Illinois DSD CDTS 54 Driver Education Approval Form Guide – The Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDTS 54, officially titled the Driver Education Approval Form, is a required document for teens seeking private (commercial) driver training in Illinois. Issued by the Office of the Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, Commercial Driver Training Section (CDTS), this form verifies that a student meets the academic eligibility standards set by state law before a licensed driver training school can provide instruction or request a certificate of completion.
The current version is DSD CDTS 54.5 (October 2024). It is available as a fillable PDF on the official Illinois Secretary of State website. This guide explains the purpose of the form, who needs it, how to complete it, the underlying legal requirements, and how to download the official document — all based on current information from trusted state sources.
What Is Form DSD CDTS 54?
Form DSD CDTS 54 is the official Driver Education Approval Form used by licensed commercial driver training schools in Illinois. It confirms that a junior high or high school student has received a passing grade in at least eight (8) courses during the previous two semesters and is therefore eligible for private driving instruction.
The form contains two main sections:
- One completed by the driver training school (student and school details, signatures).
- One completed by the junior high or high school administration (eligibility certification and administrator signature).
Without this approved form (or a valid waiver), a commercial driver training school generally cannot request a certificate of completion from the Secretary of State for the student under Illinois law.
Who Needs the Driver Education Approval Form?
The form is typically required for:
- Students ages 15–17 who attend a public or non-public junior high or high school and want to take private driver education (classroom and/or behind-the-wheel) through a licensed commercial school.
- Situations where the student seeks instruction between semesters or during the summer after the regular school term.
It does not apply in the same way to public school driver education programs (which have parallel academic requirements under the Illinois School Code) or to adult driver education courses for applicants ages 18–20. Home-schooled students generally use a different form (DSD CDTS 56). High school dropouts under age 18 have specific alternative documentation requirements under the same statute.
Parents, students, and commercial driver training schools in Illinois should confirm current requirements directly with the Commercial Driver Training Section, as rules can affect eligibility for an instruction permit and eventual driver’s license under the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.
Legal Basis: 625 ILCS 5/6-408.5
Illinois law places clear limits on when a licensed driver training school or instructor may request a certificate of completion for a student still enrolled in secondary school (or recently enrolled). Under 625 ILCS 5/6-408.5:
- The student must have received a passing grade in at least eight courses during the two semesters last ending before the request for a certificate of completion.
- The driver training school must verify this eligibility with the school district or the chief school administrator of a non-public high school.
- The superintendent of schools (public) or chief school administrator (non-public) may waive the requirement if it is deemed in the best interests of the student. A separate waiver form (DSD CDTS 55) is used in those cases.
- Students must be informed of these eligibility requirements in writing at the time of registration.
This provision helps ensure that students prioritize academic progress while pursuing driver education. The statute also addresses high school dropouts under age 18 with alternative verification options (GED/alternative education enrollment, prior academic performance, or parental/regional superintendent consent).
How to Complete Form DSD CDTS 54?
The form is straightforward but must be filled out accurately. Download the official fillable PDF, complete it electronically or by hand (print clearly), and obtain the required signatures.
Section 1 — Completed by the Driver Training School:
- Name and address of the driver training school.
- Student’s full name (Last, First, Middle).
- Student’s street address, city or town, and ZIP code.
- Signature of the student and date.
- Signature of the parent or guardian and date.
- Name of the junior high or high school the student attends.
- School address, city or town, phone number, and ZIP code.
Section 2 — Completed by Junior High or High School Administration:
- Certification under Chapter 625 ILCS, Section 6-408.5 that the student attends the school and has received a passing grade in at least eight (8) courses during the previous two (2) semesters and is therefore eligible for private driving instruction.
- Check “Yes” or “No.”
- Signature of the Chief School Administrator or Superintendent of High School and date.
The form recommends that school administration keep a copy. The Commercial Driver Training Section address and phone number appear on the form for reference: 1800 W. Hawthorne Lane, West Chicago, IL 60185; 630-520-9310.
How to Download the Official Form DSD CDTS 54?
Always obtain the form from the official Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you have the current version (currently October 2024 – DSD CDTS 54.5).
Official download link: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdts54.pdf
The form is listed under Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms on the Secretary of State site. Download it to your computer, then open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results with the fillable fields. General form-filling instructions are available on the official publications page.
Related Forms and Alternatives
Several related documents may be needed depending on the student’s situation:
- Driver Education Waiver Form (DSD CDTS 55) — Used when the school superintendent or chief administrator waives the eight-course requirement because it is in the student’s best interest.
- Home Schooled Parental Consent Form (DSD CDTS 56) — For home-schooled students.
- Other commercial driver training school forms (applications, instructor forms, insurance certificates, etc.) are available on the same official publications page.
For public school driver education, parallel academic eligibility rules appear in the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-24.2 and related administrative rules). Always verify the most current forms and instructions on ilsos.gov.
Tips for Parents, Students, and Schools
- Start the process early. Schools may need time to verify grades and obtain the administrator’s signature.
- Keep copies of report cards or transcripts showing the eight passing courses in case additional documentation is requested.
- Confirm that the commercial driver training school is properly licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Understand that successful completion of an approved driver education course (30 hours classroom + minimum behind-the-wheel hours) is generally required for teens under 18 to obtain a full driver’s license, along with the 50-hour practice log and other Graduated Driver Licensing requirements.
- Contact the Commercial Driver Training Section at 630-520-9310 with questions about form submission or school licensing.
Official Contact Information
Illinois Secretary of State
Driver Services Department
Commercial Driver Training Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Lane
West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 630-520-9310
Website: ilsos.gov
For the full list of commercial driver training publications and forms, visit the official Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms page on the Secretary of State website.
Conclusion
Form DSD CDTS 54 plays an important role in ensuring that Illinois teens meet academic standards before receiving private driver education. By using the official current version, completing both sections accurately, and following the requirements of 625 ILCS 5/6-408.5, students, parents, and licensed schools can help the process move smoothly toward an instruction permit and eventual driver’s license.
Always download the form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State and check ilsos.gov for the latest updates, as forms and procedures can change. For personalized questions about eligibility or licensing, contact the Commercial Driver Training Section or your local Driver Services facility.