illinois
CDL Practice Test

Welcome to the Illinois CDL Practice Test site. This is a free site and you are able to take the tests as a study guide as you prepare for the Illinois CDL test. The topics covered in these practice tests are taken from the Illinois CDL book. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is a 50-minute time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 40

Select the statement that describes how you could damage the landing gear.

back under the trailer in a straight path

back under the trailer at an angle

have the trailer kingpin centered over the fifth wheel

have the tractor and trailer aligned

2 / 40

Which of the following is a reason that shippers package material?

All of these answers are correct.

Because it is the shipper's responsibility to determine whether or not a material is hazardous.

Because it is the shipper's responsibility to correctly label the transport vehicle with precautionary placards.

Because it is the shipper's responsibilty to choose the correct packaging for a material classified as "hazardous".

3 / 40

You should____in order to inspect the coupling.

have the fifth wheel jaws open

make sure the locking lever is in the open position

make sure to have space between the lower and upper fifth wheel

if necessary, use a flashlight

4 / 40

When arriving at the destination announce:

The next departure time.

All of these answers are correct.

The reason for stopping.

The location.

5 / 40

The best way to go into a curve is to decrease your speed going into the curve and then ____going through it.

ride the brake

none of the answers listed

shift down 2 gears

slightly accelerate

6 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to the center of gravity for tanks:

None of the answers listed.

The vehicle can turn over even when driving at the posted speed limit for curves.

The center of gravity is generally lower than with other large trucks.

The vehicle can handle higher speeds around curves than other large trucks.

7 / 40

This object releases the fifth wheel locking jaw to allow uncoupling.

The apron

The locking pins

The arm bar

The release arm

8 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to if a glad hand on the blue air line is missing a seal.

you should remove one from the red air line to use as a temporary replacement

there may be a service line air leak

there may be an emergency line air leak

it is not a big problem

9 / 40

What are the dividers that are inside tankers that have an opening at the bottom and top?

Bulkmets

Layers

Baffles

Taffles

10 / 40

The emergency air line is used to:

to alert emegency services when there is a problem

engage the trailer brakes when there is an air pressure loss

provide back up air pressure

engage the tractor's front brake when there is air pressure loss

11 / 40

How many different hazard classes are there?

12 / 40

What handling effect should you expect when your tank has baffles?

The surge will be slower than a tank without baffles.

There is no difference in handling when you have baffles.

There will not be as much side to side surge compared to a tank without baffles.

There will not be as much front to back surge compared to a tank without baffles.

13 / 40

A tractor should not be backed under a trailer until the whole air system is:

at a normal pressure

is between 50 and 80 psi

is between 40 and 60 psi

is at half of the maximum pressure

14 / 40

Select when you should use the parking brake:

when in residential areas

when you are leaving your vehicle for more than an hour

each time you leave your vehicle for any amount of time

with rare exception, every time you leave your vehicle

15 / 40

It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas is slippery?

wet-looking road

a shaded area

a bridge

all of these answers are correct

16 / 40

A bus has a GVWR of 22,000 pounds and seats 24 passengers. What CDL class is this vehicle?

Class A

Class B

Class D

Class C

17 / 40

In the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel, this object should have no missing pins or be loose when fully engaged.

Pintle hook

Kingpin

Rock jaw

Locking pins

18 / 40

The main reason you should pull the dolly out from under a trailer before disconnecting it from the trailer in front is:

to provide additional lateral stabilization to the front trailer

removing the dolly before uncoupling is not the correct procedure

it is possible that the dolly tow bar could fly up making it difficult to re-couple

so the rear-trailer's air brake system will stay charged and keep the trailer wheels locked to prevent rolling

19 / 40

What will probably happen if the converter dolly is still under the second trailer and the pintle hook is unhooked?

the engine brakes will unlock

the dolly tow bar could fly up

the air lines will explode

nothing will happen

20 / 40

Students exit the bus and walk:

Across the street.

At least 10 feet away from the side of the bus.

At least 8 feet away from the side of the bus.

The distance it takes to clear the danger zone.

21 / 40

The interlock system for the brake and accelerator on a transit coach may be used:

All of these answers are correct.

To replace the parking brake.

As a safety feature when the exit door is open.

To replace the rear door emergency buzzer.

22 / 40

While driving on a clear night with low beam headlights, you should be able to stop within:

The distance you will travel in the next 20 seconds.

2 lengths of your vehicle.

The distance you can see ahead of you.

Half of a football field.

