Question:
I am an English truck driver with a class 1 driving licence which is an equivilent licence to a class a CDL. I have been told that I need to hold an American car licence for 6 months before I am able to take my CDL. If you have any information that you think might be helpful to me about anything i need to know about myself and my family moving over to Illinois I would be very greatful.
Thanks Mark.
mark

Answer:
Welcome Mark. I couldn't find any such requirement. This may help with your quest...
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/cdl/cdl.html
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/acceptable_id.html
Mike
Answer:
im just going on the hearsay of the lady i spoke to at schneider, but im over in july hopeforly i can find out more then. thanks for coming back with all the information,it will come in handy,mark.
mark

Answer:
Spurs Fan,not too sure about Illinois,but when I apllied for my CDL in Arizona I had to show proof that I held a car licence for at least 12 months.
What was needed was a letter from the original licencing authority(I.e.Australian, in your case British)that is specific in details of when you first obtained your car licence and any other licences that are relevant.
Still had to do the car licence test,backing,stopping at stop signs etc as well as the written test.Then on to the CDL test.Make sure you read and understand the CDL book as it covers a lot of subjects and dont be too blase in skimming through it because you are an established trucker,as it is very thorough on a lot of vehicle related topics.
Good luck!