Illinois PDR
PDR training session with instructor and student

Learn from 40+ years of experience

PDR Training with Illinois PDR

Whether you're brand new to the trade or a working technician looking to sharpen your skills, our hands-on PDR training gives you the real-world techniques used every day in the field.

Hands-on. Real-world. Proven.

Learn the craft from a working professional

Illinois PDR has been repairing dents across Chicago and the northern suburbs for over 40 years. Our training program is built on the same techniques we use on real customer vehicles every single day — not theory, not classroom slides.

Training is conducted one-on-one or in small groups so you get direct, personalized instruction. You'll work on actual dented panels from day one, developing the feel and eye that separates a great PDR technician from an average one.

One-on-one PDR instructionStudent practicing PDR on a dented panel

Choose your path

Training courses

Beginner3–5 days

Beginner PDR Course

Perfect for those with no prior PDR experience. You'll learn tool handling, lighting setup, reading reflections, and how to approach your first real dents. By the end of the course you'll be able to tackle door dings and minor dents independently.

  • Introduction to PDR tools and their uses
  • Lighting and reflection board technique
  • Panel access and tool positioning
  • Working door dings and shallow dents
  • Practice on real dented panels
Intermediate / Advanced5–7 days

Advanced PDR Course

Designed for technicians who already have basic PDR skills and want to tackle more complex repairs — deep creases, hail damage, and difficult panel access. You'll also cover push-to-paint techniques and working with insurance adjusters.

  • Deep crease and body line repair
  • Hail damage assessment and repair strategy
  • Push-to-paint and push-for-paint techniques
  • Difficult panel access (pillars, tight areas)
  • Working with insurance estimates
All levelsFlexible

Custom / Refresher Training

Have a specific skill you want to improve? We offer custom training sessions tailored to your needs — whether that's hail-only work, a specific panel type, or a refresher after time away from the trade. Contact us to discuss what you need.

  • Tailored to your current skill level
  • Focus on your specific weak areas
  • Flexible scheduling
  • One-on-one instruction
  • Real vehicle panel practice

The Illinois PDR difference

Why train with Illinois PDR?

40+ years in the field

You're learning from a technician who has repaired thousands of vehicles — not someone who read about it.

Hands-on from day one

No lengthy classroom sessions. You'll be working on real dented panels from your very first session.

One-on-one instruction

Small group or individual training means you get direct feedback and personalized guidance throughout.

Chicago-area location

Conveniently located to serve students from Chicago and across the northern suburbs of Illinois.

Real-world techniques

Everything we teach is what we use on actual customer vehicles every day — practical, proven methods.

Ongoing support

Have questions after training? We're available to answer them. We want to see our students succeed.

PDR training certification

Ready to start your PDR career?

Call us or send a message to discuss which course is right for you, check availability, and get pricing information.