Illinois CDL Medical Exam Requirements

There's more to becoming a CDL driver than passing the knowledge and driving tests. You must also pass a medical exam with a licensed physician, proving you're mentally and physically capable of safely operating a vehicle.

To pass, you must meet the following requirements: 

• You have no loss of a foot, leg, hand, or arm, or you have been granted a Skill Performance Evaluation certificate.  
• You have no impairment of finger or hand that interferes with your ability to grasp, or some sort of leg, arm, or foot impairment that hampers your ability to operate a vehicle. 
• You have no medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requiring insulin for control.
• You have no current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.
• You have no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction that would or could interfere with your ability to drive safely.
• You have no current clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure that could interfere with your ability to drive.
• You have no medical history or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease that could interfere your ability to drive.
• You have no medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that could cause seizures or blackouts.
• You have no mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder that could hamper your ability to safely drive. 
• You have a visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
• You are able to hear emergency sirens, car horns and railroad crossing warnings. Your ability to hear a whisper five feet away is considered adequate. 
• You are free of any drug addictions. 
• You are not clinically diagnosed with alcoholism.

You and your physician must complete a medical form together. Medical exams and regulations are governed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). If you have questions, call (217) 785-1181.

Additional CDL Exams

As mentioned above, in addition to passing your medical exam you must also pass the two-part CDL test.

Study the state's CDL manual to pass the general knowledge test. All of the questions are based on topics covered in the manual. You can obtain a copy, for free, from any IL SOS office. Taking a CDL practice test is another great way to prepare. These tests feature similar questions found on the actual exam, allowing you to gauge your preparedness. You can find CDL practice tests online from a variety of different websites.

After passing the general knowledge test, you'll then have to pass the road test to obtain a commercial license. This test consists of three parts: pre trip inspection, driving skills and driving test. An appointment is required. You can do this online or by calling (217) 785-3013.