Business Details
Trusted CDL & Heavy Equipment Training in Ohio
Great Lakes Truck Driving School measures its success through the achievements of its students, offering quality instructional programs in a student-centered environment built on respect and continuous support. Our team of highly qualified instructors, many with decades of industry experience, delivers comprehensive training in CDL operations, heavy equipment, and mobile crane operations. Situated on 28 acres with a state-of-the-art facility near Cleveland, Ohio, we provide hands-on training in realistic construction site environments.Our programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills to produce safe, job-ready professionals. Accredited by the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools and licensed by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, we prioritize safety, compliance, and career readiness. With flexible scheduling and job placement assistance, we serve both veterans and civilians seeking careers in transportation and construction industries.
Services
CDL Training
Heavy Equipment
Crane Operations
Mobile Crane Training
Oilfield Training
Highlights and features
- Instructors with 500+ combined years of industry experience
- State-of-the-art 28-acre training facility with construction site simulations
- Job placement assistance with major companies like NASA and Ford
- NCCER-certified heavy equipment and crane operations programs
- Approved for GI Bill benefits and federal training grants
Associations and certifications
- State Board of Career Colleges and Schools
- Ohio Department of Public Safety
What people say
Hands-on training
Genuine progression interest
Career-changing experience
Extensive road training
Veteran opportunities
Services
CDL Training
Our Class A/B CDL programs prepare students for commercial driving careers through 160-500 hours of classroom instruction, driving range practice, and on-road training. Students learn vehicle inspections, defensive driving techniques, and regulatory compliance. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions with major transportation companies.
Heavy Equipment
NCCER-certified programs teach safe operation of backhoes, excavators, and bulldozers through 160-440 hours of hands-on training. Curriculum covers site setup, grading techniques, and OSHA safety standards. Graduates receive industry-recognized certifications for construction careers.
Crane Operations
120-hour mobile crane training combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice in load dynamics, rigging, and crane stability. Students learn hand signals, lift planning, and safety protocols to prepare for certification exams and construction industry roles.
Premier Program
440-hour integrated program covering CDL operations, heavy equipment, and crane certifications. Combines 450 miles of on-road training with construction site simulations. Prepares graduates for multiple certifications and careers in transportation, oilfield, and construction sectors.
Veteran Training
GI Bill-approved programs with specialized support for veterans. Offers payment plans, job placement assistance, and flexible scheduling. Training aligns with military occupational specialties for seamless career transition to commercial driving or construction roles.
People
James Young
President
Veteran business leader with extensive management experience overseeing operations and strategic direction at Great Lakes Truck Driving School.
Dave Arcuri
Director of Education & Compliance
CDL-certified instructor responsible for maintaining educational standards and regulatory compliance across all training programs.
Questions
What CDL training programs are available?
We offer Class A/B CDL training with 160-500 hours of instruction, including skills training, heavy equipment endorsements, and crane operations.
Do you offer job placement assistance?
Yes. Major companies like NASA, Ford, and Lincoln Electric regularly recruit our graduates through on-site visits and partnerships.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. We offer payment plans and accept GI Bill benefits, WIOA grants, and other funding sources for eligible students.
What certifications do you provide?
Students earn NCCER certifications in heavy equipment, mobile crane credentials, and OSHA safety certifications alongside CDL licenses.
How long are training programs?
Programs range from 3 weeks (crane operations) to 12.5 weeks (Premier Program) with full-time and part-time scheduling options.
Videos
