Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services • Commercial Driver Training Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,790 median (4% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#13 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services~Commercial Driver Training Section and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $59,790, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Illinois earn 4% above the national median of $57,440. Illinois ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$59,790Hourly estimate
$28.754% above national median
Difference: +$2,350
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#13 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $59,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $57,380 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 21 years |
| Iowa | $55,080 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $50,540 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $55,590 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $60,090 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services • Commercial Driver Training Section
Capitol Building, Room 213, Springfield, IL, 62756
Phone: 7084373953
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $105,290 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $79,700 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Illinois?
Illinois lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Illinois?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Illinois is $59,790. Salaries range from $39,010 (10th percentile) to $84,770 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Illinois earn 4% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $59,790.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 76,650 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services / Commercial Driver Training Section. Review agency details at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.