Illinois Form DSD CDL 26 Military CDL Skills Waiver – Active-duty service members and recent veterans in Illinois can save time and money when transitioning to civilian commercial driving careers. The Illinois Secretary of State offers Form DSD CDL 26, officially titled the Application to Waive Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Skills Testing for Military Commercial Driving Experience. This form allows qualified applicants to skip the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test) by leveraging their military commercial motor vehicle experience.
This program is part of Illinois’ Military CDL Waiver initiative and aligns with federal regulations under 49 CFR 383.77. It is available only for an initial CDL and does not cover knowledge tests or certain endorsement skills tests.
What Is Form DSD CDL 26?
Form DSD CDL 26 is the official Illinois Secretary of State application used by eligible military personnel to request a waiver of the CDL skills testing requirement. It recognizes the rigorous training and safe driving experience gained while operating military vehicles that are equivalent to commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
Unlike the Even Exchange option (Form DSD CDL 27), which can waive both knowledge and skills tests for applicants with specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or ratings, Form DSD CDL 26 focuses solely on the skills test waiver. Applicants must still pass all required CDL knowledge (written) tests.
You can download the official form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form DSD CDL 26 (PDF).
Who Qualifies for the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, eligibility is limited to:
- Active military service members, or
- Those discharged within the past 12 months
Additional key requirements include:
- The applicant must be obtaining an initial Illinois CDL (the waiver does not apply to upgrades, restriction removals, or changes to an existing CDL).
- Proper military commercial driving training and experience operating a military motor vehicle representative of the commercial motor vehicle class sought (typically Class A or B equivalents).
- The experience must meet federal standards for safe operation of a CMV equivalent.
- A clean driving record and certification by the commanding officer.
The Skills Waiver option is open to service members who have the required driving experience but do not hold the specific MOS/ratings needed for the broader Even Exchange program.
For the most current details, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State CDL page or the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs State Licenses & Military Training page.
How to Apply Using Form DSD CDL 26?
The application process requires coordination between the service member and their commanding officer. Follow these steps:
- Download and complete Form DSD CDL 26 — Both the applicant and the commanding officer must fully complete the form. The commanding officer certifies the applicant’s military driving experience, training, and safe driving record.
- Gather required documentation — Supporting military records that verify commercial driving experience (such as orders, training certificates, or equivalent documentation) must accompany the application.
- Submit via email — The commanding officer must email the completed application and documentation to the CDL Division at [email protected].
- Review and approval — The Illinois Secretary of State CDL Division reviews and verifies the submission. Both the officer and the applicant will be contacted regarding approval status.
- Visit a CDL facility — Once approved, the applicant presents the official approval notice along with all other required identification, proof of legal presence, medical certification (if applicable), and fees at an Illinois CDL facility.
- Complete remaining requirements — Pass all required knowledge tests, pay applicable CDL fees, and satisfy standard licensing requirements. Skills testing is waived upon approval.
Contact the CDL Division at 1-800-252-8980 (select option 3, then option 5) for questions or clarification.
Important Limitations of the Skills Test Waiver
While Form DSD CDL 26 provides significant benefits, applicants should understand its scope:
- CDL knowledge (written) tests cannot be waived under this form.
- The waiver does not apply to endorsements that require skills testing.
- It is available only for an original/initial CDL.
- Standard age, residency, medical certification, and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules still apply where required.
- Federal and state disqualifying offenses can still prevent issuance of a CDL.
For comparison, service members with qualifying MOS/ratings should review Form DSD CDL 27 (Even Exchange), which may waive both knowledge and skills testing.
Benefits for Military Personnel Transitioning to Civilian Trucking
The military skills test waiver helps service members and veterans enter the commercial driving workforce faster. By recognizing military training, Illinois reduces redundant testing, lowers costs, and supports successful career transitions. Combined with resources such as the GI Bill for additional training and employer hiring preferences for veterans, Form DSD CDL 26 is a valuable tool for those with relevant military commercial driving experience.
Always verify current requirements directly with the Illinois Secretary of State, as policies and forms can be updated. Download the latest version of the form and review official guidance before applying.
Official Form Download: Illinois Form DSD CDL 26 – Application to Waive CDL Skills Testing for Military Commercial Driving Experience (PDF)
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