Illinois now offers written CDL tests in Spanish: Secretary of State

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — To help reverse truck and bus driver shortages and to increase access to the job, the written Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test can now be taken in Spanish, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Monday.

More than 20 states offer Spanish CDL tests. Illinois will now not only offer this, but can also provide CDL study guide materials in Spanish.

“Offering the CDL test in Spanish is one of the many steps our office is taking to ensure our services are as accessible and inclusive as possible,” Giannoulias said. “This change will help qualified individuals whose primary language is Spanish to become licensed drivers and will help us address school bus and truck driver shortages across the state while maintaining stringent testing standards.”

With the change, the candidates who primarily speak Spanish will now be able to better understand CDL tests, Giannoulias said. The translation does not affect the content of the tests or materials, and applicants still must meet all other requirements to receive a CDL — including having U.S. citizenship, legal residency status, or being a non-domiciled driver.

The new language offer will not apply to road tests and pre-trip inspections. These still must be taken in English to showcase an understanding of basic verbal instructions, as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Giannoulias said there are currently more than 378,500 drivers with valid CDLs in Illinois. To make an appointment to receive a CDL, go online or call 217-785-3013.

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