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

The correct trailer height when coupling the rear trailer is:

slightly lower than the center of the fifth wheel

the kingpin is touching the fifth wheel

when the locking jaws are open around the kingpin

there is 5 inches of space between the lower and upper fifth wheel

2 / 40

A tank trailer should never be fully loaded due to:

The baffles aren't as effective.

The will be more shifting of the load.

The movement is stronger.

The liquid can expand causing a leak from the trailer.

3 / 40

Select the factor that has no effect on how much liquid you can carry:

The liquid's weight.

The legal amount of weight you can carry of any particular liquid.

How much the liquid will expand in transport.

The density of the liquid.

4 / 40

At a railroad crossing, the bus is required to stop at the stop line. If there is no clearly marked stop line, what is the required minimum and maximum stopping distance?

No closer than 15 feet and no further than 50 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 10 feet and no further than 40 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 15 feet and no further than 30 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 10 feet and no further than 60 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

5 / 40

This item should not be rusted, bent, or damaged and centered over evenly spaced tires and dual wheels.

Spacers

Lug bolts

Frame

Fifth wheel

6 / 40

The emergency air line is _____and the service air line is____.

red, green

red, blue

white, blue

yellow, white

7 / 40

When stopping for railroad tracks, you must stop no closer than how many feet before the nearest track?

8 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

the heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

9 / 40

Play of the steering wheel should not exceed:

15 degrees

5 degrees

10 degrees

30 degrees

10 / 40

The reason a bulk liquid tanker is hard to handle is:

Because the cargo has a low center of gravity.

Because the cargo has a high density.

Because the cargo has a high center of gravity.

Because of the high friction point.

11 / 40

When transporting hazardous waste, you must:

All of these answers are correct.

Have the word "waste" before the name of the material on the bills.

Carry a uniform hazardous waste manifest in the truck.

Sign a uniform hazardous waste manifest.

12 / 40

Double and triple trailers should be driven with care to avoid a rollover or jacknife.

true

false

only on downgrades

only in ideal conditions

13 / 40

You should activate hazard lights within approximately how many feet before railroad crossing?

200 feet

400 feet

250 feet

300 feet

14 / 40

Select which is not a mandatory emergency equipment:

A rated and properly charged fire extinguisher.

Tire changing equipment.

Extra electrical fuses.

6 fuses, 3 red reflective triangles, or 3 liquid burning flares.

15 / 40

The container for the mechanism that transforms the steering column action into wheel action is:

Steering linkage

Air brake system

Locking pin

Steering hoses/box

16 / 40

Cylinders containing compressed gases may only be loaded onto a vehicle without a flat floor or platform if the cylinders are:

In boxes that will keep them from turning over.

All of these answers are correct.

Loaded in an upright or horizontal position.

Loaded into racks attached to the vehicle.

17 / 40

Some city transit buses may have a brake-door interlock system, this system:

Works when the rear door is open.

Should be used in emergencies.

Should be used in place of the parking brake.

Releases the brakes.

18 / 40

The driver's manual advises you to disconnect the steering axle brake to keep the rig straight:

whever you feel like it

when it is raining

in ideal conditions

never

19 / 40

Which of the following statements about the bus interior is false?

If there is a red emergency door light, it must work.

If you use your outside lights, you don't need to turn on red emergency door light.

Never drive with an open emergency exit door or window.

The seats must be safe for riders all seats must be securely fastened to the bus.

20 / 40

If there is not a sight glass to check the oil level you are required to look for leaks around the _____.

brake pads

wheel rims

axle seals/hub oil

transmission

21 / 40

To inspect the______you should pump the pedal 3 times and hold it down for 5 seconds while making sure the pedal doesn't move during those 5 seconds.

hydraulic brakes

engine brakes

air brakes

parking brakes

22 / 40

You must carry a gas mask with you when transporting:

Chlorine

Liquid gas

Poison

Flammable materials

23 / 40

Select the true statement about dual air brake systems.

one system controls the front axle and the other controls the rear axle

there is a primary system and a secondary system

there is a single set of brake controls

all of these answers are correct

24 / 40

Remember to_____when steering to avoid a crash while driving doubles.

keep your foot off the brake while turning

all answers listed

have both hands on the steering wheel

be prepared to counter-steer

25 / 40

The blind spot behind the bus could extend to how many feet?

100 feet

400 feet

300 feet

200 feet

26 / 40

Where can you find a shipper’s certification?

There is no such thing.

It is a separate document that all hazmat drivers must keep in their vehicles.

On all packages.

On the original shipping paper.

27 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

all of these answers are correct

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

28 / 40

You should_____to make an emergency stop with air brakes when using the stab braking method.

rapidly and lightly pump the brake pedal

apply a full hand valve until you stop and press firmly on the brake pedal

apply pressure to the brake pedal until the wheels lock and then stay off of the pedal for as long as the wheels are locked

apply a firm pressure to the brakes, release the brake pedal once the wheels lock and then apply pressure to the brakes onces the wheels start rolling again

29 / 40

For any flatbed load you must have at least ____ tie downs.

six

two

four

one

30 / 40

A safe haven is ______.

an approved place for parking attended vehicles loaded with flammable materials

an approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with radioactive materials

an approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with explosive materials

an approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with corrosive materials

31 / 40

With the controlled braking method, you _____?

apply the brakes all the way until the wheels lock up, release the brakes and apply them again when the wheels start to roll again

repeatedly tap the brakes as fast as you can

lightly apply braking pressure

apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels

32 / 40

Make sure that____when the front trailer supports are up and the trailer is resting on the tractor.

there is enough clearance between the lower and upper fifth wheel

the safety latch is in the open position

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

the kingpin has been removed

33 / 40

The safety valve is usually set to open at:

75 psi

150 psi

125 psi

225 psi

34 / 40

What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?

all of these answers are correct

someone might try to pass you on your right

you might damage your leaf springs

someone might try to pass you on your left

35 / 40

What position should the heaviest trailer be in when pulling 3 trailers?

in the front

it makes no difference

in the middle

in the back

36 / 40

The transport index of a radioactive material:

Is something that only the shipper needs to worry about.

Is another way of writing the weight of the package.

None of these answers are correct.

Tells the degree of control needed during transportation.

37 / 40

Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?

stay off the brake pedal

hold the steering wheel firmly

you need to be aware that a tire has failed

engage the brakes hard and immediately

38 / 40

A "transport index" relates to products that are:

Meant for human consumption

Overweight

Radioactive

Liquid

39 / 40

Off-tracking happens when going around a corner and:

the front part of the trailer pulls to the right

the rear wheels follow the front wheels in a straight path

the rear wheels follow a different pathway than that of the front wheels

the rear part of the trailer goes into the shoulder

40 / 40

Before backing under the trailer after connecting the air lines you should:

supply air to the trailer system and then pull the air supply knob out

take a walk around the vehicle to make sure it is clear of obstructions

have a random pedestrian direct your path of travel

double check to make sure the trailer brakes are off

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