Illinois · SOS

How to get your CDL permit in Illinois

In Illinois you get your CLP from the Secretary of State after passing vision and knowledge tests, which are given in English only. The permit costs $50 and is valid for 12 months.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official SOS sources

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Minimum age: 21 to cross state lines (in-state minimum: check with SOS)
Permit fee: $50
Permit valid for: 12 months
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: English only
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid Illinois driver's license, and don't hold a CLP or CDL from another state.
2Get a DOT physical from a medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry.
3Gather proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and proof of your Social Security number.
4Visit an SOS Driver Services facility and pass the vision test.
5Pass the General Knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests you need, in English, with at least 80%.
6Pay the $50 fee for your CLP, then practice with a qualified CDL holder for at least 14 days.
7Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a registered provider before your skills test.

What to bring

Your valid Illinois driver's license
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
Proof of your Social Security number
Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate

Medical card

You self-certify the type of commercial driving you will do. Nationally, medical examiners on the FMCSA National Registry now send exam results to the state electronically, but Illinois's own process could not be confirmed.

Fees

Commercial learner's permitFor holders of a valid Illinois driver's license.	$50
Class, endorsement or restriction change for current Illinois CDL holders	$5
Original or renewal CDL	$60

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with SOS before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests such as Passenger, School Bus, Tank, Doubles/Triples or HazMat, if you want them

Testing in Illinois

CDL knowledge tests are given only in English, and interpreters are not allowed.
You need 80% on each knowledge test.
Anyone caught cheating fails that test and must wait 30 days to retake the written test.
You must pass the vision test along with the written tests to get your permit.

Study for these tests in the Illinois classroom

Good to know in Illinois

Renewing or replacing an expired CLP means retaking all the required tests.
Illinois won't issue you a CLP or CDL while you hold one from another state.
If you already have an Illinois CDL, you can hold a CLP only to train for a new class or endorsement.
The CLP fee is higher than many states because it includes safety inspection and national database charges.

Non-domiciled applicants

Federal rules now limit non-domiciled permits to H-2A, H-2B and E-2 visa holders. A 2026 federal audit found problems with Illinois non-domiciled licenses, and the state's current policy is unconfirmed, so ask the SOS.

Confirm with SOS before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The minimum age to drive commercially within Illinois only.
Whether there are separate knowledge, skills or retest fees.
How many proofs of Illinois residency you need.
Whether you need an appointment for testing.
How long you must wait to retake a failed test.
The vision standard you must meet.
How Illinois receives your medical certificate.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department. Rules and fees change, so always check with SOS before you apply.