What are the requirements to obtain an Illinois CDL when I'm coming from another state?
You must surrender your out of state driver's license or commercial driver's license. You will be required to successfully pass a vision and written tests. A road test may be waived if you surrender a valid out of state CDL and you are obtaining an Illinois CDL equivalent to your out of state CDL. Proper identification must be presented so we can verify your full name, date of birth, social security number, Illinois residency and written signature. Find the Documents you'll need to apply.
What is required to renew a CDL?
A vision test is required at every renewal. A written test is required every other renewal. However, if you have a clean driving record (no tickets, accidents, suspension, etc.), the written test will be waived. The hazardous materials endorsement written test must be successfully completed each time you renew your CDL. A road test is only required for individuals 75 years of age and older.
Can a person who has had a suspension, cancellation, revocation or disqualification on his or her driving record get a CDL?
If an individual is not currently suspended, cancelled, revoked or disqualified in this or any other state, he or she may apply for a license.
Who needs a Charter Bus endorsement?
Any person who drives a bus chartered for the sole purpose of transporting students regularly enrolled in grade 12 or below to or from interscholastic athletic or interscholastic or school sponsored activities. For further information please contact the Safe Ride section at 217-782-7674.
How long is an IDOT Medical Card good for?
The Office of the Secretary of State does not issue Medical Cards or administer that program. For further information regarding an IDOT Medical Card, please contact the Illinois Department of Transportation at (217) 785-1181.
Is there a waiting period when I fail any portion of the CDL tests?
If you fail a test (written or skills) three times, you must wait 30 days before you are eligible to re-take that test.
If you fail a test (written or skills) six times, you must wait 90 days before you are eligible to re-take that test.
If you fail a test (written or skills) nine times, you must wait one year before you are eligible to re-take that test.
If an individual fails the road test six times, before being allowed to take the road test a seventh time the applicant is required to submit a medical report from a medical specialist indicating he/she is mentally and physically able to safely operate a motor vehicle
Do I have to do a serpentine and parallel-parking maneuver?
No
Do I need to use my clutch when I take my road test?
Yes, if your vehicle is equipped with a clutch, you are required to demonstrate you can safely and properly use the clutch.
Can I use an automatic transmission truck for my test?
Yes, an automatic transmission vehicle may be used for the drive test.
Is a vehicle required to have a seat and seat belt for the examiner when I'm not allowed to have riders?
Yes, a seat is required for the examiner. The seat must be safely bolted to the interior floor of the cab. A seat belt is required for both the examiner and the applicant.
Can I take my performance tests in a truck that has a cracked windshield?
No. A vehicle is required to pass a safety inspection and a cracked windshield poses a safety risk.
How do I locate my nearest CDL facility?
Find Your Nearest Facility
Where can I take a CDL test and what are the hours?
Find Your Nearest Facility
What is the maximum vehicle width for Illinois roadways?
Contact the Illinois Department of Transportation at (217) 785-1181.
Do I need a safety inspection sticker on my vehicle?
Yes, you are required to have an inspection sticker on your vehicle even if you have IDOT numbers painted on the door when you cannot present a form which indicates that the vehicle has been inspected within the year. For more information, please contact the Illinois Department of Transportation at (217) 785-1181.
Can I drive the vehicle to a facility alone when applying for a CDL?
No, Illinois State law requires that a licensed driver, holding the properly classified license with appropriate endorsements, must operate the vehicle at all times. Illinois State law also requires that a person operating a vehicle with an instruction permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver, holding the properly classified license with appropriate endorsements, at all times.
What are log book requirements?
The Office of the Secretary of State does not administer or enforce the federal regulation requiring the use of log books. For further information, please contact the Illinois Department of Transportation at (217) 785-1181.
When I returned from attending a truck driving school located out-of-state, I was required to apply for a new license and pay the $60.00 fee. Why?
When you leave the state and surrender your license or start the process to apply for an out-of-state license, your Illinois license become invalid. Once you return to this state, you must apply for a new license and pay all the applicable fees. This includes passing all written and road exams.
Where can I get a copy of the CDL Study Guide?
The Commercial Driver's License Study Guide is available online in our Publications section. The document is large, approximately 200 pages. Any of our Driver Services facilities located throughout the state have copies you may obtain at no charge. This publication, which is only printed in English, is designed to provide you with all the information you will need to obtain a commercial driver's license. If you are unable to visit our facilities or retrieve the PDF version, you may submit a written request to 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois 62723 or email our office (link to Contact Page) and provide us with your mailing address so we may send you a copy.
How old must I be to obtain an Illinois CDL?
In the state of Illinois you must be 18 years-old to obtain an Illinois CDL. This CDL is good for driving within the state of Illinois limits only. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.
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