Getting a CDL in Illinois

Minimum Requirements for Getting a CDL in Illinois

• Be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old if you want to operate a vehicle across state lines).
• Have a valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Pass written exams and road skills test for the class and endorsements you are seeking.
• Provide proof of your Social Security number.
• Provide proof of residence in Illinois.
• Meet medical requirements set by the FMCSA.
• Self-certify the type of commercial driving you will be doing (interstate or intrastate).
• Have a valid US passport or birth certificate if you will be operating a vehicle across state lines.
• Speak and read English well enough.
• Not be disqualified for other reasons (detailed below).

CDL Classes

• Class A: Authorizes the holder to drive any combination of vehicles with a weight of at least 26,000 pounds, given that the GVWR of the towed vehicle is at least 10,000 pounds.
• Class B: Authorizes the holder to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds, given that the GVWR of any towed vehicle is under 10,000 pounds. T
• Class C: Authorizes the holder to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,000 pounds, given that the towed vehicle has a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. Used to drive vehicles transporting 16 or more persons (school buses, passenger vans, etc.), or to transport hazardous materials (hazmats).

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.

• If you wish to take the written test in order to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL, upgrade an existing CDL, or receive an initial S, P or H endorsement, you must receive theory training from an approved theory training provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).
• To take the road skills test, you must receive behind-the-wheel (BTW) training from an approved BTW training provider listed in the TPR.

Also, before you can get your CDL, you need to obtain a commercial learners permit (CLP).

Endorsements

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 materials
• N endorsement: Tank vehicle
• P endorsement: Passengers vehicles
• S endorsement: School bus
• T endorsement: Double/triple trailers
• X endorsement: Combination of H and N endorsements

To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to that endorsement.

Commercial License Permit

Before you can get your Illinois CDL, you must first obtain a CLP. To do so, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old if you want to operate a vehicle across state lines).
2. Have a valid Illinois driver’s license.
3. Pass the written knowledge test for the class and endorsements you are seeking.
4. Provide proof of your Social Security number.
5. Provide proof of residence.
6. Pay fees.

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.

Disqualifications

There are certain offenses that can disqualify you from obtaining a CDL, such as:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Refusing to submit to a drug or alcohol test
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Committing a felony
• Causing a fatality through negligent driving

In addition, there are medical conditions that can disqualify you as well.

Knowledge Test Requirements

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:

• Vehicle operation
• Traffic laws and regulations
• Transporting hazardous materials
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance
• Basic vehicle control skills

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.

Skills Test Requirements

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.

Medical Requirements

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:

• Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876.
• Medical Examination Report Form – Form MCSA-5875.

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.