Commercial Driver’s License in Illinois

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is needed for drivers who drive large trucks or other commercial vehicles. There are special skills needed to handle these vehicles, which is why driver’s with a regular driver’s license are not eligible to drive them.

Commercial vehicles include:

· Big trucks or “rigs” that transport goods

· Vehicles with an especially high weight, such as one vehicle towing others; in Illinois, this is called a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with the towed vehicle having a GCWR of at least 10,000 pounds

· Vehicles such as buses or large vans that are meant to transport sixteen or more people, including the driver

· Vehicles that are transporting any type of hazardous materials, including chemicals or toxins.

In Illinois, drivers must be at least 18 years of age to obtain an intrastate CDL, which means they may drive only within the state. Drivers aged 21 or over may apply for an interstate CDL and can cross state lines. Drivers who move to Illinois with a CDL from their home state must apply for a new CDL if they wish to continue driving commercial vehicles. For people operating farm equipment, they may be required to have a Farm-Related Service Vehicle CDL.

A CDL test involves written questions, a possible driving test, and also any special endorsements drivers must have for certain types of vehicles. Endorsements are special skills needed for driving certain vehicles, such as:

· Double or triple trailers

· Tank vehicles

· Vehicles carrying hazardous materials

· School bus operation

· Vehicles that are designed to carry a large number of passengers

· Combination of tank vehicles and transporting hazardous materials.

In Illinois, drivers who own or drive RVs or motor homes are not required to have a CDL. Emergency personal in the fire department do not need a CDL, and neither do military drivers.

To obtain a CDL, drivers may have corrective lenses for their vision, but their vision must be 20/40 or better. For drivers who do not meet this requirement, they may be given a restricted, daylight-only CDL or they may be denied a CDL altogether.