CDL endorsement training

Why Every CDL Student Should Consider Endorsement Training

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Completing your commercial drivers license classes is a huge step toward a career in the trucking industry. But if you really want to stand out in today’s competitive market, adding CDL endorsement training could be the smartest move you make.

Whether you’re enrolled in Chicago, Cicero, or Lansing, earning additional endorsements alongside your standard CDL increases your job options, boosts pay, and gives you access to specialized freight opportunities. Here’s what you need to know—and why Progressive Truck Driving School is the best place to train.

1. What Are CDL Endorsements?

CDL endorsements are additional qualifications that allow you to drive specialized vehicles or transport certain types of freight. Common examples include:

  • CDL hazmat endorsement – for transporting hazardous materials
  • CDL tanker endorsement – for hauling liquid or gas tankers
  • Doubles/triples endorsement – for pulling multiple trailers
  • Passenger endorsement – for driving commercial buses

These endorsements appear on your license and signify to employers that you’re qualified for more than just standard freight loads.

2. How to Incorporate Endorsement Training into CDL Classes

The good news? You can start endorsement training while enrolled in your regular commercial drivers license classes in Illinois.

At Progressive Truck Driving School, we offer streamlined student driver endorsement instruction that aligns with your existing course schedule. Our instructors walk you through the state-specific knowledge tests and help you prepare for endorsement-related driving skills if needed. We offer flexible scheduling and add-on options for endorsements.

3. Benefits of Having Endorsements

Adding endorsements to your CDL unlocks more than just opportunity—it boosts your career from the start:

  • Higher pay – Drivers with endorsements often earn more per mile or load
  • Increased job opportunities – Many employers prefer or require drivers with a CDL hazmat endorsement or CDL tanker endorsement
  • Greater flexibility – Take on specialized freight, work in more industries, and expand your route options

This is why so many smart students pursue commercial license endorsements early in their careers.

4. Costs and Time Investment

One of the most appealing aspects of CDL endorsement training is how accessible and efficient it is to complete. Most endorsements require only a few extra classroom hours beyond your core CDL instruction. The associated costs—such as exam fees and study materials—are generally quite low compared to the long-term benefits they bring. 

Better yet, many schools, including Progressive Truck Driving School, allow students to bundle endorsement training with their standard commercial drivers license classes. This means you can earn added qualifications without delaying your graduation timeline or overextending your budget. 

With endorsement courses available, you can take advantage of convenient scheduling while maximizing the return on your training investment.

5. Why Choose Progressive Truck Driving School for Endorsements

At Progressive Truck Driving School, our endorsement training is built on the same foundation of excellence that defines our core commercial drivers license classes in Illinois. We are proud to offer comprehensive programs that serve CDL students in Chicago, Cicero, and Lansing—ensuring access to high-quality education no matter your location. 

Our instructors are industry veterans who provide practical insights drawn from real-world experience. They guide students step-by-step through exam preparation and ensure that all endorsement requirements, including paperwork and DMV procedures, are fully understood and completed. 

With flexible training options and personalized support, we make it easy to complete your endorsements and enhance your career. When you’re looking for the best CDL classes near you, Progressive stands out as the clear choice for results-driven, safety-focused training.

Go Beyond the Basics and Boost Your CDL Career

Don’t stop at the standard CDL—enhance your training with targeted endorsements. By completing CDL endorsement training during your core CDL program, you gain access to better-paying, more flexible, and more secure jobs. Whether you’re training in Chicago, Lansing, or Cicero, Progressive Truck Driving School makes it easy to expand your credentials and become a top-tier CDL driver. Ready to take the next step? Reach out today and ask about endorsement training options at your nearest location.

Safety habits when driving com

Top Safety Habits to Develop During Commercial Drivers License Classes

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Developing strong safety habits from day one of your commercial drivers license classes is essential to becoming a skilled and dependable truck driver. The habits you build during training will shape how you handle your responsibilities on the road and directly affect your long-term success. Whether you’re attending commercial drivers license classes in Chicago, Cicero, or Lansing, safety must always come first.

At Progressive Truck Driving School, we make safety a cornerstone of our instruction. Here’s a breakdown of the top safety habits every CDL student should learn and why our school is the ideal place to master them.

1. Pre-Trip Inspection Routine

One of the first safety practices taught in commercial drivers license classes is the pre-trip inspection. This process ensures your vehicle is roadworthy and compliant with all regulations.

During your training, you’ll learn how to inspect:

  • Brakes and tires
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Fluid levels
  • Coupling systems
  • Emergency equipment

By repeating these inspections daily, it becomes second nature—protecting both you and others on the road. At Progressive Truck Driving School, we provide hands-on repetition with real equipment so students build muscle memory and confidence.

2. Master Defensive Driving Techniques

A key part of CDL training safety tips is mastering defensive driving. Instructors teach students how to:

  • Maintain safe following distances
  • Anticipate the actions of other drivers
  • Avoid aggressive driving behavior
  • Use mirrors and blind spot checks consistently

These techniques are part of everyday drills at commercial drivers license classes in Cicero, Lansing, and Chicago, reinforcing the mindset that safety always comes first.

3. Accurate Log‑Keeping & Time Management

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) and time management are vital for safety and regulatory compliance. You’ll learn how to:

  • Log hours accurately
  • Comply with Hours of Service (HOS) rules
  • Plan rest periods to avoid fatigue

These are core parts of commercial vehicle safety training, and at our school, we ensure every student understands how poor log-keeping can impact their license and safety.

4. On-Road Safety Communication

Effective communication is a major safety skill that gets overlooked. In CDL safety classes, students learn:

  • When and how to use CB radios
  • Hand signals for backing and parking
  • Proper use of turn signals, flashers, and horn
  • How to coordinate with dispatch safely and efficiently

Training at commercial drivers license classes in Illinois includes simulation of these real-world scenarios so you’re not caught off guard once you’re hired.

5. Managing Fatigue & Wellness

Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking incidents, which is why learning to manage it early is critical. Safety habits for CDL drivers should include:

  • Getting adequate rest between shifts
  • Staying hydrated and eating well
  • Knowing when to pull over and rest
  • Creating routines that support mental and physical health

At Progressive Truck Driving School, we teach students how lifestyle habits impact safety and job performance—reinforcing the value of driver wellness from the very beginning.

Build Safe Habits, Build a Strong Career

The safety habits you develop during commercial drivers license classes are the foundation of a successful CDL career. From pre-trip inspections to fatigue management, each skill reinforces your responsibility on the road.

At Progressive Truck Driving School, we offer the best CDL classes for students in Chicago, Cicero, and Lansing—all designed with safety and professional excellence in mind.

If you’re ready to begin a career that prioritizes skill, responsibility, and success, let us show you how top-tier safety training can make the difference.