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CDL Commercial Learner's Permit

Class B with Passenger Endorsement

Veteran bus driver behind the wheel

Our intensive two-week training program prepares candidates for the Illinois Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for CDL Class B with a Passenger Endorsement — a sought-after credential among major public transit operators such as the CTA and Pace. This intensive curriculum is designed to help you pass the CLP written tests and take the first step toward a stable, well-paying career behind the wheel.

CDL Practice Tests

Veterans: Illinois Military CDL Waiver (Even Exchange & Skills Test)

Through the Illinois Secretary of State, qualified active service members — and those discharged within the past 12 months — who are seeking their first Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may have some or all of their CDL testing waived, in recognition of their military training and experience. This applies only to an initial CDL, not to upgrades or restriction changes on a license you already hold.

There are two options under the Illinois Military CDL Waiver program:

  • Even Exchange — for service members with a qualifying military occupational specialty (MOS/Rating) plus the proper commercial driving training and experience. Both the CDL knowledge and skills tests can be waived, and certain endorsement tests as well.
  • Skills Test Waiver — for service members who have the proper commercial driving training and experience but not a qualifying MOS. Only the skills test is waived; you still take the CDL knowledge test.

Use the checklist below to see which option may fit you, then print it for your records or to review with your commanding officer. Check every box that applies to you.

Eligibility

My military occupational specialty (for the Even Exchange option)

Check the specialty that matches your service. The official qualifying list appears on the Even Exchange application (Form DSD CDL 27); if your MOS is not listed, you may still qualify for the Skills Test Waiver.

U.S. Army

U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Navy

U.S. Air Force

How to apply in Illinois

  1. You and your commanding officer complete the correct application — Form DSD CDL 27 for Even Exchange, or Form DSD CDL 26 for the Skills Test Waiver.
  2. Your commanding officer emails the completed application and required documentation to the Illinois Secretary of State CDL Division at CDLSafeRideIllinois@ilsos.net.
  3. The CDL Division reviews and verifies the application, then contacts you and your officer about approval.
  4. Once approved, bring the approval notice and all required documents to an Illinois CDL facility, pay the CDL fee, and satisfy all other CDL and licensing requirements.

Questions? Contact the Illinois Secretary of State CDL Division at 217-524-5971. This summary is a starting point, not a complete list of requirements — details and regulations can change, so please confirm the current rules before you apply.

Illinois Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs →

More information: veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/benefits/statelicensesmilitarytraining.html