Illinois cdl driver license

All drivers must hold and maintain a valid medical examiner's certificate. A CDL holder must be 18 years old to operate intrastate and 21 years old to operate interstate. Farmers can also be exempt from testing but will be limited to operating on or near the farmstead. Family members over 21 years can be authorized to operate a tractor-trailer within miles of the farm without taking the driving examination. Special requirements. Each CDL license type has unique requirements and testing.

For example, a hazmat endorsement has a special test covering hazardous materials safety and requires TSA-clearance.

Applicants must submit to a driving history check prior to testing. Even after receiving a CDL, drivers must report all suspensions and traffic violations to the state and to their employer.

The improper use of a CDL or the commission of certain criminal violations will result in license revocation or disqualification. License disqualification can be reviewed and appealed in court. The commission of multiple "serious traffic violations" within three years will result in license revocation. A "serious traffic violation" includes speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit, reckless driving , erratic lane changes, following too closely , texting while driving a CMV , and any traffic violation involving a fatality.

Holding multiple driver's licenses and driving a CMV without a proper license or endorsement is also considered a serious traffic violation. Having two serious traffic offenses results in a minimum two-month disqualification and having three or more violations results in a minimum four-month disqualification.

Law enforcement is authorized to issue temporary out-of-service orders OSOs to drivers or vehicles that may be unsafe. For example, driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system will result in a hour OSO.

Illinois has special rules for operating a CMV near or over railroad tracks. CMVs must always stop or slow down prior to crossing tracks and must obey all railroad signals. A railroad track violation will result in a day, day, and one-year license disqualification for a first, second, and third violation in a three-year period.

Certain criminal convictions or rule violations will result in a minimum month disqualification. The driver will be disqualified for three years if the violation occurred in a hazmat CMV. A second or subsequent major offense will result in lifetime disqualification, though reinstatement is possible after ten years. A third major violation or the production or transportation of controlled substances using any motor vehicle will result in lifetime revocation without the possibility of reinstatement.

All CMV operators are considered to have given consent to a test of their blood , breath , or urine to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol. An officer with probable cause to believe a CMV operator has any of these substances in his or her system can request a chemical test. Refusal of the test can result in license disqualification, an OSO, and further testing.

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Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. To receive your Illinois commercial driver license, you will still have to pass the appropriate knowledge exams and pay all applicable fees. For more information, visit our page on the Veterans Skills Test Waiver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has designated several different types of commercial driver licenses, including:.

Check out our guide to the different classes of commercial driver's licenses for more detailed information. The FMCSA requires additional certifications , called endorsements, for driving specific types of commercial vehicles. To get an endorsement, you must take and pass further exams. Our guide to endorsements and restrictions has more information on how these may apply to your commercial licensing experience. The knowledge and skills exams you will be asked to complete vary slightly , depending on the class of commercial driver's license you're applying for in Illinois and whether you're applying for an endorsement.

However, the following tests are generally included in the application process for every class of CDL:. Contact your local IL Secretary of State office for more details on the exact tests you will be asked to take. To get your commercial learner's permit, you will have to prove that you're medically fit to drive a commercial vehicle. You will also have to self-certify to the Illinois SOS that you are medically able to operate a commercial vehicle. Once you've established your health, you will be issued a Medical Examiner's Certificate.

It must always be valid and on your person while you're operating a commercial vehicle in order for you to maintain your CDL. For more information on how to self-certify and receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate, see the FMCSA's page on commercial driver license medical requirements.

Form must include the signature of your commanding officer. Types of Commercial Driver Licenses The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has designated several different types of commercial driver licenses, including: Class A CDLs —Necessary for driving multiple vehicles over a certain combined weight, such as a tractor-trailer.

You may apply for an endorsement for: Passenger vehicles. Tank vehicles. School buses. A restriction can also be placed on your Illinois CDL to prevent you from driving certain commercial vehicles, for various reasons—such as testing in the wrong type of commercial vehicle for your CDL class.

CDL Testing Requirements in IL The knowledge and skills exams you will be asked to complete vary slightly , depending on the class of commercial driver's license you're applying for in Illinois and whether you're applying for an endorsement.

However, the following tests are generally included in the application process for every class of CDL: General knowledge written test.