A truck driver must be good at truck driving. After all, that is the job they are paid for. However, most people must learn that truck drivers must also be good at several other things, including critical thinking, endurance, physical stamina, problem-solving, safety consciousness, and more.
To learn all of these skills, individuals aspiring to become truck drivers must go through a handful of steps that are similar between states but with a few significant variations.
Luckily, for aspiring truck drivers in Illinois, we have provided below a comprehensive guide containing all these critical steps and other important information, such as possible salary and job outlook.
How to Become a Truck Driver in Illinois
The following are the steps involved in becoming a truck driver in Illinois:
Becoming Familiar with the General Requirements
The first step in becoming a truck driver in Illinois is to become familiar with the general requirements. To become a truck driver, applicants must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state and 21 years old to drive outside.
They must also have a valid non-CDL driver’s license and be able to prove that they are residents of the United States.
CDL applicants in Illinois with CDLs from other States must go through the same steps as first-time applicants.
Enrolling in a Training Program
After meeting the above requirements, the next logical step for aspiring truck drivers in Illinois is to start training to acquire the necessary skills to become competent truck drivers.
Most truck-driving programs are organized by private academies (who sometimes offer direct pipelines to become employed by the company) or by community colleges and other training institutions.
Training programs tend to do their best to prepare their students for the CDL and ensure they meet the requirements.
CLP Test
Before obtaining a commercial driver’s license CDL in Illinois, drivers must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Getting a CLP involves passing a set of written examinations. Training programs may help prepare students for their CLP tests as well.
Passing the CDL Test
The CDL test in Illinois includes a set of knowledge and skill tests. The basic knowledge test will cover 20 general areas and contain at least 30 test items. To pass the test, candidates must attain an 80% score.
The skill tests involve performing a handful of required skills in a vehicle representing the type of vehicle the candidate will operate.
Consider Trades with Similar Paths:
State Licensure and Certification Requirements
Fulfilling the above requirements should be enough to acquire a CDL and start working as a truck driver in Illinois. It is also worth mentioning that some fees are involved–including the original or renewal learner’s permit fees of $50 and an additional $5 for adding or removing endorsements.
The actual CDL application costs $60, as does any renewal or transference afterward.
Adding or removing endorsements and restrictions to the CDL also costs $5, while those looking for school bus permits will also pay an additional $4.
Furthermore, candidates must fulfill medical requirements to receive their CDL, including proving they have no significant hearing, vision, or blood pressure impairments.
Top Truck Driving Schools in Illinois
The following are some of the top truck driving schools in Illinois:
College of DuPage Driving School
College of DuPage Driving School offers a brilliant truck-driving program that is usually one of the best places for aspiring truck drivers in the area to start their careers.
Veterans get to enjoy particular admission criteria along with financial aid. The CDL Truck Driving program at the College of DuPage is intensive, with lots of hands-on training.
Harper College
Harper College is a famous post-secondary institution in Illinois with a reputation for producing highly skilled professionals in various technical and vocational skills. The school also has a quality masonry program with world-class instructors.
Notable Mentions
Other notable CDL truck driving schools in Illinois for interested individuals to consider include Expert Driving School in 18th Street, Blue Horizon truck driving school in Pulaski, Olive Harvey College in Woodland, Star Truck Driving School in Hickory Hills, Compass Truck Driving School in Burr Ridge, Harper College in Prospect Heights, and Joliet Community College in Joliet, Illinois.
Explore Truck Driving Schools by City:
Salary and Job Outlook
Truck drivers in Illinois earn an annual salary of $83,607, which aligns with the national average for other states. Truck drivers in the state who make the most tend to take home as high as $112,602 in annual salary, while those in the bottom 10% take home around $62,079.
The salary of a truck driver in Illinois naturally varies by experience. Drivers with less than one year of experience in the state earn an average of $78,504 yearly, while those with more than 10 years’ experience may earn up to $98,405 in annual average salary.
Schiller Park ($115,478), Rockford ($99,535), Quincy ($97,480), Chicago ($97,331), and Joliet ($97,013) are the highest-paying cities for truck drivers in Illinois.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
