When are classes offered?
Day classes are held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and can be completed in 4 weeks. Evening classes are from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and can be completed in 8 weeks. Class dates may be extended depending on student achievement, holidays, weather or other factors.

Where are the classes held?
Classroom training is held in Room 1 (a clean, comfortable room with multimedia equipment) in the Essex Building Truck Driver Training Center. The remainder of the class time is spent in yard and road training.

What are the costs involved?
The cost of the course is $3,800. This amount includes a DOT pre-employment physical and a NIDA 5 panel drug screen. Additional costs to the student are a $50 CDL permit fee paid to the Secretary of State. Some students will also have a $12 Motor Vehicle Report fee paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Is financial aid available?
There are training grants available for unemployed or displaced workers. Those in Winnebago County should contact the Rock Valley College Dislocated Workers Program, 303 N. Main Street, Rockford, (815) 921-2200. Illinois Veteran’s benefits are accepted and student loan information is available.

How many students will be in my class?
The maximum class size will be sixteen students with four instructors.

Do I receive college credit for the class?
Yes, successful completion of the class is worth 10.0 credit hours.

What things might disqualify me from taking the class?
You must be 18 years of age to receive your CDL license, hold a current Illinois driver’s license, and be able to pass a physical and drug screening.

Can I succeed if English is my second language?
The Dept. of Motor Vehicles only administers the required tests in English. You must be able to communicate in English well enough to take the tests and understand the instructions given to you.

How do I register?
Call (815) 921-2063 to schedule a short orientation interview designed to answer your questions and bring awareness of the rewards and demands of a trucking career. You may register after your interview through the Business and Professional Institute.

If I am unable to complete the course, will my money be refunded?
Fees for your physical and drug screening are non-refundable. In order to receive a refund, you must turn in an official withdrawal from within the first 2 days of class. The refund policy will be discussed in detail at your orientation interview.

Who do I contact if I have other questions?
Please call (815) 921-2063 or e-mail l.boeke@rockvalleycollege.edu
Larry Boeke, the BPI coordinator, will be happy to answer your questions or assist you in any way.