Commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, are challenging to maneuver around other vehicles, turns, and narrow roads. Driving a commercial truck safely requires adequate training and knowledge of safe operations.
Prospective truck drivers must successfully complete driving and skills tests and obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Federal Requirements for Truck Driver Applicants
Anyone applying to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in intrastate, interstate, or foreign commercial must meet various requirements under state and federal law.
The requirements to obtain a CDL in Illinois include:
- Being at least 18 to drive a CMV within the state or at least 21 to transport passengers or operate in interstate commerce
- Providing proof of being a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or non-domiciled resident to transfer a CDL from another state
- Paying the necessary CDL fee
- Successfully passing a Combination Knowledge, General Core Knowledge, and Air Brake Knowledge written test along with applicable Endorsement Knowledge tests required to drive the desired truck
- Holding a temporary or permanent commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before scheduling a CDL skills/drive testing appointment
- Passing the drive/skills testing in a vehicle representing the vehicle the applicant intends to operate
Applicants must also meet federal requirements, such as:
- Certifying the vehicle during the driving test represents the type of vehicle they intend to operate or drive
- Submitting information the state requires to apply for a CDL
- Listing every state in which they held a license to operate a motor vehicle within the last ten years
- Passing a skills or driving test in a motor vehicle representing the one they intend to operate and showing proof of successful completion
- Surrendering any CLP and non-CDL license they hold in their state of employment
- Meeting the Transportation Security Administration requirements to apply for a hazardous materials endorsement
- Showing proof of domicile in the state where they’re applying for a license
- Certifying they don’t have disqualifications under state law or licensing in more than one jurisdiction or state and that the disqualification of driver’s regulation doesn’t apply
- Proving they are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with the appropriate documentation
State law requires commercial drivers to renew their CDL before the expiration date every four years.
Entry-Level Driver Training Program
Anyone who obtains a CLP on or after February 7, 2022, must complete the entry-level driver training (ELDT) program with a registered training provider to obtain a CDL. They must receive at least an 80 percent score on a theory instruction assessment. It includes topics such as:
- Basic operation
- Advanced operation procedures
- Vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions
- Safe operating procedures
- Non-driving activities
Prospective drivers must also complete behind-the-wheel (BTW) training by operating a commercial motor vehicle on a range or public road. The vehicle must be in the same group as the truck they plan to drive during the CDL skills test. They must demonstrate basic vehicle control skills and a mastery of basic maneuvers. Using a simulator to meet the BTW requirement is prohibited.
Regulations don’t mandate a minimum number of hours for theory instruction or BTW training. Trainees must show their understanding of the curriculum and proficiency in operating a commercial truck.
Completing the ELDT isn’t a requirement if a commercial driver:
- Holds a CLP issued before February 7, 2022
- Passes the written test for a Hazardous Material endorsement before February 7, 2022
- Holds an out-of-state CDL and applies for an equal or lesser class CDL and endorsements
- Applies for a Covered Farm Vehicle Driver or Farm Vehicle Driver non-CDL Class A
- Has a military skills waiver or even exchange on file
- Holds a CDL and removes the air brake or transmission restrictions
Establishing Liability for a Truck Accident
The truck driver isn’t the only person who can be at fault for an accident with a commercial truck. Multiple parties might be liable depending on the circumstances. Anyone involved in the upkeep or operations of a commercial truck can be liable for a crash, such as:
- Cargo loading company
- Truck driver
- Vehicle or parts manufacturer
- Motor carrier
- Repair or maintenance employee
- Owner of the cab or trailer
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Spiros Law, P.C. Now
Truck accidents are often destructive and lead to debilitating injuries. The at-fault party should be financially responsible for the injured person’s medical treatment and other expenses.
Spiros Law, P.C. fights for accident victims in Kankakee, IL. We believe in holding people and companies accountable for harming others. We dedicate our time to developing close relationships with our clients so that we can provide personalized representation.
If you sustained injuries in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, call the Kankakee truck accident attorneys at (815) 929-9292 for a free consultation today. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
