BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for an Illinois driver's license.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• Provide a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate. You can obtain one by having a licensed medical professional fill out the appropriate Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness reports. The medical examiner should provide you with a Medical Examiner's Certificate. Check here for more information.
• Provide proof of identity and legal presence.
• Provide proof of Illinois residency.
• Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for an Illinois driver's license.
2. Pay $50.00 for your permit.
3. Fill out the CDL application form and hand it over in-person to a VSD office.
4. Pass the CDL knowledge exams. See the CDL Manual and theCDL Manual for the required information. The exam can be taken at any VSD location. You have to answer 80% of the questions to pass the written tests.
5. Take road test at your local VSD office.
6. Pay license and endorsement fees.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for an Illinois CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. First, you must fill out the CDL application form. Then show proof of legal presence and US residency. Next, pay the permit fee of $50.00. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and road test. Also, you must have your instruction permit for 30 days before obtaining a CDL. Illinois Instruction Permits expire in 1 year are renewable. All CDL tests must be taken again at the time of renewal.

FEES

An Illinois Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 8 years. The cost is $60.00 for a standard CDL license. Please see a list of fees for more information.

CDL ENDORSEMENTS

The following is a list of endorsements you can get on your CDL:

• Hazardous Material (Class H).
• Tank Vehicles (Class N).
• Passenger-Carrying Vehicle (Class P).
• School Bus (Class S).
• Towing a Double or Triple Trailer (Class T).
• Charter Bus (Class C).
• Combination tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsement (Class X).

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)

This is an endorsement required if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle that transports hazardous materials. There are specific background checks and knowledge exams that you need to pass in order to receive this endorsement on your CDL. Please see the HAZMAT endorsement article for more detailed information.

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERSTATE DRIVERS

The following is a list of federal requirements for interstate drivers.

• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See Driver's Exempt (waived) from CDL requirements.
• See Illinois's Commercial Driver's Manual for more information on state regulations and guidelines.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• If you already have a CDL, see CDL renewal.
• For more information regarding test centers and hours and locations see you local VSD office.
• See Illinois's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.