Best Schools in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee CDL Institute is a commercial vehicle driving school with multiple locations throughout Southeast Wisconsin, offering classroom tutoring, behind-the-wheel training, and CDL testing. The school is licensed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation and committed to high ethical standards. They offer various programs, including Class A, Class B, and passenger vehicle training, with options for weekend training. Milwaukee CDL Institute also partners with Badger CDL Testing to administer CDL exams at their training terminals. The institute's instructors have over 120 years of combined experience and have trained and tested over 5,000 individuals. They focus on safety and accommodate anxious beginners, tailoring their services to prioritize student needs. Milwaukee CDL Institute is approved by EAP, FMCSA, the Veteran's Administration, and WI DOT. Milwaukee CDL Institute provides CDL training for Class A, B, and C vehicles, with both classroom and hands-on practice. Their program is designed to help students progress from classroom studies to behind-the-wheel training, preparing them for the CDL exam. The school emphasizes real-world experience, using actual commercial vehicles for training rather than computer simulators. They also offer a job placement service to help students find suitable positions in the transportation industry.

Griffin's CDL Institute, located in Milwaukee, WI, has the mission to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to qualify for entry-level jobs in the trucking industry. The institute emphasizes safety, a thorough understanding of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Rules and Regulations, and defensive driving techniques. Griffin's CDL Institute is approved to operate by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Griffin's CDL Institute offers classroom training at two Milwaukee locations and online, with a resource library available during operating hours. Yard and range training is held at separate locations in Milwaukee. The institute's four-week program includes DOT safety and regulations training, state regulations, and skill development to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. Griffin's CDL Institute assists students with job placement, inviting trucking companies to visit and discuss employment opportunities. While they refer graduates to potential employers, they do not guarantee employment. The school also has relationships with institutions that provide funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and lending institutions.

MATC Truck Driver Training, located at the Oak Creek Campus, is a credit-based college program that offers students the opportunity to earn their CDL, 10 college credits, and a technical diploma. The program is quality-driven, providing some of the best entry-level drivers in the industry. The curriculum focuses on developing backing and driving skills through classroom, lab, range, and roadway experiences. Online resources are also available to assist with skill development. The program is 320 hours in total, incorporating over 240 hours of hands-on activities. Students receive, on average, 136 hours of range backing exercises and an additional 68 hours of road driving. The instructors have 30-40 years of driving experience and are certified coaches, providing expertise in the classroom, lab, and behind the wheel. MATC's Truck Driving program started 10 years ago and has produced nearly 500 graduates. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as local or over-the-road drivers. The program also emphasizes the importance of safety, maintenance, and the operation of trucks. MATC provides students with a cutting-edge piece of equipment to help them be successful, including a 2024 Volvo VNL 760, which is the first brand-new, automatic transmission, sleeper semitruck ever secured by the college.

Gateway Technical College is a public technical college located in southeastern Wisconsin, serving Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties. As part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Gateway offers over 70 industry-focused programs, including diplomas, degrees, and certificates. The college emphasizes hands-on learning with experienced faculty and cutting-edge labs. Gateway has three main campuses in Elkhorn, Kenosha, and Racine, as well as six educational centers throughout the region. Gateway provides various student support services such as tutoring, counseling, and disability services. The college also focuses on workforce solutions, offering continuing education, certifications, and customized training to support economic growth in the community. Students can benefit from service learning opportunities, study abroad programs, and numerous student clubs. With a diverse student body, Gateway Technical College aims to provide accessible and affordable education. The institution has transfer agreements with other colleges and universities, particularly UW-Parkside. Gateway is known for its flexible scheduling and supportive faculty, many of whom bring real-world experience to the classroom.

Midwest Truck Driving School, established in 1998, has been a leading provider of CDL training, graduating over 20,000 students. They are dedicated to training individuals to become professional drivers, equipped to succeed nationwide. The school prides itself on offering top-quality education with experienced instructors committed to student success in a supportive environment. Midwest Truck Driving School is CVTA-certified and meets FMCSA's ELDT requirements.

Lada Driver School, LLC, established in 1996, provides driver education to adults and teenagers, focusing on instilling the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for vehicle safety as both a driver and a pedestrian. Their instructors are known for their patience, persistence, and expertise in dispelling nervousness and uncertainty. The school aims to make quality driver training accessible to all. Lada Driver School has two locations in Milwaukee and offers a range of programs including teen driving programs, adult driving lessons, manual transmission training, and CDL Class A instruction. They also offer driver instructor training and convenient road test scheduling.

