Illinois DSD CDTS 24: Driver Training School Main License

What Is Form DSD CDTS 24?

Form DSD CDTS 24 is the official application issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Driver Training Section. It is required for individuals, partnerships, corporations, associations, or limited liability companies seeking a main license to operate a commercial driver training school in Illinois.

Commercial driver training schools provide instruction for a fee in the operation of motor vehicles or preparation for Illinois driver’s license examinations. This includes adult driver education courses for applicants ages 18–20 and other driving instruction programs. Public schools and educational institutions where driving instruction is part of the regular curriculum are generally exempt.

The current version of the form (January 2023 — DSD CDTS 24.10) is a fillable PDF available directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Applicants must print or type all information and submit supporting documents with the application.

Download Official Form DSD CDTS 24 (PDF)

Who Needs to File Form DSD CDTS 24?

Any person or entity that wants to operate a commercial driver training school at a primary (main) location in Illinois must complete and submit Form DSD CDTS 24. This includes:

• New school operators applying for an original main license
• Existing licensed schools seeking renewal of their main license
• Schools changing ownership structure or business type (a new application is required for changes in type of business)

Separate applications exist for branch licenses (DSD CDTS 38), teen accreditation (DSD CDTS 83), and CDL accreditation (DSD CDTS 71). The main license application must be approved before branch or specialized accreditations can be fully processed.

Key Requirements for a Driver Training School Main License

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/6-402) and Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Part 1060, applicants must meet strict qualifications:

• Be of good moral character and at least 21 years of age
• Maintain an established place of business open to the public that meets zoning, space, and facility standards
• Maintain required liability insurance on training vehicles
• Provide a continuous surety bond (amounts vary by school type and number of branches)
• Have necessary equipment for proper instruction
• Maintain a business telephone listing
• Pay the required application fee
• Authorize a fingerprint-based background check

Location requirements include commercial zoning, a minimum of 150 square feet of office space, a working telephone listed for the driving school, signage showing office hours (minimum eight hours per week, Monday–Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.), a permanent school sign visible from 100 feet, and ownership or lease of the premises by the school.

Classroom facilities must provide at least 300 square feet, charts and diagrams related to driver education, a blackboard or equivalent, textbooks and audiovisual materials, operable fire extinguishers, adequate seating, lighting, ventilation, and bathroom facilities.

Training vehicles must carry liability insurance of at least $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $100,000 for two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage. Vehicles must be registered, safety-inspected by the Illinois Department of Transportation, and appropriate for the instructor’s license classification.

Required Supporting Documents

Form DSD CDTS 24 specifically requires that the following accompany the completed application:

• Schedule 1 — Personal History of Driver Training School Owner or Manager (DSD CDTS 8) for every owner, partner, associate, corporate director, officer, and manager
• Motor Vehicle Fleet Schedules (Schedule II / Safety Inspection form DSD CDTS 27)
• Insurance Certificates (DSD CDTS 10)
• Sample student contract (if students are required to sign written contracts)

Additional forms may be needed depending on the school’s intended programs, such as the Surety Bond Form (DSD CDTS 84), Application for Driver Training Instructor (DSD CDTS 58), or specialized accreditation applications.

How to Complete and Submit Form DSD CDTS 24?

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Download the official fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
2. Print or type all information accurately. Incomplete or inaccurate applications can delay processing or result in denial.
3. Answer all “Yes/No” questions fully. Provide explanations and additional documentation where required (prior school operation, facility compliance, written contracts, classroom equipment, instructor employment, prior license issues, Secretary of State employment, or high school driver education involvement).
4. List the names, addresses, positions, and home phone numbers of all owners, partners, associates, directors, officers, and managers.
5. Have every required individual sign the application under penalty of perjury. One signature is needed in each designated boxed area. A majority of corporate directors and officers must sign.
6. Attach all required schedules, insurance certificates, and supporting materials.
7. Include the $500 application fee (check payable to Illinois Secretary of State). Fees are non-refundable.
8. Mail the complete package to:

Office of the Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training School Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Lane
West Chicago, IL 60185

Applications for renewal must be submitted at least 15 days before the current license expires. Upon receipt, the Commercial Driver Training Section will contact the applicant to schedule property inspections and process the application. For questions, call 630-520-9310.

Application Fees

Current fees for a two-year license are:

• $500 — Commercial school main license fee
• $70 — Commercial school instructor fee (per instructor)
• $50 — Commercial school branch license fee

Make all checks payable to the Illinois Secretary of State. Application fees are not refundable regardless of whether a license is issued or denied.

Important Conditions and Ongoing Obligations

By signing Form DSD CDTS 24, applicants agree to:

• Maintain adequate records and permit inspection by authorized representatives
• Employ only properly licensed instructors
• Notify the Secretary of State of instructor terminations using the required form
• Comply with all state laws, regulations, and municipal ordinances related to public health and safety
• Advise the Secretary of State within 20 days of any material change in the application or schedules

Knowingly making a false statement or concealing a material fact is a criminal offense and will result in revocation of the driver training school license.

Where to Find Additional Official Resources?

All forms and publications are available on the Illinois Secretary of State website:

• Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms
• Commercial Driver Training Schools Information Page
• Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5)
• Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Part 1060 – Commercial Driver Training Schools

Applicants should always download forms directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure they are using the most current version. Third-party sites may host outdated copies.

Final Tips for a Successful Application

Prepare thoroughly before submitting. Ensure the facility meets all space, zoning, and equipment standards. Complete personal history schedules carefully for every principal. Verify insurance and surety bond coverage meet statutory minimums. Submit early for renewals to avoid gaps in licensure. Keep copies of everything submitted.

Operating a commercial driver training school without a valid license is prohibited under Illinois law. Following the official process using Form DSD CDTS 24 helps ensure compliance and protects both the school and its students.

For the most up-to-date information, contact the Commercial Driver Training Section directly or visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website.

Download Form DSD CDTS 24 Now