Illinois DSD CDTS 58 Driver Training Instructor Form – Aspiring commercial driver training instructors in Illinois must complete the official Form DSD CDTS 58 (Application for Driver Training Instructor) issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. This form is required to obtain a license to teach classroom or behind-the-wheel instruction at a licensed commercial driver training school. The latest version (DSD CDTS 58.9, April 2026) is a fillable PDF available directly from the Secretary of State’s website.
This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, required information, supporting documents, fees, the examination process, and how to submit the application for U.S. residents seeking to become licensed driver training instructors in Illinois.
What Is Form DSD CDTS 58?
Form DSD CDTS 58 is the official application used by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Commercial Driver Training Section to license individuals as driver training instructors. Instructors may seek approval for the Classroom Phase, the Car/Lab (behind-the-wheel) Phase, or both.
The form collects personal identification details, education and employment history, answers to background and driving-record questions, and specific qualification categories for teen or adult instruction. It must be submitted together with supporting documentation and the required medical examination form.
Official download link (current version): Download Illinois Form DSD CDTS 58 (PDF).
Who Needs to File Form DSD CDTS 58?
Any person who wishes to provide paid driver training instruction at a commercial driver training school licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State must hold a valid instructor license. This includes instructors teaching:
- Teen driver education (classroom and/or behind-the-wheel)
- Adult driver education courses
- CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) preparation
Public-school teachers providing driver education as part of the regular curriculum are generally exempt from this commercial licensing requirement. The form is also required when an already-licensed instructor changes schools.
Eligibility Requirements for an Illinois Driver Training Instructor License
Under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/6-411) and Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Part 1060 (amended effective March 4, 2026), applicants must meet the following standards:
- Be at least 21 years of age and a resident of Illinois
- Hold a valid Illinois driver’s license
- Have held a valid driver’s license (including a temporary visitor’s driver’s license) for any two-year period preceding the application date
- Be currently authorized to work in the United States
- Have graduated from an accredited high school (or equivalent)
- Be of good moral character
- Pass a written examination and highway safety sign test administered by the Secretary of State
- Submit a complete set of fingerprints for a background check
- Be physically able to operate a motor vehicle safely and train others (or classroom-only with a physician’s statement)
- Not have disqualifying convictions or license actions (detailed below)
For CDL instruction in classifications A, B, C, L, or M, the applicant must have held that classification (or higher) for two consecutive years immediately prior to application.
Disqualifying factors include three or more moving traffic convictions in the prior two years, certain DUI or reckless-driving convictions within ten years, failure to pass the required tests, or incomplete applications.
How to Complete Form DSD CDTS 58?
The form must be typed or printed clearly. All “yes” answers to the background questions require a written explanation on the form. Key sections include:
- Applicant Information — Full name, date of birth, home address, Illinois driver’s license number, physical description, Social Security number, and the name/address of the driving school where you will instruct
- Education and Military Service — Highest grade completed, high school and college names, any driver-education coursework, and veteran status
- Employment History — Last five years of employment (most recent first)
- Background Questions — 18 yes/no questions covering prior names, felony or misdemeanor convictions, DUI, reckless homicide, license suspensions/revocations, unsatisfied judgments, prior instructor licensing, and employment with the Secretary of State
- Teen Instructor Qualification Categories — Separate checkboxes for Classroom Phase and Car/Lab Phase, each with multiple pathways (State Teacher Certification, bachelor’s degree plus experience and 48-hour course, prior commercial teaching experience, etc.)
- Signatures — Applicant signature and authorization signature from an official of the employing commercial driving school
All claimed education and experience must be documented with transcripts, teaching certificates, licenses, or verification letters submitted with the application.
Required Supporting Documents
In addition to the completed Form DSD CDTS 58, applicants must submit:
- Driving Instructor Physical Form (DSD CDTS 57) completed by a competent medical examiner
- Fingerprints as required by statute
- Proof of education and teaching experience (transcripts, certificates, letters)
- Any other documents requested by the Commercial Driver Training Section
Instructors teaching only the classroom phase who cannot safely operate a vehicle may submit a physician’s statement confirming they can teach classroom material.
Application Fees and Mailing Instructions
The instructor license fee is $70 for a two-year license. Make checks payable to the Illinois Secretary of State.
Mail the completed application package to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Lane
West Chicago, IL 60185
For questions, call the Commercial Driver Training Section at 630-520-9310. Schools and instructors must reapply periodically; applications should be submitted at least 15 days before license expiration.
Examination Requirements
Every applicant must pass:
- A written test of 100 true/false and multiple-choice questions covering the Illinois Vehicle Code (Chapter 625), safe driving practices, vehicle operation, teaching methods, and Commercial Driver Training School rules (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1060). A score of at least 85 is required.
- A highway safety sign test.
CDL-accredited instructor applicants take an additional 25-question written test (pass rate of 21). Applicants receive a maximum of three attempts in any 12-month period. After a third failure, a one-year waiting period applies before reapplication.
Where to Download the Official Form?
Always obtain the current official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you have the latest version:
Official Form DSD CDTS 58 — Application for Driver Training Instructor (PDF)
Related forms and the full list of commercial driver training publications are available on the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms page and the Commercial Driver Training Schools page.
Additional Resources and Official Rules
For complete regulatory details, consult:
- 92 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1060 — Commercial Driver Training Schools (Sections 1060.120 and 1060.130)
- 625 ILCS 5/6-411 — Qualifications of Driver Training Instructors
These sources reflect the most recent amendments effective in 2026 and should be reviewed for any future updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the form fillable?
Yes. Download the PDF and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results when filling the fields.
Can I instruct at more than one school?
A separate instructor license application is required for each commercial driving school.
What happens if I leave the school?
You must immediately surrender the instructor license issued for that school. A new application is required for employment at a different school.
Are sealed or expunged records required to be disclosed?
No. Applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.
Completing Form DSD CDTS 58 accurately and submitting all required documentation with the $70 fee is the essential first step toward becoming a licensed driver training instructor in Illinois. Always verify the latest requirements and forms directly with the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Driver Training Section before submitting your application.