Roehl Transport, founded in 1962, is a leading American trucking company providing national transportation and logistics services. Recognized as one of North America's safest trucking companies by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), Roehl is a 5-time recipient of the ATA's President's Award, the trucking industry's highest safety honor. The company offers on-the-job training for recent CDL school graduates and has a certified truck driving school, the Get Your CDL Program. Roehl Transport provides a range of transportation solutions, including dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, curtainside, and dedicated services. They operate a large fleet with terminals across the country. Roehl emphasizes safety, offers dynamic pay plans, and provides passenger and pet programs. They are known for investing in their drivers' success, whether they are just starting or are experienced. Roehl Transport's CDL training program is often seen as a good starting point for new drivers. The company provides paid training and lodging while drivers obtain their CDL. In exchange, drivers are usually required to work for Roehl for a certain period or mileage to offset the training costs. While some reviews mention lower pay compared to other companies after the training period, Roehl is recognized for its thorough training and focus on safety. Roehl Transport is best for individuals seeking company-sponsored CDL training and a structured start to their trucking career. The company's commitment to safety and comprehensive training programs make it a solid choice for those new to the industry. However, experienced drivers may find better pay opportunities elsewhere after fulfilling their initial commitment.

Milwaukee CDL Institute, operating as Oak Creek Airport Division (Badger CDL), is a Wisconsin-based Commercial Vehicle Driving School with multiple locations throughout Southeast Wisconsin. They offer classroom tutoring, hands-on training, and testing for Class A and Class B CDL licenses. The institute is committed to providing high-quality education with experienced instructors and a focus on safety, catering to anxious beginners and prioritizing student needs. They also offer job placement assistance through their Badger CDL Job Connect Program, connecting students with over 50 trucking companies.

Milwaukee CDL Institute, operating as Sturtevant Racine CDL Terminal and Badger CDL, is a commercial vehicle driving school with multiple locations throughout Southeast Wisconsin. They offer classroom tutoring, behind-the-wheel training, and CDL testing. The institute is licensed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, ensuring high ethical standards, service, training, and testing. With a focus on safety and beginners, they tailor their services to prioritize student needs. The school has a team of 14 instructors and examiners with over 120 years of combined experience, having trained and tested over 5000 individuals. Milwaukee CDL Institute is approved by EAP, FMCSA, the Veteran's Administration, and WI DOT.

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is a two-year vocational-technical college that offers day, evening, and weekend classes across multiple campuses, including downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, West Allis, and Mequon. MATC provides accessible and affordable education with flexible scheduling to accommodate students balancing school with work and family commitments. The college offers over a dozen accredited associate degrees, along with numerous vocational licenses, job training certificates, and adult enrichment courses. MATC is known for its diverse and inclusive environment, supportive faculty, and resources like tutoring and online classes.

Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), founded in 1923, is a public, not-for-profit technical college located in Pewaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin. WCTC focuses on providing accessible, high-quality education and training to empower individuals to achieve their career goals. The college offers over 150 areas of study, including associate degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeships, and short-term certificate programs. WCTC has transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities for students who wish to further their education. Business leaders are key partners, with over 700 professionals serving on advisory committees to ensure the curriculum reflects the latest industry needs. WCTC's main campus in Pewaukee features state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized labs and classrooms for healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology programs. The campus also includes a library, student commons area, cafeteria, and bookstore. Additional resources like tutoring and career services are available to support student success. WCTC has a diverse student body, including adult learners and a range of age groups. The college fosters a sense of belonging and encourages connections among students and faculty. WCTC's hands-on programs are praised by students, with knowledgeable instructors and well-equipped labs that lead to real-world skills. The college also offers flexible scheduling and online options to make education convenient. WCTC is recognized for outstanding programs in areas like Cyber Security, Robotics, Engineering, and Nursing. Employers consistently praise WCTC graduates for their level of knowledge and training. WCTC operates on a year-round calendar with 8-week terms, allowing students to build academic momentum and complete their education faster. The college also offers credit for prior learning, including advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, military training, and work or volunteer experience. WCTC has two locations, one in Pewaukee and one in Waukesha.

Badger CDL Testing (DBA Milwaukee CDL Institute) is a Wisconsin Department of Transportation-certified third-party CDL testing and training organization operating across southeastern Wisconsin. While primarily known as a testing site, Badger also offers short-duration CDL training programs in addition to skills exams. The organization operates from multiple locations including Oak Creek (headquarters at 7221 S. 10th Street), Kenosha (7517 60th Street), Racine/Caledonia (7213 Hwy 41), and Mount Pleasant (7505 Durand Ave). Testing is available 7 days a week during daylight hours. Badger is authorized to test CDL Class A, B, and C licenses, including buses and tankers. Because testing is conducted on-site by their own examiners, applicants avoid the long wait times associated with DMV-administered tests. Their training program (Class B CDL) runs approximately 2 weeks at 45 hours per week. Total program cost is approximately $2,950 (tuition $2,600 plus $350 in fees covering registration, medical exam, and CDL obtainment). Students train on real commercial vehicles — no simulators. Testing occurs at the same facility. Badger is best suited for drivers seeking a fast path to a Class B license or third-party skills testing without the DMV wait.

On Your Way CDL, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides personalized CDL training with experienced professionals to equip students for success in the trucking industry. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and offers comprehensive programs, including CDL training and Hazmat endorsement training. Instructors focus on crucial elements such as PreTrip, Backing, and Shifting techniques, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world challenges. With a commitment to attentive CDL training, On Your Way CDL aims to help students start their trucking careers. The school's programs are designed to be thorough and instill confidence in aspiring drivers. Personalized attention is a key aspect, allowing students to benefit from the extensive experience of the instructors, who provide technical skills and foster a supportive environment. On Your Way CDL operates weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, making it accessible for individuals seeking to transform their driving aspirations into reality. The school is dedicated to ensuring students graduate as competent and confident drivers. They provide real-life driving practice to prepare students for CDL training. According to the FMCSA, On Your Way Class A CDL Training LLC's USDOT number is 3806762.

160 Driving Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin operates out of 7046 W. Greenfield Ave in West Allis, a suburb immediately west of Milwaukee. The school is part of the 90+ location national 160 Driving Academy network and delivers Class A and Class B CDL training in a four-week, 160-hour format. The curriculum covers 40 hours of classroom instruction alongside 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training on local Milwaukee-area roads and Wisconsin highways. The West Allis campus serves the Greater Milwaukee metro and the surrounding southeastern Wisconsin region. The school has a separate Oak Creek location (9545 S. 20th St.) also under the 160 brand that serves southern Milwaukee County. The Milwaukee/West Allis campus operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Job placement assistance is built into the program with connections to major national trucking carriers. Tuition runs $4,000-$6,000 depending on enrollment timing and sponsorship eligibility. Financial assistance options include WIOA workforce grants, Climb Credit financing, Edly income share agreements, and Swift employer sponsorship for qualifying applicants over 21 with no disqualifying convictions. Free ELDT (Entry Level Driver Theory Training) is included at enrollment. Hazmat endorsement preparation is available as an add-on. The school is FMCSA-registered and operates under Wisconsin state licensing. Reviews highlight a clean, well-maintained facility and a welcoming staff. Students report the program is professionally run with instructors who are approachable and thorough. The national network's 95% graduation rate and 5.0 aggregate rating reflect consistent delivery across the chain. Graduates average $55,990 annually, with trucking employment demand strong across the Midwest.

Milwaukee CDL Institute, operating also as Badger CDL, has multiple locations throughout Southeast Wisconsin and is dedicated to training and testing students to achieve their commercial driving dreams. With a focus on safety and anxious beginners, they tailor their services to prioritize student needs. The institute boasts over 120 years of combined instructor experience, having trained and tested over 5,000 individuals. Milwaukee CDL Institute is an approved training provider by the Wisconsin DOT, FMCSA, Veteran's Administration and EAP. They offer Class A and Class B CDL training, with both weekday and weekend classes available. Milwaukee CDL Institute also has a job connect program to connect students with local employers.

Milwaukee CDL Institute, operating as Mount Pleasant Racine CDL Terminal, is a commercial vehicle driving school with multiple locations throughout Southeast Wisconsin. The school provides classroom tutoring, behind-the-wheel training, and CDL testing. Milwaukee CDL Institute is licensed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation and committed to high ethical standards, service, training, and testing for all students. With over 120 years of combined experience, their instructors have trained and tested over 5,000 individuals in the transportation industry. The school aims to provide students with the knowledge of the trucking world, including road rules and laws, and the business aspect of opening their own company.

Milwaukee CDL Institute, operating as Oak Creek CDL Headquarters and Badger CDL, is a Commercial Vehicle Driving School with multiple locations throughout Southeast Wisconsin. Founded initially as a CDL testing company in 2015 and transitioning to training in 2018, they have trained and tested thousands of applicants. The institute is licensed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation and is also EAP, FMCSA, and Veteran's Administration approved. They offer classroom tutoring and behind-the-wheel training, with a focus on safety and accommodating anxious beginners. The school aims to provide sufficient training for students to succeed in the transportation industry.

Kishwaukee College, located in Malta, Illinois, is a public community college that serves District 523, encompassing most of DeKalb County and parts of Lee, Ogle, and La Salle counties. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through 2028 and offers a variety of programs designed to help students start their careers or transfer to a four-year university. Kishwaukee provides a range of student clubs and organizations, an art gallery, a theater, and arts and culture events. The college emphasizes affordability, with tuition including all textbooks, and offers financial aid options to assist students. Kishwaukee College distinguishes itself through its commitment to student success, offering small class sizes and a supportive academic environment. Faculty members are generally helpful and knowledgeable, often going the extra mile to ensure students understand the material. The college also focuses on campus safety, with clearly listed emergency procedures and quick response times from campus security. Kishwaukee's campus includes athletic fields, greenhouse facilities, a conference center, and an Early Learning Center. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, Kishwaukee College provides personalized attention to its students. The college offers over 56 majors, with popular programs including Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, and Nursing Assistant. Online classes are available, providing flexibility for students who need to balance work and other commitments. Kishwaukee College aims to provide an affordable and accessible education, preparing students for future success.