CDL Upgrade Course

Upgrade from Class B to Class A CDL

Already have your Class B CDL? Upgrade to Class A and unlock better-paying jobs. Our training helps existing Class B license holders learn to operate tractor trailers and combination vehicles.

Start Your Upgrade Today

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 out of 5

1,084 Reviews

Enrollment Open

Get Started For

$500 Down

Flexible payment plans available.
Start your CDL training now.

Call: (630) 628-1111 Start Now Make More

*$500 down starts your enrollment. Flexible payment plans available. Ask about monthly options and eligibility.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 out of 5

1,084 Reviews

Enrollment Open

Get Started For

$500 Down

Flexible payment plans available.
Start your CDL training now.

Call: (630) 628-1111 Start Now Make More

*$500 down starts your enrollment. Flexible payment plans available. Ask about monthly options and eligibility.

Class B to Class A Upgrade

Class A CDL Training for Class B Holders

You already know how to drive commercial trucks. You’ve passed a CDL test before. Now you want to upgrade to Class A and drive tractor trailers. Our CDL upgrade course teaches you what’s new without making you start over.

Since February 2022, federal rules require entry level driver training for upgrades from Class B to Class A. Our program includes the required ELDT theory course and behind the wheel training.

The training focuses on combination vehicles, meaning trucks pulling trailers. You’ll learn advanced operating practices like backing with a trailer, coupling and uncoupling, and safe operating procedures for longer vehicles. Practice on our 275,000 square foot lot with tractor trailers until you’re ready to pass the CDL skills test and operate Class A commercial motor vehicles.

  • Focused Training: Skip the Class B basics you already know and train on combination vehicles.
  • Focus on New Skills: Learn combination vehicle operation without repeating Class B basics
  • Federal Compliance: Our program meets ELDT training requirements for the Class B to Class A upgrade.
  • Real Practice: Get hands-on experience with tractor trailers and advanced vehicle systems
Cdl upgrade course | alpha truck driving school
Cdl upgrade course | alpha truck driving school

Job Security & High Pay

$57K to $89K a year for Class A drivers, per BLS and ZipRecruiter Chicago data.

Cdl upgrade course | alpha truck driving school

Exclusive Job Placement

Work with top transportation companies & recruiters

Cdl upgrade course | alpha truck driving school

Great Benefits Packages

Medical, dental, retirement & tuition package benefits and reimbursements

Cdl upgrade course | alpha truck driving school

Flexible Training Schedule

Affordable tuition & hands-on learning for quick career start.

Real Student Testimonials

Real Students, Real Success

Hear what our graduates say about their training experience.

Career Paths

Where Your Class A CDL Can Take You

With a Class A commercial driver’s license, you can work in many different trucking jobs. Here are some of the most popular careers for CDL holders.

Over-the-road cdl class a truck driver hauling freight across the highway at sunrise.

Over-the-Road Truck Driver

Drive across the country and see new places. OTR drivers haul freight long distances and can earn $60,000 to $80,000 a year. You’ll spend days or weeks on the road at a time.

Learn More About OTR
Regional cdl truck driver operating a semi on a midwestern highway with consistent routes.

Regional Truck Driver

Work within a few states and get home more often. Regional drivers typically cover routes within 500 miles. Good pay with better work-life balance than long-haul driving.

Explore Regional Routes
Tanker truck driver with cdl license transporting fuel at an industrial refinery.

Tanker Truck Driver

Haul liquids like fuel, chemicals, or food products. Tanker drivers need special endorsements but earn higher pay. This is skilled work operating commercial vehicles with hazardous materials.

See Tanker Jobs
Beverage route cdl driver delivering soft drinks to grocery stores and restaurants.

Beverage Route Driver

Deliver drinks to stores and restaurants on a regular route. You’ll be home every night and build relationships with customers. Great job for drivers who want steady local work.

View Route Positions
Flatbed cdl truck driver hauling lumber and construction materials on an open highway.

Flatbed Truck Driver

Transport construction materials, equipment, and oversized loads. Flatbed driving requires extra skills in loading and securing cargo. CDL holders in this field often earn top pay.

Check Flatbed Jobs
Refrigerated cdl truck driver delivering temperature-controlled food shipments.

Refrigerated Truck Driver

Haul food and other products that need to stay cold or frozen. Reefer drivers work year-round with steady demand. You’ll operate specialized commercial motor vehicles with temperature controls.

Find Reefer Work

Our Process

How to Upgrade Your CDL License

1. Verify Your Class B CDL

You must have an existing Class B CDL in good standing. Bring your current license and driving record. We’ll make sure you meet the basic requirements to upgrade to Class A.

2. Complete ELDT Theory Training

Take the required ELDT theory course covering combination vehicle operation, coupling procedures, and advanced vehicle systems. You can complete this online or in our classroom.

3. Update Your Commercial Learner’s Permit

Take the combination vehicle knowledge test at your local Illinois Secretary of State facility. This upgrades your permit to Class A so you can practice on the road. Federal law requires you to hold it 14 days before your skills test.

4. Practice Behind the Wheel

Get hands-on training with tractor-trailers on our training lot. Learn backing with a trailer, pre-trip inspections for combination vehicles, and safe operating procedures. Practice until you’re ready.

5. Pass the Class A CDL Skills Test

Take the driving skills test with a combination vehicle. The test includes vehicle inspection, basic controls, and road driving. We make sure you’re prepared before you test.

Start Your Upgrade

Questions About the Class A Upgrade Course?

We answer the most common questions about getting your Class A license.

Enroll Now: (630) 628-1111
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Federal rules have required it since February 2022. The upgrade counts as entry level driver training under those rules. You complete a theory course and behind the wheel hours. Your provider has to be approved federally for the training to count. We handle both parts here. Call (630) 628-1111 to get started.

Less time than starting fresh, because your Class B basics carry over. Training focuses on combination vehicles rather than repeating fundamentals. One federal rule sets the floor on your timeline. You must hold the upgraded learner’s permit 14 days before the skills test. Call (630) 628-1111 and we will map your dates.

Everything the federal upgrade requires. The theory portion covers combination vehicles, coupling, and advanced systems. Behind the wheel work covers backing with a trailer, coupling and uncoupling, and pre-trip inspection on a combination unit. You practice on tractor trailers on our training lot. Skills test preparation is included. Call (630) 628-1111 for the full outline.

A valid Class B CDL in good standing comes first. Bring the license and your current driving record. A current DOT medical certificate is required. You will add the combination vehicle knowledge test to your permit before road practice begins. Interstate work requires you to be 21. Call (630) 628-1111 and we will check your paperwork.

More of the market opens up. Class A reaches tractor trailer work, flatbed, tanker, and long haul routes. Class B stays with single unit vehicles. Chicago Class A drivers earn roughly $57,000 to $89,000, against $43,000 to $55,000 for Class B. You keep every hour of experience you already have. Call (630) 628-1111.

Chicago Class A drivers earn roughly $57,000 to $89,000 a year. Class B drivers earn $43,000 to $55,000. Both ranges come from Chicago wage data for 2026. Your own gain depends on route type and employer. Endorsements like Tanker and HazMat lift Class A pay further. Call (630) 628-1111 to talk through the numbers.

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