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Get your Illinois CDL — government fees ($170), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 1 field based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
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.
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
| 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
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$60
$65 with motorcycle class
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Vision screening required at every renewal. Written testing may be required depending on driving history. Drivers age 75+ must complete full skills and drive testing to renew.
Regulatory Board
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.
Qualified active military service members and those discharged within the past 12 months may have some or all CDL testing waived. Only available for initial CDL, not upgrades or restriction changes.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Illinois.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#14 of 51
Cost
#41 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$48,170
25th percentile
Median
$59,790
+4% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$72,790
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
76,650 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) - Illinois SOS
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) - Illinois SOS
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) - Illinois SOS
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Illinois.