From Retired to In-Demand CDL Driver

Steven came to 160 Driving Academy’s Peoria location with a clear goal: earn his CDL and pick up part-time work in retirement. What he didn’t expect was how quickly the opportunities would stack up—or how much he’d enjoy the journey getting there.

A Strong Start in the Classroom

Steven’s first interaction was with Tiffany, who walked him through exactly what to expect from both classroom and behind-the-wheel training. Her professionalism and accuracy made an immediate impact. By the end of the first week, Steven felt fully prepared to take his permit exam—and he passed on his first attempt.

Hands-On Training That Builds Confidence

The next four weeks were spent behind the wheel with instructors Doug and Jay. Their deep knowledge, professionalism, and focus on safety made the transition from classroom to truck smooth and confidence-building. Steven highlights one key piece of advice for future students:
Learn from the instructors—but also learn from each other.
Working alongside classmates during pre-trip practice helped reinforce the skills he needed for testing and for the real world.

A New Career—On His Terms

Steven originally planned to work part-time after earning his CDL. Instead, he found himself with more opportunities than he expected. Asphalt, gravel, sand—companies were calling. He even reached back out to Tiffany and Doug to let them know just how in-demand new drivers are.

Friendships That Last

Beyond the training and the career change, Steven walked away with something just as valuable: community. Several classmates have stayed connected, sharing stories about their new roles and how much they’re enjoying their career shift.

His Final Take

Steven calls his experience at 160 Driving Academy “great”—a program that prepared him for testing, supported him every step of the way, and opened the door to a new chapter in life.

Whether you’re starting fresh or starting over, Steven’s story proves one thing:
With the right training, a CDL can take you anywhere.