In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Illinois, you need to be at least 18, have the proper documentation, and hold an existing

driver’s license

, among other requirements.

Applying for a CDL in any state can be complicated, and

Illinois

is no exception. Different classes and endorsements require different types of tests and certifications on top of the baseline requirements for a CDL.

Let’s dive into the Illinois CDL certification process— starting with the basics and working our way up.

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What is required for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Illinois?

Before you can obtain your CDL in Illinois, you’ll need a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). You’ll have to hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before you can take your skills exam and obtain your CDL.

Aside from your skills test and CLP, the basic requirements for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the state of Illinois include things like documentation of legal residence, a valid Illinois driver’s license, and a commercial vehicle in which to take your skills exam.

However, your exact requirements will depend on the class of license you’re after, as well as any endorsements that you’d like to add.

Illinois CDL classes

In Illinois, you’ll need a CDL for Class A, B, or C driving. Depending on which class of license you’re after, you may also need to take a combinationknowledge exam (for a Class A license) or an air brake knowledge exam (for those operating vehicles equipped with air brakes).

Here are the different classes of CDL that you can apply for:

Class A: Multiple vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more (assuming that the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds).

Class B: A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing another that is not more than 10,000 pounds.

Class C: A single vehicle with a GVWR of at least 16,001 pounds but not more than 26,001 pounds.

MORE: How to check for Illinois road closures

Endorsements

Beyond license classes, you’ll also need endorsements in order to transport certain materials. If you’d like any endorsements, you’ll also need to take an additional endorsement knowledge exam.

The following are the available classes for CDLs in Illinois:

Class H: Hazardous materials

Class N: Tank vehicles

Class P: Passenger-carrying vehicles

Class S: School busses

Class T: Towing a double or triple trailer

Class C: Charter bus

Class X: A combination of the tank vehicle (Class N) and hazardous materials (Class H) endorsements

If you want a Class H or X endorsement, you’ll need to get a TSA security threat assessment and be given clearance by TSA before you take the CDL test associated with Hazardous Materials. These endorsements are not allowed for CLP holders.

In fact, it should be noted that CLP holders are only permitted to hold Tanker (Class N), Passenger (Class P), and School Bus (Class S) endorsements until they receive their full CDL.

Minimum age requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age in order to apply for a CDL or CLP in Illinois. If you want to leave the state for commercial reasons, carry hazardous materials, or transport passengers in your commercial vehicle, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old.

Medical requirements

If you plan to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more, you’ll have to get and maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (ME Certificate) from a certified medical examiner.

Otherwise, all Illinois CDL holders are required to legally declare that they will only commercially operate in one of four possible categories. This process is called self-certification. The four categories are:

Interstate non-excepted: You will be operating in multiple states and are a non-excepted driver, so you must meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements.

Interstate excepted: You will be operating in multiple states but, as an excepted driver, you do not have to meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements.

Intrastate non-excepted: You will be operating entirely within the state of Illinois and are a non-excepted driver, so you are required to meet the medical requirements for the state of Illinois.

Intrastate excepted: You will be operating entirely within the state of Illinois and are an excepted driver, meaning you do not have to meet the medical requirements for the state of Illinois.

If you do need to take a medical examination, you’ll need to:

Pass an eye exam, meaning that you have a distant visual acuity of at least 20/40.

Pass an ear exam, meaning that you do not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500Hz, 1000HZ, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid.

Keep your blood pressure under 140/90. If you have high blood pressure, you may be required to renew your medical certificate periodically.

Undergo a urine test to check for underlying medical problems.

Submit documentation of any prescription drugs so that your doctor can determine whether or not those drugs will impair your driving.

MORE:

Driving without a license: What are the penalties?

Fees

In order to obtain a CDL, you’ll also need to pay a small fee(s). The associated fees are:

Original or renewal CLP: $50

Adding/removing an endorsement/restriction on your CLP: $5

Original, renewal, or transferred CDL: $60

Adding/removing an endorsement/restriction on your CDL: $5

School bus permits: $4

Felony charges and CDLs

If you have been convicted of a felony that involves the use of a vehicle, you won’t be able to get a CDL right away.

If you have one offense on your record, you’ll be disqualified from obtaining a CDL for one year. If you have a second offense on your record, you’ll be disqualified for life. However, in some cases, there will be the possibility of reinstatement after 10 years have passed.

Exemptions

Some Illinois drivers are exempt from obtaining a CDL:

Military vehicle operators

Farm equipment operators

Firefighting equipment operators

Recreational vehicle (RV) operators

Certain government or township workers

MORE:

How to get cheap commercial truck insurance

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How to apply for a CDL in Illinois

Now that you know a little more about the requirements for a CDL, let’s take a closer look at the application process itself. Here are the steps that you’ll need to take:

1. Take your knowledge exam(s)

To do this, you'll need to visit your local Secretary of State office. You’ll need to bring:

Proof of legal presence

Your driver’s license

Your medical certification, if required

A method of payment for the associated fee

2. Obtain your CLP

Once you pass your knowledge exam, you’ll be issued a commercial learner’s permit. This permit is valid for one year, but you’ll only need to hold it for 14 days before you move on to the next step.

3. Schedule and pass your skills test

In order to take your skills test, you’ll need to provide a properly classified, representative vehicle, based on the desired vehicle class, restrictions, and endorsements.

4. Conduct any additional testing

If you want certain endorsements on your license, for example, you may be required to take additional exams in order to qualify.

How long is a CDL valid in Illinois?

In Illinois, your CLP will be valid for one year and your full CDL will be valid for four years from the date of issue. To renew your CDL, you’ll need to pay the same $60 fee that you paid for your original license.

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