The Complete Guide: How To Get A CDL In Illinois

Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Illinois is basically done in steps, but it is rather easy once you know the proper steps involved. This guide covers all you need to know about how to get a CDL in Illinois, including all the requirements, the process involved in getting your license, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re looking to drive a truck, school bus, or any other type of commercial vehicle, this guide will get you on your merry way.

What are the CDL in Illinois requirements?

According to the Illinois Secretary of State, before you can begin your process of obtaining a CDL in Illinois, you need to meet the set requirement eligibility. These include:

• Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old for an intrastate driving CDL and 21 years of age or above for interstate driving.
• Have a valid Illinois driver’s license: You must be in possession of a valid non-CDL driver’s license issued by Illinois.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency: You must show legal proof of your citizenship or Illinois residency.
• Medical certificate: You must have a medical card from the Department of Transportation, showing that you are at least at the medical minimum.
• Pass a background check: Some endorsements require background checks, like that for hazmat.
• Pass vision test.
• Pass knowledge tests to get a CLP – Commercial Learner’s Permit.

Having these easy qualifications and more means you can proceed with the testing phases that involve acquiring a CDL.

How to get a CDL in Illinois

Getting a CDL in Illinois is a multistep process; these include passing written tests to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit, passing the skills test and finally providing documentation to get your CDL. Below is a breakdown of the steps to be followed:

Take the CDL written knowledge test

First things first, to get a CDL, a person needs to pass a general knowledge test. It covers knowledge about traffic laws, vehicle safety, and driving skills for commercial driving. Depending on the type of vehicle and endorsements you will have, possibly including passenger, hazardous materials, or school bus additional knowledge tests may also be required.

• Air brakes test (if applicable): is necessary for all those who drive using air brakes. It will be necessary to take this test to demonstrate that you have learned about how air brakes work, how to conduct a safety check, and other requirements of air brakes. Passing the air brakes test means that you are capable of operating vehicles with air brake systems safely.
• Combination vehicles (if applicable): Tests your safe operation of a vehicle consisting of a tractor in addition to one or more trailers. Successful completion of the combination vehicles test is an indication that one is ready for the challenges involved in driving bigger, multi-part vehicles which often characterize the trucking industry.

As long as you pass all the needed knowledge, you will be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) allowing you to practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads.

Take the Illinois CDL practice test here!

Pass the CDL skill test

After maintaining your CLP for at least 14 days, you are now qualified to take the CDL skills test. The CDL skills test is an essential part of the licensing process, and it will test your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Below are three critical parts of the CDL skills test:

• Pre-trip inspection: This section requires you to do a full check of your vehicle to demonstrate your knowledge of the various safety features in your vehicle. The ability to identify potential safety hazards ensures failure from any accidents and that your vehicle meets all the safety requirements.
• Basic vehicle control: These exercises test a driver’s spatial awareness and control of the vehicle for precise placement of a large commercial vehicle in a small area, a critical competency in on-the-road driving, such as in a loading dock or city streets.
• On-road test: The road test will be in a practical, real-driving environment where you are expected to be confident and safe on the wheel. This will ensure you’ll be ready for the challenges of driving a commercial vehicle on public roads.

Get the CDL license

After you have passed the skills test, you will be issued your CDL. You may also elect to add endorsements, which would be for double/triple trailers, tank vehicles, and school buses. These also require testing in their specific areas.

FAQs

1. How to get CDL in Illinois for free?

Some organizations, like WIOA, may have funding available for CDL training. Some trucking companies offer free training; however, you will be obligated to drive for that company. Grants or scholarships are also available through community colleges or the military.

2. How long does it take to get CDL in Illinois?

The general process could take up to anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. These would depend on your availability for training and testing, and also waiting periods between tests.

3. How to get a class B CDL in Illinois?

A Class B CDL is required to drive single vehicles with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds or to tow a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds, or a bus that seats more than 16 passengers. You will be required to take the written knowledge test and obtain a CLP and take the skills test in a Class B vehicle.

4. Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Illinois?

Yes, but with some restrictions. A first-time DUI could lead to a temporary loss of your CDL privileges. However, if you have repeated DUI convictions, it may result in lifetime disqualification.

5. Can you get a CDL with a felony in Illinois?

It would depend on what kind of felony. Some felonies do not disqualify you from being able to drive, but a felony where the violation involved your commercial vehicle, among other serious offenses such as drug trafficking, might lead to a disqualification.

6. Can a DACA recipient get a CDL in Illinois?

Yes, DACA recipients can apply for a CDL in Illinois, provided they can show the required documentation of residency status.

7. Can you get a CDL with 2 DUI in Illinois?

Having two DUIs makes it very hard to get a CDL. A second charge for DUI may lead to lifetime disqualification in Illinois from having a CDL.

8. Can you get a CDL with 2 DWI in Illinois?

Just like charges for DUI, two convictions of DWI are usually followed by lifetime disqualification from applying for or having a CDL.

9. How much is it to get a CDL in Illinois?

All in all, the fee to obtain a CDL in Illinois will be $60 for a license, but you also have to count in the cost of CDL training, which ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 dollars depending on the program and endorsements.

10. Can a felon get a CDL in Illinois?

Yes, a felon can apply for a CDL in the State of Illinois. However, there are specific felony convictions that may also prohibit one from being qualified to get a CDL; generally those that relate to using a commercial vehicle for drug trafficking or any other serious crimes. Every case is different and handled accordingly; the nature of the felony committed plays a huge role.

11. What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Illinois?

Several things may prohibit you from getting a CDL in Illinois, including:

• Multiple convictions in DUI/DWI.
• A felony involving the use of a commercial motor vehicle.
• Driving under the influence of narcotics or alcohol.
• Failure of any test for drugs or alcohol.
• Certain medical conditions are outside the medical guidelines of the Department of Transportation.

Final thoughts

Getting an Illinois CDL has the potential to lead to a rewarding and well-paying professional path in commercial driving. By meeting eligibility requirements and passing the required tests for getting the necessary endorsements, you will be well on the road to driving commercially. Whether you want to drive locally or across the nation, the steps toward how to get a CDL in Illinois have been covered in this guide. Ready? Let’s get started to ace your Illinois right now!