Business Details
Premier CDL & Heavy Equipment Training School in Ohio
Great Lakes Truck Driving School is dedicated to providing quality instructional programs in a student-centered environment built on respect, encouragement, and continuous support. Our mission is to empower students with the foundation for lifelong success through comprehensive training in Class A CDL, heavy equipment operation, and mobile crane operations. With a team of highly qualified instructors boasting over 500 years of combined industry experience, we deliver both practical and theoretical instruction designed to produce safe, well-qualified professionals. Our state-of-the-art 28-acre facility features a 9,000-square-foot building with classrooms, a shifting track, and a construction-site-like training area for hands-on learning.As a privately held corporation led by veteran President James Young, we emphasize military values of discipline and dedication. Our programs include day and evening classes, job placement assistance with 1,000+ employers, and housing options for qualifying students. We maintain partnerships with major companies like NASA Glenn Research Center and Ford Motor Company while achieving an 86% placement rate for veteran graduates. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our accreditations, including approval by the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools and licensing by the Ohio Department of Public Safety. We serve students from across the country while maintaining a strong local presence in the Cleveland area.
Services
CDL Training
Heavy Equipment
Crane Operations
Veteran Programs
Job Placement
Highlights and features
- Instructors with 500+ years of combined industry experience
- State-of-the-art 28-acre training facility with construction-site simulations
- 86% placement rate for veteran graduates
- NCCER-certified heavy equipment and crane operations programs
- Approved for GI Bill benefits with veteran-focused support services
Associations and certifications
- State Board of Career Colleges and Schools
- Ohio Department of Public Safety
What people say
Hands on staff
Changed my life
Placement assistance
Veteran-focused programs
Extensive road training
Services
CDL Training
Our Class A CDL training programs range from 160 to 500 hours, covering tractor-trailer operations, tanker endorsements, and hazardous materials training. Students learn through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practice with experienced instructors. The program prepares graduates for careers in regional and over-the-road transportation industries.
Heavy Equipment
NCCER-certified heavy equipment training covers backhoe, excavator, bulldozer, front-end loader, and skid steer operations. Students learn construction safety protocols, jobsite setup, and practical applications like trenching and pipe laying. The program includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on field experience.
Crane Operations
Mobile crane operations training combines classroom instruction with practical field experience. Students learn safety procedures, load calculations, and crane setup techniques. The program covers various crane types and prepares operators for construction and industrial applications.
Veteran Programs
We specialize in helping veterans transition to civilian careers through GI Bill-approved programs. Our veteran-focused services include benefits processing, housing assistance, and career counseling. With half our staff being veterans, we provide tailored support for military personnel and their families.
Job Placement
Our lifetime placement assistance connects graduates with 1,000+ employers across transportation, construction, and energy sectors. We offer resume preparation, interview coaching, and direct connections to companies seeking veterans and certified operators. Employers include major corporations like NASA and Ford Motor Company.
People
James Young
President
James Young, a military veteran with extensive business experience, leads Great Lakes Truck Driving School. He oversees operations at the 28-acre training facility and ensures quality instruction across all programs. His leadership focuses on student success and industry partnerships.
Questions
What CDL training programs do you offer?
We offer Class A CDL training programs ranging from 160 to 500 hours, including tractor-trailer operations, tanker endorsements, and hazardous materials training.
Are your programs accredited?
Yes, we're approved by the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools (Reg Number 10-09-1944T) and licensed by the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
Do you provide job placement assistance?
We offer lifetime placement assistance with 1,000+ employers across transportation, construction, and energy sectors with 86% placement rate for veterans.
Can veterans use GI Bill benefits?
Yes, we're approved for GI Bill benefits including Chapters 30, 31, 33, and 35 with dedicated veteran services coordination.
What heavy equipment training do you provide?
Our NCCER-certified programs cover backhoe, excavator, bulldozer, front-end loader, and skid steer operations with construction safety protocols.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Joey
May 25, 2022
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Great experience and great instructors, got my cdl last year on October and currently I'm working local in Ohio and it's going pretty good, thank you great lakes for giving the oportunity to pursue a career in trucking industry.
Chris Wegrocki
May 10, 2022
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I went through this school and was taught very well in 2014 or 2015 and had no problem with anything, just also wishing I could have done the heavy equipment class as well, but was more wondering if once you loose your cdl, is it possible to get it back again down the road or being able to even take just the heavy equipment class without having a cdl?
Gage Coffman
Apr 08, 2022
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VETERANS PLEASE AVOID GOING HERE. Place is all about getting money. They take advantage of veteran funding and will push a veteran into the most expensive class in order to profit off them. There is no organization and will spend a lot of your time here sitting around doing nothing due to there being no structure. 100% go somewhere else
Devon Jones
Mar 26, 2022
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I was taught accurately well at Great Lakes Truck driving school. The staff and instructors are top of the line. I am looking forward to a successful career with my training! Thank U Great Lakes I can affirmly say that if U put in the time, and train it's worth it's weight in Gold!
Michael Basham
Mar 11, 2022
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Apparently this truck driving school doesn't like to teach new students how to stop at red lights along 82 and 83. If you are a person wanting to learn how to drive trucks and receive your CDL, I highly recommend you pass this school by and move on to the next school! Otherwise you probably won't have your CDL very long.
Charles Wright
Feb 26, 2022
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Great place top take your cdl course. a bit packed but as long as you don't sit around and watch other people drive the trucks you will learn something I passed my Class A CDL test first try highly recommend this school instructors was amazing especially TONY! but i got along with all of them they will walk you thru each maneuver and if your having troubles they will help you along the way they will joke with you and talk to you like a normal person instead of talk to you like an instructor as long as you pay attention and stay off your phone and participate you will not have any issue passing what so ever
