Illinois Form DSD CDTS 101 Oral Contract Guide

Illinois Form DSD CDTS 101 Oral Contract Guide – Operators of Enhanced Skills Driving Schools (ESDS) in Illinois must meet strict regulatory standards set by the Illinois Secretary of State. One essential compliance document is Form DSD CDTS 101, the Enhanced Skills Driving School Oral Contract and Agreement Compliance form. This official statement confirms that any oral contracts or agreements used by the school meet the requirements of Illinois law. This guide explains the purpose of the form, who needs it, key legal requirements, and how to complete and submit it. Information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State resources and the Illinois Administrative Code.

What Is Form DSD CDTS 101?

Form DSD CDTS 101 is a one-page compliance certification issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department, Commercial Driver Training School Section. By signing the form, the school owner, partner, or associate affirms that all oral contracts and agreements with students have complied with—and will continue to comply with—the standards in Title 92 of the Illinois Administrative Code, Part 1065, Section 1065.50.

The current version of the form was printed in January 2023. It is a simple declaration that includes fields for the date, name of the school, and the signature of the authorized school representative. The form is submitted as part of the licensing or renewal process for an Enhanced Skills Driving School.

You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form DSD CDTS 101 (PDF).

Purpose of Enhanced Skills Driving Schools in Illinois

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/6-1001), an Enhanced Skills Driving School is defined as a school that teaches advanced driving techniques—such as emergency braking, crash avoidance, and defensive driving—to already-licensed drivers for a fee. These schools are distinct from standard commercial driver training schools that prepare students for Secretary of State licensing exams. All behind-the-wheel instruction must occur on private property, such as race-course facilities; instruction on public roadways is prohibited.

The Secretary of State licenses and regulates these schools to protect consumers and ensure safe training practices. Form DSD CDTS 101 helps demonstrate that the school follows transparent contracting rules when dealing with students.

Legal Requirements for Contracts Under Section 1065.50

Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Part 1065, Section 1065.50 sets clear rules for contracts between an Enhanced Skills Driving School and its students. The code states that all contracts or agreements for driving or classroom instruction must be in writing and must include specific elements:

  • A statement of the agreed price per hour or lesson and the terms of payment.
  • A declaration that the written agreement constitutes the entire contract and that no verbal assurances outside the document are binding.
  • The specific date, time, hours, and location where instruction will begin.
  • The name and address of both the school and the student, plus the number and type of all motor vehicle licenses held by the student.
  • A notice that the student may file a complaint with the Secretary of State, who can investigate and take action against the school or instructor.

Additional protections apply: schools may not transfer or assign a student contract without the student’s written consent. If the school fails to perform a material part of the agreement, it must refund money paid for the unperformed portion (unless the student violated a material term).

Form DSD CDTS 101 serves as the school’s formal certification that any oral agreements used also meet these standards. The form references Section 1065.50 directly and is required during the licensing process.

For the full text of the regulation, visit the official Illinois General Assembly site: Illinois Admin Code Section 1065.50.

Who Must File Form DSD CDTS 101?

Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other entity applying for or renewing an Enhanced Skills Driving School main license or branch office license must submit Form DSD CDTS 101. It is listed among the required application documents on the official Illinois Secretary of State Enhanced Skills Driver Training Schools page.

The form is signed by the school owner, partner, or associate. It is typically filed together with other required documents such as the main license application (DSD CDTS 98), insurance certificate (DSD CDTS 104), personal history schedule (DSD CDTS 102), and vehicle-related forms.

Official application information and the complete list of required forms are available at: Illinois SOS Enhanced Skills Driver Training Schools.

How to Complete and Submit Form DSD CDTS 101?

Completing the form is straightforward:

  1. Enter the current date.
  2. Print the full legal name of the Enhanced Skills Driving School.
  3. Have the owner, partner, or authorized associate sign the form.

The completed form should be mailed (along with other required application materials and fees) to:

Illinois Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Ln.
West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 630-520-9310

Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the license expiration date. The Commercial Driver Training Section will contact the applicant to schedule inspections after receiving a complete package.

Application fees (for a two-year license) currently include $500 for the commercial school fee and $70 per instructor. Always verify the latest fees and requirements on the official Illinois Secretary of State website, as they can change.

Related Forms and Additional Compliance Steps

Form DSD CDTS 101 is only one part of the licensing package. Schools must also maintain proper insurance (higher limits than standard driver training schools under 625 ILCS 5/6-1002), keep student instruction records for three years, ensure vehicles meet safety standards, and operate from a commercially zoned location with at least 150 square feet of office space.

Other commonly required forms include:

  • DSD CDTS 98 – Enhanced Skills Driving School Application for Main License
  • DSD CDTS 100 – Application for Branch Office License
  • DSD CDTS 103 – Application for Enhanced Skills Driving Instructor License
  • DSD CDTS 104 – Insurance Certificate
  • DSD CDTS 105 – Agreement Between Parties for Use of Vehicles

A full list of commercial driver training publications and forms is maintained by the Illinois Secretary of State: Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms.

Why Compliance Matters for U.S. Driving School Operators?

For operators in Illinois and those considering expanding into the state, strict adherence to contracting rules protects both the business and its students. Non-compliance can result in denial, suspension, or revocation of the school license. Clear written (or properly certified oral) agreements also reduce disputes over fees, schedules, and refunds—common sources of consumer complaints.

Because Enhanced Skills Driving Schools focus on advanced techniques for already-licensed drivers, they serve a specialized market. Demonstrating full regulatory compliance through documents such as Form DSD CDTS 101 builds credibility with students, insurers, and state regulators.

Where to Find Official and Current Information?

Always rely on primary government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements:

Regulations and forms can be updated. Before applying or renewing, contact the Commercial Driver Training Section at 630-520-9310 or check the official Illinois Secretary of State website for the latest versions and instructions.

By properly completing and filing Form DSD CDTS 101 along with all other required documents, Enhanced Skills Driving School operators in Illinois can demonstrate their commitment to transparent, lawful, and student-focused business practices.

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