CDL License Requirements in Illinois (What You Need to Start)

Before you can hit the road as a truck driver in Illinois, you’ll need to meet certain CDL license requirements. Understanding these steps ahead of time will help you prepare the necessary documents and qualifications before starting your CDL training program. Whether you’re just researching “What do I need to get a CDL in Illinois?” or you’re ready to enroll in CDL training in Chicago, this guide will walk you through everything required to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

To apply for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Illinois, you must meet the following criteria:

Before you can hit the road as a truck driver in Illinois, you’ll need to meet certain CDL license requirements. Understanding these steps ahead of time will help you prepare the necessary documents and qualifications before starting your CDL training program. Whether you’re just researching “What do I need to get a CDL in Illinois?” or you’re ready to enroll in CDL training in Chicago, this guide will walk you through everything required to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

• 18 years old – You can apply for a CDL in Illinois but will be restricted to driving commercial vehicles within Illinois (intrastate only).
• 21 years old – Required for interstate trucking, passenger transport, and hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsements.
• Most new drivers aim for interstate CDL privileges, making 21 the ideal starting age.

Before applying for a CDL permit, you must already have a valid Class D (standard) Illinois driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Driving a commercial truck requires meeting certain medical standards to ensure safety on the road.

You must complete a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (commonly called a DOT medical card). This exam must be conducted by a licensed FMCSA-certified medical examiner and evaluates:

• Vision (must be at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction)
• Hearing ability
• Blood pressure (must be under control)
• Physical health conditions that could impair driving ability

When you apply for a CDL in Illinois, you’ll need to self-certify your type of driving:

• Interstate (crossing state lines) vs. Intrastate (within Illinois only)
• Exempt or Non-Exempt (most truckers will be interstate non-exempt, requiring a valid medical card on file)

While not required before obtaining your CDL permit, you should be aware that:

• Most CDL schools in Chicago require a drug test before starting training.
• Trucking is a zero-tolerance industry—any drug or alcohol violations can disqualify you from employment.

At Alpha Truck Driving School, we ensure all students are medically qualified before starting behind-the-wheel training.

Before starting behind-the-wheel CDL training, you need to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).

You’ll take three primary written tests at an Illinois Driver Services facility:

• General Knowledge Test
• Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
• Combination Vehicles Test (for Class A CDL)

Each exam is multiple-choice, and you must score at least 80% to pass. Many students take CDL practice tests before their exam for better results.

When applying for your CLP, bring:

• Illinois driver’s license
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Two proofs of Illinois residency
• DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if already completed)

• Illinois CLP Fee: $50
• The permit is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once if necessary.

Once you have your CDL permit, you can begin training at a CDL school in Chicago, such as Alpha Truck

After meeting the permit requirements and completing CDL training, the final steps are:

The CDL skills test includes:

• Pre-trip inspection test
• Basic control skills test (maneuvers like backing, parking, and turning)
• On-road driving test

Some CDL schools in Illinois, including Alpha Truck Driving School, work with third-party testers to help students schedule their CDL road test immediately after completing training.

Typically, the Illinois CDL license fee is around $60, plus any additional fees for endorsements. However, if you enroll at Alpha Truck Driving School, the CDL test fees are included in your tuition. Alpha directly handles the filing and provides trucks for testing, eliminating these additional costs and simplifying the process for you.

If you plan to drive specialized vehicles, you may need additional CDL endorsements, which require extra written tests and, in some cases, a background check:

• Tanker (N) – Required for liquid cargo
• Doubles/Triples (T) – Allows you to haul multiple trailers
• Hazardous Materials (H) – Requires TSA background check and fingerprinting
• Passenger (P) – Needed to drive buses

Once all requirements are met, you’ll receive your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), allowing you to start working as a professional truck driver in Illinois.

At Alpha Truck Driving School, we guide students through every step of the licensing process to ensure a smooth and stress-free CDL application experience.

• Age: 18+ for intrastate, 21+ for interstate.
• Driver’s License: Valid Illinois Class D license.
• Clean Driving Record: No major violations.
• Social Security Number: Required.
• DOT Medical Card: Must pass a DOT physical exam.
• Commercial Learner’s Permit: Pass CDL written exams and pay a $50 permit fee.
• Entry-Level Training (ELDT): Complete an FMCSA-approved CDL training program.
• CDL Skills Test: Pass the road test in an approved vehicle.

With these steps completed, you’re ready to start your career as a licensed truck driver in Illinois.