
Since February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that drivers meet the new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers.
Also, before you can get your CDL, you need to obtain a commercial learners permit (CLP).
In addition to the standard CDL, you may also need to obtain endorsements to drive certain types of CMVs or transport certain types of materials.
H
endorsement: Hazardous materialsN
endorsement: Tank vehicleP
endorsement: Passengers vehiclesS
endorsement: School busT
endorsement: Double/triple trailersX
endorsement: Combination of H
and N
endorsementsTo obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to that endorsement.
Before you can get your Illinois CDL, you must first obtain a CLP. To do so, you must:
You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test. During this time, you are allowed to practice driving, but you must be accompanied by a CDL holder who has the same class and endorsements as the CMV you are driving.
There are certain offenses that can disqualify you from obtaining a CDL, such as:
In addition, there are medical conditions that can disqualify you as well.
To get a CDL in Illinois, you must pass the written knowledge test for the class and endorsements you are seeking, and, if applicable, study with a provider registered in the Training Provider Registry. The knowledge test covers topics such as:
The knowledge test can be taken at a Secretary of State facility or online through a third-party testing provider.
Zutobi is an FMCSA approved online theory training provider registered in the Training Provider Registry.
After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you can take the skills test to obtain your CDL. The skills test consists of a pre-trip inspection, a basic vehicle control test, and an on-road driving test. You must provide your own vehicle for the skills test, and it must be representative of the class and endorsements you are seeking.
The skills test must be taken at a testing facility designated by the Illinois Secretary of State. You will need to make an appointment for the skills test in advance.
To take the road skills test, you must receive behind-the-wheel (BTW) training from an approved BTW training provider listed in the TPR.
To obtain a CDL, you must also meet certain medical requirements. This includes having a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (also known as a DOT physical card) on file with the Illinois Secretary of State. You can obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate by having a physical examination with a certified medical examiner.
You must also self-certify the type of commercial driving you will be doing (interstate or intrastate) and provide proof of your medical certification to the Illinois Secretary of State.
Find medical certificates below:
Keep your Medical Examiner’s Certificate current at all times while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
You can read more at the Illinois Secretary of State website.
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