Illinois DSD CDTS 83 Teen Driver Training School Application – Commercial driver training schools in Illinois that want to teach students under age 18 must obtain special teen accreditation from the Illinois Secretary of State. The official form used for this purpose is DSD CDTS 83, titled “Driver Training School Application for Teen License.” This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, key requirements, and how to apply using current official sources.
What Is Form DSD CDTS 83?
Form DSD CDTS 83 is the official application issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Commercial Driver Training Section. It allows a licensed commercial driver training school to apply for (or renew) accreditation to offer driver education to teens under 18 years of age.
Without this teen license (accreditation), a commercial school cannot legally advertise, offer, or provide classroom or behind-the-wheel instruction to students under 18. The form is listed on the official Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms page.
Download the current official PDF here: Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDTS 83 (PDF).
Who Must File Form DSD CDTS 83?
Any commercial driver training school in Illinois that wishes to provide instruction to persons under the age of 18 must complete and submit Form DSD CDTS 83. This includes both original applications for new teen accreditation and renewals of existing approval.
Public high schools and certain educational institutions that include driver education as part of their regular curriculum are generally exempt from commercial licensing requirements. The form applies specifically to fee-based commercial schools.
Key Requirements for Teen Accreditation
Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Part 1060 (Commercial Driver Training Schools), particularly Sections 1060.180 and 1060.181, sets the standards. Schools must meet these rules before the Secretary of State will approve Form DSD CDTS 83.
Major requirements include:
- The school must already hold (or simultaneously apply for) a valid commercial driver training school license.
- Classroom facilities must meet size, seating, lighting, and equipment standards.
- Training vehicles must be dual-controlled, properly insured, and safety-inspected.
- A continuous surety bond is required (higher amounts apply for teen-accredited schools).
- Qualified instructors must meet specific education and experience standards for teaching teens.
Full regulatory details are available on the Illinois General Assembly Administrative Code site for Section 1060.180 Teen Accreditation and Section 1060.181 Classroom and Behind-the-Wheel Requirements.
Curriculum and Instruction Standards
Teen driver education must include a minimum of:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction — limited to no more than two hours per day per student and distributed over at least four complete weeks for defined-time-frame courses (or completed within nine months for sequential module courses).
- Six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in which the student operates a dual-controlled vehicle with the instructor in the front seat.
- Additional observation time (usually six hours) unless an approved alternate formula is used.
Classroom topics must cover Illinois Rules of the Road, safe driving practices, Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, distracted driving, alcohol and drug effects, sharing the road, vehicle maintenance, and emergency procedures. The school must submit its course outline for approval with the application.
Maximum class size is generally 30 students (or 35 if the classroom exceeds 350 square feet). No teen instruction is permitted between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
How to Complete and Submit Form DSD CDTS 83?
The form requires detailed information and supporting exhibits. Typical sections include:
- School identification and contact information
- Whether the application is for original approval or renewal
- Approval year (January 1 through December 31)
- Section A: Curriculum — classroom and behind-the-wheel outlines and exhibits
- Section B: Student information and record-keeping procedures
- Instructional staff qualifications
- Facility and vehicle details
Attach all required numbered exhibits. For renewals, note “OF” (on file) and initial where previous exhibits remain unchanged and approved.
Mail the completed application and supporting documents to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Lane
West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 630-520-9310
Applications should be submitted well in advance. The Commercial Driver Training Section will schedule facility inspections and verify compliance before granting accreditation.
Related Forms and Resources
Schools applying for teen accreditation often need additional forms available on the official Illinois Secretary of State site:
- DSD CDTS 24 — Driver Training School Application for Main License
- DSD CDTS 58 — Application for Driver Training Instructor
- DSD CDTS 84 — Surety Bond Form
- DSD CDTS 10 — Insurance Certificate
- DSD CDTS 27 — Safety Inspection — Driver Training School Motor Vehicle Fleet
A complete list of commercial driver training forms is available on the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms page.
Additional guidance on commercial driver training schools appears on the official Commercial Driver Training Schools page.
Why Teen Accreditation Matters for Illinois Families?
Illinois operates a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. Teens typically need to complete an approved driver education course (30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel) before advancing from an instruction permit to a driver’s license. Only schools holding valid teen accreditation through Form DSD CDTS 83 can issue the necessary certificates of completion recognized by the Secretary of State.
Parents and teens should verify that any commercial driving school they choose is currently teen-certified by checking the official provider listings or contacting the Commercial Driver Training Section.
Final Tips for Applicants
Download the latest version of Form DSD CDTS 83 directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you have the current edition. Complete all sections accurately, attach every required exhibit, and allow time for the required inspections and review process.
For the most up-to-date rules, always refer to the official Illinois Administrative Code and the Secretary of State’s published forms and guidance. Requirements can be updated, so confirm details by contacting the Commercial Driver Training Section at 630-520-9310 before submitting your application.
Official form download: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdts83.pdf