160 Driving Academy Success Stories

Graduate holding sign beside parked truck
Graduate holding certificate beside academy truck
Two men holding signs in front of blue truck
Two men celebrating truck driving graduation
Graduate holding certificate in front of green truck
Graduated students holding certificates by green truck
Man holding 160 Driving Academy promotional sign
Graduate holding sign beside parked truck
Graduate holding certificate beside academy truck
Two men holding signs in front of blue truck
Two men celebrating truck driving graduation
Graduate holding certificate in front of green truck
Graduated students holding certificates by green truck
Man holding 160 Driving Academy promotional sign

Student Reviews

5.0 62 Reviews

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Waukegan yard review training

This training yard has 3 very good trainers. Lead trainer Keith would get a 9.5 out of 10. Danny would get a 9 out of 10. Maureen would get a 8 out of 10 they each have great teaching points in their own ways. These 3 trainers made the training fun. Each Thursday they have BBQ day (Thursday is the day for DMV testing) and Keith is great around the grill. The forth testers name is Dan, he is very dangerous and in my opinion should not be anywhere near trucking students. My first day training with him on the town was aweful, he yelled at both of us in the cab and while I was in the middle of a turn grabbed the wheel and almost caused an accident. A couple of weeks later during a discussion with other students it was said that he did the same exact thing with at least 3 other students. I was told he was written up on multiple occasions but he is still a trainer. The trainers do the best with what they have but the trucks breakdown often and this causes interruptions in training sometimes over a week at a time. There was one time when a mechanic was fixing an issue and slammed the hood down in high winds causing electrical lines to be pinched and some turning signals and other issues that put the truck out of service. They finally found a shop to take the truck in for repair and the truck was away for just under 2 weeks. This caused delays in some students getting certified. There needs to be 5 students to test before a tester will come onsite to test students. T h are were several weeks that there was not enough students ready to test so that delayed testing for at least 1 week on several occasions. I give the trainers a 9 out of 10 for 3 trainers and 1 out of 10 for the aweful trainer Dan (if your going to choose this yard to get your CDL do yourself a favor and stay clear of Dan. Please don't mix Dan and Danny up as Danny is a great trainer and will take time to work with students and he is very patient and cares for each student. I wish all the trainers nothing but the best and if you choose this yard you will get great training with that 1 exception.

Was it worth it?

Was it worth getting great tuition advice from Donna in order to get started? YES Was it worth getting a DOT physical and drug screening? YEP Was it worth the in-classroom instruction to learn the basics? ABSOLUTELY Was it worth showing up at the yard before the sunrise to learn how to straight back and parallel park from Keith, Dan, Shauna and the team? OF COURSE Was it worth going over the pre-trip again and again? YOU BET Was it worth studying at home as well? WITHOUT A DOUBT Was it worth the stress on test day at the yard? UH-HUH Was it worth getting 6 months of experience at a mega carrier? INVALUABLE TO SAY THE LEAST Why all the questions? After all is said and done I now make $2500-$3300 per week. Yes, I said per week! Invest in yourself and put forth the effort and it will pay off! Thank you 160 Waukegan!

Learned a lot!

My wife and I took this class a year ago, and passed! The instructors were helpful! Donna in the classroom was very good at checking in with us and still to this day makes sure we are doing well! Brian in the yard was by far one of the best yard leads we had met. This was our second cdl school, and it should have been our first! Thanks for all that you guys do!

Excellent CDL Training Experience

I had a great experience at 160 Driving School! The instructors were patient, knowledgeable, and really cared about helping every student succeed. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt confident behind the wheel. The school was professional, well-organized, and gave me all the tools I needed to pass my CDL test on the first try. I’d definitely recommend 160 Driving School to anyone serious about starting a career in trucking!

Waukegan 160 driving academy

Good experience at the Waukegan facility. Donna goes above and beyond for all her students. Dan and his yard staff made sure that I had all of the knowledge needed. Thanks

CDL School with Great Reputation

It was a great experience for me. The school's integrity is enough for me to pick 160 driving academy as my CDL school. I graduated with flying colors. Passed all the test 1st time because of my great instructor and great people at 160 Driving Academy. I definitely recommend them.

160 is Awesome

My experience with 160 drive an Academy was awesome. Everyone made me feel like home, especially Donna. I just want to thank ms Miller Dan, Keith and Danny for helping me get through this, you guys are awesome..

Good school

This CDL school was a really good experience for me. Everyone there wanted to see me succeed and helped me every step of the way. The first week was tough because there is a lot to take in. They also helped me find a job after I got my CDL, which made everything worth it. I am thankful for the support and definitely recommend this school.

Great experience!!!

First, I would like to start off by saying, if you want to make more money and have a better career, then getting a Class A CDL is the way to go. I absolutely 100% recommend getting your CDL training through 160 Driving Academy. Per my experience, the trainers and staff were very accommodating, experienced, and knowledgeable, which will definitely help you to succeed and accomplish your goals of getting a Class A CDL.

Great place

Great place to get your cdl from. The instructors and restaurant of the eatfg were great in helping with anything i needed. Especially Donna she was a great help and very knowledgeable with everything that I needed, from explaining the cost breakdown to dealing with the DOT physical and drug test. The training in the yard was great, learned to drive a manual for the first time in my life, and the instructors were great letting me know where and how to improve my shifting. It was great seeing the instructors with all their experience doing the backing maneuvers like they're just backing a regular truck. Every single instructor had their own point of view and gave great advise from their ownexperience

Following His Brother's Path, Driving Toward His Own Future

A recent 160 Driving Academy graduate shares how he was inspired by his brother’s success—and now he’s ready to start his own journey. With his CDL in hand and a clear path ahead, he’s excited for the road, the freedom, and the future that awaits.

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From the Classroom to Career Growth: A 160 Journey in Progress

A current student at 160 Driving Academy shares how simple it was to get started with his CDL training—and why it’s one of the best decisions he’s made. With a promotional opportunity waiting at the Chicago Police Department, earning his CDL is opening doors to career advancement and greater responsibility. Hear how 160 is helping him take the wheel on his future—quickly, confidently, and with purpose.

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More Than a School — A Second Family at 160 Driving Academy

In this heartfelt testimonial, a 160 Driving Academy student shares how his experience went beyond CDL training. From day one, he felt welcomed into a close-knit community that believed in his potential, supported him through challenges, and celebrated his progress every mile of the way. For him, 160 wasn’t just a school—it was a place where he found belonging and the confidence to drive his future forward.

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