IL SOS Form DSD A 385: Instructor Compliance Affidavit – The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Form DSD A 385, officially titled the Cooperative Driver Testing Program Instructor Compliance Affidavit, is a required document for commercial driving school instructors who wish to participate in the state’s Cooperative Driver Testing Program (CDTP). This program allows certified instructors at approved commercial driver training schools to administer the official behind-the-wheel road test to eligible teen students, often waiving the need for a separate road test at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
This guide provides U.S.-based commercial driving school instructors, school owners, and administrators with clear, up-to-date information on Form DSD A 385, its purpose, requirements, how to complete it, and how it fits into the broader CDTP framework. All details are drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State publications and related administrative rules.
What Is the Cooperative Driver Testing Program (CDTP)?
The Cooperative Driver Testing Program is a state-regulated initiative overseen by the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State. It enables certified driver education instructors at participating commercial driver training schools (and high schools) to conduct the official road skills exam for their own students who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Under the CDTP, students who successfully complete an approved Illinois Teenage Driver Education program, earn a combined grade of A or B, receive parent or guardian approval, and pass the instructor-administered behind-the-wheel exam can generally have the standard SOS facility road test waived. The Secretary of State retains the right to require a facility road test to maintain program integrity.
Participation is not automatic. Commercial schools must formally enroll and keep instructors certified through forms such as DSD A 380 (Intent to Participate) and DSD A 385 (Instructor Compliance Affidavit). Only actively enrolled and current providers may administer CDTP road exams.
Purpose of Form DSD A 385
Form DSD A 385 serves as the official compliance affidavit that individual commercial driving school instructors must complete and submit. By signing the form, the instructor formally agrees to follow all CDTP rules and standards set by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department.
The affidavit confirms the instructor’s commitment to training, security, testing procedures, and ongoing compliance. It is a key document for initial program approval and continued eligibility. Instructors who fail to meet the stated criteria after approval can be disqualified from the program.
The current version of the form (printed January 2024) is issued by the Driver Services Department and is available as an official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Key Commitments in the Instructor Compliance Affidavit
When completing Form DSD A 385, the instructor agrees to the following specific provisions of the Cooperative Driver Testing Program:
- Attend an initial certification clinic conducted by the Office of the Secretary of State.
- Attend any additional training required by statute.
- Review the program provisions periodically as directed by the Office of the Secretary of State.
- Not share password or login information regarding the Illinois Secretary of State exam portal and request a new password if the login is compromised or forgotten.
- Submit the road test used by the commercial school, including any changes, to the Office of the Secretary of State for approval before use.
- Submit the final road exam results as prescribed by the department.
The form also includes an acknowledgment that the instructor understands the need to meet these criteria for eligibility, will receive written notification of approval or disapproval, and may be disqualified for subsequent non-compliance.
Who Must Complete Form DSD A 385?
Form DSD A 385 is required for commercial driving school instructors who want to administer CDTP road tests. It applies to instructors employed by licensed commercial driver training schools in Illinois that participate in the program for teen driver education.
Related requirements typically include:
- Holding a valid Illinois commercial driving school instructor license.
- Meeting experience standards (often a minimum of two years of behind-the-wheel instruction to teens).
- Completing Department-administered road tester training and related shadow drives where applicable under 92 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1060.
- Maintaining a valid driver’s license and good standing.
Schools themselves generally begin the process with Form DSD A 380 (Cooperative Driver Testing Program Intent to Participate). Individual instructors then submit the DSD A 385 compliance affidavit. Additional related forms may include liability waivers (such as DSD A 387) and road test diagram descriptions.
How to Complete and Submit Form DSD A 385?
The form is a fillable or printable PDF. Instructors should carefully complete the following sections:
- Printed name of the Commercial Driving School Instructor and Driver’s License Number.
- Signature of the instructor and date.
- Commercial Driving School Name and School Code, plus Instructor License Number.
- Email Address and Phone Number.
- Registration type (Contact, Instructor, or Both).
- School Address, City, and ZIP Code.
A section for Secretary of State use only records the Initial Certification Clinic Date, Signature of Clinic Instructor, and official approval.
Download the official form here: Illinois SOS Form DSD A 385 — Cooperative Driver Testing Program Instructor Compliance Affidavit (PDF).
Submit the completed form according to current instructions from the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Driver Training School Section or Driver Services Department. Contact the Commercial Driver Training School Section at 1800 W. Hawthorne Lane, West Chicago, IL 60185, or visit the official Illinois SOS website for the most current submission guidance and training clinic schedules.
Related Forms and Program Requirements
Commercial schools and instructors participating in the CDTP commonly work with several related documents:
- DSD A 380 — Cooperative Driver Testing Program (Intent to Participate form for the school).
- DSD A 387 — Release and Waiver of Liability.
- DSD A 386 — Road Test Diagram Description (when required).
- Other commercial driver training school forms available through the Illinois SOS publications portal.
Instructors must also adhere to broader rules under the Illinois Vehicle Code and 92 Illinois Administrative Code governing commercial driver training schools, instructor licensing, road test administration standards, record-keeping, and audits. Failure to cooperate with audits or maintain required standards can result in suspension or revocation of certification.
Benefits of CDTP Participation for Instructors and Schools
For commercial driving schools and their instructors, successful CDTP participation offers clear advantages:
- Ability to administer official road tests to eligible students, providing a seamless experience.
- Enhanced value for families seeking efficient pathways to teen licensure.
- Demonstration of high professional standards recognized by the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Ongoing access to program updates, training, and certification clinics.
Students benefit from evaluation by the same instructor who trained them, often reducing test anxiety while maintaining the same skill standards as a facility-administered exam.
Important Compliance Reminders for U.S. Instructors
Illinois commercial driving school instructors must stay current with all SOS requirements. Key points include:
- Never share exam portal credentials.
- Obtain prior approval for any road test route or scoring sheet changes.
- Submit results exactly as prescribed.
- Attend required certification and refresher training.
- Maintain accurate records and cooperate fully with any SOS audits.
Always verify the latest form version and submission instructions directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website, as procedures and printing dates can be updated.
Where to Find Official Resources?
For the most accurate and current information, rely on these trusted sources:
- Official form download: DSD A 385 PDF
- Illinois Secretary of State main site: ilsos.gov
- Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms page on the Illinois SOS website
- Illinois Administrative Code Title 92 (Transportation) governing driver testing and commercial schools
Commercial driving school owners and instructors in Illinois should contact the Commercial Driver Training School Section directly with questions about certification clinics, program enrollment, or form submission.
By completing Form DSD A 385 accurately and maintaining full compliance, instructors help uphold the integrity of Illinois’ driver education and licensing system while providing valuable service to teen drivers and their families across the state.