A few questions.

[tricky1]

I'm just wondering how this works.

Quoting from the Illinois CDL Manual

The fee for a CDL is $60. The fee for a CDL permit is $50. This includes $10 for
the basic driver’s license, $24 for the CDL, $6 to cover the cost of the national
commercial driver’s license information system, and $20 for the Motor Carrier
Safety Inspection Fund. A $5 fee is assessed for CDL holders who wish to
change classifications or endorsements.

So is the total $60 or will it be $110($50 for permit and $60 license)

I'm self-studying for my CDL and have a O/O willing to train me and let me drive for him. I have been averaging 90% on the online practice tests.

Will I be okay with General Knowledge, Combos, and Air Brakes as my only endorsements? I know the more I have the more potential there is for jobs.

I'm 20 right now so if I get my CDL now I could get some local(in-state) runs from him and get some experience, after I turn 21 in about 8 months I'd be set for some OTR action. Sound like a good plan?

[Sevenn]

I am a long ways from IL and not familiar with their fees. I will say, however, that you should include your HazMat endorsement. If you picture yourself sometime down the road having a family and wanting to spend time at home, get your doubles/triples endorsement as well. That will allow you to enter the freight hauling world. Good luck.

[Traveler]

Hey tricky, it's been along time since I had my permit here in Illinois but if I recall they don't double dip you on the fees. You pay 50.00 for the permit and then when you get your license you pay the other ten. Unless you are getting Hazardous Materials on your license,then it will be an additional 90.00 dollars for the background check. Each one of you endorsements will also cost ten dollars. Example: Class A CDL with airbrakes = 50.00 + 10.00, If you decided to get doubles and triples = 10.00, Tanker = 10.00, Bus(passenger) 10.00 (You will also need to take a charter endorsement if you plan on driving school buses. 10.00, and Hazmat 10.00 + 90.00 for background check. The rule is don't get an endorsement you won't need or use, until you need it. Hope I was at least a little help. If you have any questions call the Sec. Of the State of Illinois branch office near you and they can tell you exactly what you need to do and how much it will cost.

[here_and_back]

i would say if you're going to get your cdls, go ahead and get your haz-mat if nothing else. it will open more doors for you in the future. The way things are going you never know how much more the hm endorsement will cost if you wait until you need it.