Illinois CDL Requirements

After a commercial vehicle crash along Chicago’s busy roadways, like the Dan Ryan Expressway or Western Avenue, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations pertaining to truck drivers in Illinois. CDL requirements can help determine the driver’s or company’s liability, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

If you’ve been in an accident with a commercial motor vehicle, our team can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your legal rights.

What Are the Illinois Commercial Driver’s License Requirements?

Per the Illinois Vehicle Code, Illinois requires commercial vehicle operators to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (Driver Services) (625 ILCS 5/6-500 et seq.).

Illinois CDL holders must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations (49 C.F.R. Part 383), though there are some specific guidelines for those operating entirely within state lines. The Illinois Secretary of State is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal standards, administering CDL tests, and ensuring that all CDL holders have the requisite training to operate vehicles safely.

CDLs are not based on job title but on vehicle weight, type, and cargo. A CDL holder must have the appropriate endorsement for the vehicle, regardless of what type of load they are carrying.

CDL License Eligibility and Basic Requirements

To apply for an Illinois CDL, applicants must have a valid Illinois driver’s license; that is, they must already hold a non-CDL license from the state.

They must be at least 21 to operate interstate under federal rules (49 C.F.R. § 383.71). Illinois has a lower age requirement of 18 years for those operating entirely within the state (625 ILCS 5/6-507). The applicant should provide proof of identity and residency, and they must be physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle (625 ILCS 5/6-508).

CDL Training and Preparation

The FMCSA requires Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), which prepares operators for the written knowledge test and skills test (49 C.F.R. Part 380). Employers require their drivers to complete specific courses or use certain training programs.

Failure to complete this basic training significantly increases the risk of serious accidents, as drivers lack the skills needed to protect other drivers.

CDL Written Exams and Knowledge Tests

Those applying for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must pass a written exam before they can begin practicing (49 C.F.R. § 383.111). This knowledge test covers vehicle operation, safety statutes, and specific knowledge like passenger transport.

The Illinois Secretary of State offers free study guides that cover the entire exam, but applicants may not use these materials during the written test.

Illinois Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before obtaining a CDL, Illinois drivers must first obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), which they must hold for at least 14 days before applying for a commercial driver’s license (49 C.F.R. § 383.25).

While practicing, the CLP holder must always be supervised by an Illinois CDL holder with the proper credentials for the type of vehicle being operated (625 ILCS 5/6-507).

CDL Driving Test and Skills Test

Before receiving a commercial driver’s license, applicants must pass a practical skills test. This includes walking through the pre-trip inspection process, demonstrating the basic vehicle controls, and driving the vehicle on the road (49 C.F.R. § 383.113). If they pass, they complete a physical exam to confirm they have no medical conditions that would prevent them from driving. They can then obtain the Illinois CDL and begin their careers.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Classes in Illinois

The typical IL license is a Class D, which is the standard for personal vehicles, but there are different types for CDL licenses. A driver must have the appropriate type for the vehicle, or they may be subject to fines or CDL revocation (49 C.F.R. § 383.91).

Class A

A covers combination vehicles, like tractor-trailers, which have a detachable cab.

Class B

B includes single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 26,001 pounds. This would include dump trucks, garbage trucks, and large buses.

Class C

C is for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating under 26,001 pounds that do not fit into Class A or B. In many cases, holders of a C license need additional endorsements, such as for passenger vehicles or hazardous materials.

Endorsements and Specialized CDL Requirements

Endorsements cover specialized commercial vehicle types that require additional training and testing. The specific types include double- and triple-trailer, passenger vehicle, school bus, air brakes, tanker, and hazardous materials (49 C.F.R. § 383.93).

Hazardous materials endorsements have a higher threshold for approval. The truck driver must pass a background check and an additional skills test (49 C.F.R. § 383.71(a)(9)).

Why Illinois CDL Requirements Matter in Chicago Truck Accident Cases

Improper licensing or testing directly impacts truck accident liability, including whether the trucking company can be held liable for negligent training, hiring, or supervision.

A Chicago truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s license and endorsements to determine whether they had the legal authority to drive the specific vehicle type, and then review their medical certificate to assess whether they were medically cleared to drive.

Using guidance from the Illinois Supreme Court Case Laue v. Leifheit and the Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/2), we can make claims against multiple parties who may have contributed to the crash.

For example, if we determine that the trucking company knew the driver lacked the appropriate CDL and the trucker agreed to proceed with the dispatch anyway, both would be liable for breach of duty. If the company contracted with a third-party cargo loader, we may also be able to hold the cargo loader liable for failing to determine whether the trucker was legally allowed to transport the load.

Our team will also review the driver’s DQ file to determine whether they previously violated any CDL restrictions, which can prove negligent supervision.

Book a Free Case Review

A truck accident can be overwhelming, especially as you try to navigate insurance claims while recovering from your injuries. Our Chicago traffic crash lawyers will handle the investigation and negotiation so you can focus on healing.

With a flawless 10/10 AVVO rating, we are well-respected professionals who have secured over $450 million in positive verdicts and settlements across the past 25 years. You can be guaranteed personalized service, caring legal advice, and passionate advocacy while you navigate the Circuit Court of Cook County.

We work on a contingency fee basis: no legal fees unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation about CDL license accidents.