Illinois is located in the mid-western region of the United States, its largest city is Chicago. To get a CDL permit in Illinois, there are certain requirements laid down by the government that must be met. You will also need to take and pass some tests before you can get the permit. We will discuss the requirements and processes to follow in greater detail below. 

Questions For Discussion 

What is a CDL Permit? 

A commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a legally binding document issued for owners of commercial vehicles, enabling them to transport goods and materials. They can be classified into 3 major categories – small, medium, and large, depending on the types of goods to be transported and the capacity or size of the vehicle. Examples of commercial vehicles are trucks, vans, lorries, etc. Having a CDL permit enables individuals to increase their earnings. Data from salary.com indicates the average yearly income of drivers of the commercial vehicle is in the range of $50,590 and $65,690. However, apart from the CDL permit, other factors could influence who could become a commercial driver Examples are the level of education, driving skills, years of experience, underlying health issues, and so on. 

Before you can apply for a CDL, you will be required to first apply for a CLP. To apply for a CLP, you need to prepare for and take the CLP test. You will then be able to apply for the CDL 14 days after the CLP test is passed.  

How To Get Your Illinois CDL Test Permit? 

The first thing to know is that there are already made rules by the government, which will keep getting updated yearly, I looked up some of the rules to get your CDL permit test done in Illinois 2022 and I will just state a few. 

The minimum requirements you should have:Pass the required age restrictions to acquire a CDL: understand the Illinois state requirement which is 18 years old to get the CDL permit and 21 years old to drive outside the state. You must be able to provide your legal proof of residencyPrepare for your CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit). Health requirements 

The physical requirements needed to get your CDL permit: Pass the knowledge written exam Pass the required skill set exam Submit a detailed and approved review of your driving record Submit a legal document proving your state of residence in the United States Printed document to show and verify that your license isn’t revoked and you have no more than one license. You will be required to fill out a medical report and your doctor must also fill out a report for you. The report must show that you are fit to drive a commercial vehicle under the requirements of the federal government.   

Illinois CDL Test Locations 

The driving tests are performed on the road, at the designated Secretary of State (SOS) sites. The onsite driving test is done to determine how much the applicant knows about driving safely. The test is made up of different activities and is designed to fit different scenarios. The applicant will be scored based on the different obstacles they encounter. To get your test location you can schedule an appointment online with the Secretary of State Facility by simply searching for the nearest location to take the test. 

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Illinois:   

disregarding the CDL or CLP rules which may include having more than one license etc. Breaking serious traffic rules, Not meeting up with the required medical report e. g. , the alcohol testing, etc.  

How many times can you take the CDL test in Illinois: 

If the applicant fails the test nine times, he will be required to wait one year before he re-takes the test and pays the appropriate fee to conduct a new test.  

Can the test be done online? 

The short answer is no, which is because it is a driving test and apart from the theory aspect, you have to pass the practical aspect which expects you to go onsite and practice