23 / 40

In safe driving, what does communicating mean?

letting others know you are there by using turn signals, four way flashers, and horn

using a cb radio to let others know your intentions

all of these answers are correct

using hand signals

24 / 40

Make sure____when the front trailer supports are up and the trailer is sitting on the tractor.

neither of the answers listed

there is enough space for clearance between the landing gear and the tractor frame

both of the answers listed

there is enough space for clearance between the nose of the trailer and the tops of the tractor tires

25 / 40

Select the true statement about dual air brake systems:

they have a single set of air tanks and hoses

they require less time to build up air pressure

they are required to have two warning alarms

they have one set of controls for two air brake systems

26 / 40

How often should you check the cargo you are transporting?

every 150 miles or every three hours

all of these answers are correct

after every break you take during driving

within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip

27 / 40

What position should the tractor protection control valve be in after coupling?

normal

raised

lowered

mid position

28 / 40

Why do air brakes take longer to stop than hydraulic brakes?

none of the answers listed

longer reaction time

the lines are hotter

it takes more time for the air to flow through the lines

29 / 40

Never refuel your bus:

With a higher grade of fuel.

Without a static chain.

With any of the windows open.

In a closed building with passengers on board.

30 / 40

Select whether the following statement is true or false: Front wheel brakes are good to use in all conditions.

true

false

only in bad weather

only in ideal conditions

31 / 40

When there is a hazardous materials emergency. You should:

All of these answers are correct.

Prevent smoking and keep open flames away.

Keep people away and warn them of the danger.

Contact emergency authorities.

32 / 40

Select the true statement:

None of the answers listed.

Lighter vehicles requiring more braking power to stop compared to heavier vehicles.

Wait as long as possible to brake when driving a heavy vehicle.

A "bobtail" tractor will take longer to stop than a combination vehicle that is fully loaded down to the maximum weight.

33 / 40

Which trailer should be the first one after the tractor?

none of the answers listed

the trailer that weighs the least

the trailer that is the shortest in length

the trailer that weighs the most

34 / 40

Should your air compressor stop working:

you will lose your ability to brake immediately

there will be no affect to your brakes

there will still be air pressure left in the air tanks

the brakes will lock up on you immediately

35 / 40

How often should you drain your air tanks?

at the end of each shift

at the end of each trip

at the end of each week

at the beginning of each month

36 / 40

Select the action that is not appropriate when driving on slippery roads:

use a speed retarder or engine brake

none of the answers listed

use a light pressure on the brake and accelerator pedals

avoid having traffic in your side space

37 / 40

How do you test the trailer service brakes?

apply the hand control and check to see if you feel the trailer brakes come on

apply pressure to the brake pedal

release air to the spring brakes

test the brakes out while driving at 5 mph

38 / 40

What should you do before you begin to couple?

inspect the condition of the frame of the tractor

activate the spring brakes

position the fifth wheel beforehand

check your path for any hazards

39 / 40

When inspecting the ______you are making sure that the lines and hoses are not chafed, cut, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.

mud flaps

lifts/door/ties

electric/air lines

air brake lines

40 / 40

Select the false statement about suspension:

Check for distorted or broken coil springs.

Check for shifted, missing, or cracked leaf springs.

Check for broken or cracked spring hangers.

Check to make sure torsion bars and/or arms are lubricated.

Your score is

The average score is 60%

5/5 - (2 votes)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get An illinois Commercial Drivers License

Applicants can apply for their CDL and any endorsements they wish at the age of 21 years old. Those under the age of 21, but over the age of 18 are eligible to receive an in-state only CDL. Those under 21 are not eligible for driving hazmat vehicles or transporting passengers. All applicants must supply a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate and pass the CDL vision test in order to be qualified to receive their CDL. All applicants are required to pass a vision test, knowledge test(s), and a practical skills assessment in order to be considered for a CDL license.

Any applicant that is described by any of the sentences below is considered disqualified from getting their CDL.

A driver that has their commercial driving privileges revoked in another state.
Any driver convicted of driving impaired in a commercial vehicle in the past 24 months.
A driver that possess more than one driver’s license.
Any driver whose license is currently denied, canceled, suspended, or revoked.

Endorsements
L – Air Brake Restriction
X – Combination
P – Passenger
C – Charter Bus
T – Doubles/Triples
H – Hazardous Materials
S – School Bus
N – Tank

Hit the Open Road

illinois CDL License Test Tips

The written exam or knowledge test is required of all CDL applicants. This exam is comprised of 50 specific questions about commercial driving. Those applying for endorsements must complete an additional knowledge test for that endorsement. These tests are between 20 and 30 questions. Those who are applying for a Class A CDL must complete an additional 20 questions about combination vehicles. All knowledge tests must be passed with a grade of 80 percent or more for an applicant to receive their CDL permit.

The Illinois CDL skills assessment must be completed by an applicant. Each assessment includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving test. The on-road driving test includes real-life driving instances, such as low clearance bridges, downgrading for a stop, increasing gears, curves, expressways, and other instances. These are mean to ensure the applicant is fully capable of driving a commercial vehicle safely.

Additional Information

Information on the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State

The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State is responsible for the administration of the CDL requirements and testing in Illinois. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/CDL/cdl.html

Phone: 800.252.8980

Additional Illinois CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access more valuable Illinois CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of Illinois.

illinois CDL Practice Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get An illinois Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

illinois CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State

Additional Illinois CDL Helpful Links

illinois
CDL Practice Test