WI offer classes. 10 weeks long but around $2k for the entire course. You could maybe explore that?

Just remember, going to a private/vocational school gives you many more options and doesn't 'contract' you to one carrier for a year or longer.

I have my CDL but need to go thru the training all over, since its been many years for me. I dont mind, but not sure I want a 'committment' with a carrier.

..just do all the research you can...if you find a carrier that meets your needs, then that might be a good option. I was hired by Millis in Oct 2009 but there isnt any 2009 training and they will NOT take people from any school. Either their school or 1yr OTR.

 

For what it's worth in Rockford Il, Rockvalley College offers driver training. They would also have information about grants available through the Obama stimulus fund, if any.

 

Well it sounds as if you just want to take the actual driving test and nothing more. I went to school in LaSalle County, Il # IVCC, simple google search IVCC truck driver training... Perhaps on a day when they run the students to the DMV for their test, you could persuade them to use their truck , maybe for a nominal fee. I know for sure they will offer you some kind of refresher course, kind of a quickie to get behind the wheel, for former students its free, not sure on the cost for someone who hasn't been through their school. They operate out of three different comminity colleges, Waubonsie probably being the closest to you, IVCC, and Sauk Valley. Defintely worth a call.