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Commercial Driver's License
$170
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Illinois Driver's License
Must hold a valid Illinois CDL or non-CDL driver's license.
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a Secretary of State CDL facility, provide required documents, pass CDL knowledge test(s).
CLP valid for 180 days; renewable 30 days before to 5 days after expiration
Fee: $50Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder.
Schedule CDL Skills Test
Schedule an appointment through the IL-FAST-PASS system or by calling 217-785-3013.
Must bring a representative vehicle for testing
Pass CDL Skills Test and Receive CDL
Pass all three parts: pre-trip inspection, skills test, and road test. Pay processing fee.
Exam retakes: 30-day wait after 3 failures, 90-day after 6, 1-year after 9
Fee: $60Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($50) + CDL ($60) + state skills test ($60)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $60
Processing fee paid at skills/drive test appointment
Three-Part Exam
Illinois CDL skills tests are administered through Secretary of State facilities. Schedule via IL-FAST-PASS system.
Third-party fee: Not applicable / null (Not found on official site; Illinois administers CDL skills tests through state facilities State administers CDL skills tests directly; third-party testing not available or fee varies by provider.)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
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Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Illinois
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $5 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$50
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Illinois has 1% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Illinois has average cdl truck drivers density relative to population.
Illinois ranks #27 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$60
$65 with motorcycle class
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Vision screening and CDL renewal fee required at every renewal. Written testing may be required depending on driving history. Drivers 75+ must complete pre-trip, skills and/or drive testing to renew.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit a Secretary of State CDL facility, surrender out-of-state CDL, pay transfer fee. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived if transferring a valid CDL with same class and endorsements (except HAZMAT).
Transfer Fee
$60
Timeline
Within 90 days of establishing Illinois residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedWritten and skills tests waived for valid CDL transfers with matching class/endorsements (except HAZMAT). Drivers 75+ must complete full testing.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Same as our value
Eligibility
Active duty or discharged within 12 months with equivalent military CMV operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Illinois.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Illinois range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Illinois.
Start Your CDL Training in Illinois
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Illinois
Illinois has an escalating retake wait policy (30 days/90 days/1 year). The CLP renewal window is narrow (30 days before to 5 days after expiration). Drivers 75+ must complete full skills and drive testing for CDL renewal. Illinois may waive both knowledge and skills tests for qualified military members, which is more generous than many states.
CDL Schools in Illinois
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Secretary of State, April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: