If you are considering starting a career as a commercial driver in Illinois, one of the first questions you may wonder is “How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Illinois?” Typically, the cost of a CDL range between $3,500 to $10,000. However, this range can greatly vary, depending on several factors including training, permits, licenses, and extra fees. The post below will break down all key expenses you can expect on the path to getting your Illinois CDL. Keep reading to prepare a suitable budget for your upcoming journey!
How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Secretary of Safe, here are the major expenses included in the Illinois CDL total cost:
Medical check fee
Before being granted an Illinois CDL, you are required to provide your medical documents. Most applicants must undergo a medical test from a qualified physician to determine that they are physically fit to safely drive a commercial vehicle. The cost of the medical exam can range from $50 to $150, depending on the provider and your prior medical history.
Commercial Learner’s Permit fee
You must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit – CLP to be permitted to practice driving with supervision. In Illinois, the CLP costs $50 for original issues or renewals. This permit is valid for 180 days and can be extended after payment of $50.
CDL school fee
Training is one of the largest expenses to pay for a CDL in Illinois. The cost of training for a CDL in Illinois ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, covering lessons in the classroom and actual driving experience. The cost you pay for training can be influenced by various factors:
- Reputation of the school.
- Type of training program.
- Living expenses during the training periods.
CDL license fee
Once you have completed your training and passed all testing, you will be required to pay for the CDL license itself. The base CDL in Illinois typically costs $60, covering the issuance of your physical CDL card.
Additional fees to consider
Aside from the base costs given in the above section, there are other fees and costs that you can consider or have to pay to obtain your CDL in Illinois. Here are some major additional fees:
- Miscellaneous fees: You may have to buy study guides or make administrative-type fees of around $50 to $200.
- CDL endorsements: If you want to extend your qualifications by adding endorsements for specific types of vehicles or loads, you must pay for additional endorsements. These endorsements usually cost around $5 each.
- Adding a hazardous materials endorsement requires additional background checks with a plus of $90.
- Transfer from another state: If transferring an out-of-state CDL to Illinois, there is a fee of $50.
- CDL renewal: To renew your CDL, you must pay the same as the initial fee, $60.
- CDL for non-domiciled: If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must pay a fee of $121 for your CDL license.
All in all, despite varying greatly, the total cost of an Illinois CDL will fall between $3,500 and 10,000 or more, depending on your needs and preferences. The fast breakdown of estimated costs is as the table below:
| Fees | Cost range |
| Medical examination | $50 – $150 |
| CDL training | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| CLP fee | $50 |
| CDL license | $60 |
| Renewal/Transfer | $60 |
| Endorsements | $5 (plus $90 for hazardous materials endorsement background check) |
| Miscellaneous (materials, administrative, etc) | $50 – $150 |
| Non-domiciled CDL | $121 |
FAQs
1. How much does CDL training cost in Illinois?
The cost of CDL training in Illinois usually ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. This amount covers training school, medical examination, permit, license, and more. The exact price depends on factors such as the school you choose, the comprehensiveness of the program, and your need for additional options.
2. How much is the cost of renewing a CDL license in Illinois?
Renewal of a CDL in Illinois normally costs $60, which is the same as the original CDL license. If you want to make other changes to the license, they will probably require an additional fee.
3. How much does a CDL class C cost in Illinois?
The licensing fee for an Illinois Class C CDL license is $60. The cost of training for a Class C CDL varies by school, but it can be lower than the training fees for other CDL Classes due to its limited requirements and vehicle types that you can operate.
4. How much does CDL school cost in Illinois?
On average, CDL school in the state of Illinois costs anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. Tuition for CDL school covers both classroom time and time on the road practicing. The cost will greatly depend on the reputation, qualify of the training program, and the training duration.
Final thoughts
Now you have the answer to the question “How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Illinois”. Getting an Illinois CDL requires several steps, each having associated costs, from medical examination and permits to training and licensing. By considering all potential costs, you can plan ahead for the necessary financial investment in your commercial driving career in Illinois. If you have any questions related to obtaining Illinois CDL or CDL fees, feel free to comment or contact us. We are always willing to address your concerns.
