CDL Truck Driver in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.
Jobs (IL)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Illinois
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Illinois, you must obtain your license through the Illinois Secretary of State. Key steps include completing an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program, passing a written knowledge test to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), and then passing a CDL skills test. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce, and a valid DOT medical certificate is required. While Illinois is moving towards reciprocity for out-of-state CDL holders, a CLP cannot be transferred.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Illinois. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Illinois requirements
| Licensing body | Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($30) |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required and must be renewed every two years. Fees are approximate: $50 for CLP, $60 for license. Skills test may have additional fees depending on the testing provider. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. A background check is also required. You must have a valid Illinois driver's license prior to obtaining a CDL. Drivers under 21 may only drive within Illinois. Proof of legal presence and Illinois residency is required. |
workspace_premium Illinois license tiers
Illinois offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleIllinois license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk