Illinois Restricted Class B CDL Form DSD CDL 7

Illinois Restricted Class B CDL Form DSD CDL 7 – Farm workers and employees in certain agricultural service industries in Illinois can obtain a limited commercial driver’s license without completing the full CDL testing process. The official form for this is the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDL 7 — Restricted Class B CDL Application (also called the Seasonal Restricted Class B CDL Application for Farm-Related Services).

This restricted license helps drivers who operate larger vehicles only seasonally for specific farm-related businesses. It is issued under Illinois and federal rules that allow states to waive knowledge and skills tests for qualifying applicants.

Download the official form here: Illinois Form DSD CDL 7 (PDF)

What Is a Restricted Class B CDL in Illinois?

A Restricted Class B CDL (often called a seasonal or farm-related restricted CDL) allows the holder to operate Class B commercial motor vehicles under strict limits. According to the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Administrative Code, Class B vehicles include:

  • Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
  • Any such vehicle towing another vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR
  • Vehicles of a lesser classification (except motor-driven cycles)

The license is valid only within 150 miles of the employer’s place of business and only for a limited number of days each year. It does not permit operation of Class A vehicles (such as tractor-trailer combinations) or passenger vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers.

Source: Illinois Secretary of State CDL page and Form DSD CDL 7.

Who Qualifies for the Restricted Class B CDL?

To be eligible for the seasonal restricted Class B CDL, applicants must meet all of the following requirements (as stated on Form DSD CDL 7 and in Ill. Admin. Code tit. 92, § 1030.96):

  • Be employed by one or more of these farm-related services: farm retail outlet and/or supplier, agri-chemical business, custom harvester, or livestock feeder. Written verification of employment must be submitted with the application.
  • Have held a valid operator’s license for at least one full year prior to application.
  • Hold a valid Illinois non-CDL Class B driver’s license.
  • Have a clean driving record for the previous two years with no:
    • Multiple licenses
    • Suspension, revocation, or cancellation of any kind
    • Conviction for DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or any felony involving a motor vehicle
    • Serious traffic violations (such as speeding 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, or following too closely)
    • Accident-related traffic law violations or at-fault accidents

Applicants must also complete the safety checklist on the form with their employer, covering safe operation of the truck (brakes, lights, tires, mirrors, turning, stopping distances, etc.).

Official sources: Form DSD CDL 7 and Illinois Administrative Code § 1030.96.

Hazardous Materials Restrictions

Holders of a Restricted Class B CDL may transport only limited hazardous materials:

  • 1,000 gallons or less of diesel fuel
  • 3,000 gallons or less of liquid fertilizer
  • Solid fertilizers that are not mixed with any organic substance

Age requirements apply: drivers must be at least 18 to transport these materials intrastate and at least 21 for interstate transport. The restricted CDL does not authorize transport of fertilizer mixed with organic substances, gasoline, pesticides, propane, or other restricted materials.

How Long Is the Restricted CDL Valid?

The restricted Class B CDL can be issued for a minimum of 105 days and a maximum of 210 days in any 12-month period. It is valid only within 150 miles of the employer’s place of business.

You can renew restricted privileges without an additional fee for up to four years from the date of the first Restricted CDL. A new application is required for each renewal period, and the total days remain limited to 210 per year.

Details are provided on the current version of Form DSD CDL 7 (August 2025 printing).

How to Apply Using Form DSD CDL 7?

  1. Download and print the official form: DSD CDL 7 Restricted Class B CDL Application.
  2. Complete all sections carefully (print or type). Include your full name, address, Illinois driver’s license number, Social Security number, employer information, desired start date, and number of days (105 or 210).
  3. Have your employer complete and sign the Safety Checklist for Truck Operation.
  4. Attach written verification of employment from your farm-related employer.
  5. Include a $50 fee (check or money order payable to the Illinois Secretary of State — do not send cash).
  6. Mail the completed application, supporting documents, and fee to:
    Office of the Secretary of State
    Driver Services Department
    CDL Division
    2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
    Springfield, IL 62723

Allow sufficient processing time. For questions, call the CDL Division at 217-524-1350.

Source: Official instructions on Form DSD CDL 7.

Key Benefits and Limitations

Benefits:

  • No knowledge or skills test required (Illinois waives these under federal authority for qualifying farm-related drivers).
  • No Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) required when all conditions are met.
  • Lower barrier for seasonal agricultural workers who need to operate Class B vehicles for limited periods.

Limitations:

  • Restricted to specific farm-related employment and geographic radius.
  • Strict driving-record requirements.
  • Limited hazardous materials authority.
  • Cannot be used for general commercial trucking or passenger transport.

Federal basis: 49 CFR 383.3(f) allows states to issue restricted CDLs for designated farm-related service industries.

Where to Find Official Information and Additional Resources?

Always verify the latest version of the form and requirements directly on the Illinois Secretary of State website, as rules and fees can be updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Restricted Class B CDL the same as a regular Class B CDL?
No. It is a seasonal, limited-privilege license for specific farm-related work only. It does not grant the full privileges of a standard Class B CDL.

Do I need a medical certificate?
Applicants must certify that they meet the Qualification of Drivers requirements in Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or explain why they are not subject to those requirements.

Can I renew the restricted CDL easily?
Yes. You may revalidate without a fee for up to four years from the original issuance date, but a new application is required for each seasonal period and the day limit still applies.

What happens if I get a violation while holding the restricted CDL?
Convictions for certain violations can result in invalidation or disqualification of the restricted privileges, with periods ranging from months to life depending on the offense.

This guide is based on the most current official Illinois Secretary of State materials (Form DSD CDL 7, August 2025 printing) and related state regulations. For personalized advice or the absolute latest updates, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department CDL Division directly.

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