CDL computerized tests, road and skills tests are only administered in the English language. To request an oral CDL computerized test at a facility equipped with automated written testing equipment, you must contact the facility manager.
Written/Knowledge Tests
You will have to take one or more knowledge tests depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. There are nine (9) different CDL written tests. An applicant is required to correctly answer 80% of the questions to pass the written CDL tests.
The CDL knowledge tests include:
- The general knowledge test is required for all applicants wishing to obtain a CDL. There are 30 questions. (Study Sections 1, 2 & 3 of the publications CDL Study Guide.)
CDL applicants, who fail any CDL examination(s) three (3) times, will be required to wait 30 days from the date of the 3rd failure, three additional failures (a total of 6 failures) of the same test(s) will result in a 90 day waiting period. Three additional failures ( a total of 9 failures) of the same test(s) after the 90 day waiting period will result in a one year waiting period from date of last fail. The waiting periods only apply to the test(s) failed three times.
- Effective May 1, 2008, Out of State applicants must take all CDL written and road exams to secure an Illinois CDL.
- A CDL instruction permit expires after 1 year from issuance. All CDL written tests will need to be retaken to renew the instruction permit.
- The Air brakes test is required if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes. There are 25 questions. (Study Section 5 of the CDL Study Guide.) NOTE: An "L" restriction is placed on a CDL when an individual is not able to operate a vehicle that is equipped with airbrakes. To qualify to operate a vehicle equipped with airbrakes, an applicant must successfully pass the written air brake test and take the CDL skills test in a vehicle equipped with airbrakes. To remove an "L" restriction from a CDL, an airbrake written test and a drive test in a vehicle equipped with airbrakes is required.
- The combination vehicle test is required if you wish to drive combination vehicles. There are 20 questions. (Study Section 6 of the CDL Study Guide.)
- The passenger endorsement test is required if you will drive a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver). There are 20 questions. (Study Section 4 of the CDL Study Guide.)
- The school bus endorsement test is required if you will drive a yellow school bus transporting students to and from school and to and from school related functions. There are 20 questions.
- The charter bus endorsement test is required to operate a bus transporting students involved in school sponsored activities. There are 20 questions.
- The hazardous materials test is required if you wish to operate a vehicle transporting hazardous material that requires placarding. There are 30 questions. NOTE: The hazardous materials endorsement written test must be successfully completed each time you renew your CDL. (Study Section 9 of the CDL Study Guide.)
- The tank endorsement test is required to operate a vehicle designed to carry any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis. There are 20 questions. (Study Section 8 of the CDL Study Guide.)
- The doubles/triple endorsement test is required if you will operate double or triple trailers. There are 20 questions. (Study Section 7 of the CDL Study Guide.)
Road/Skills Test
After passing the required written tests, an applicant may be required to complete the CDL skills tests which consist of a vehicle pre-trip inspection test, basic controls skills test and a road test.
- The Pre-trip inspection is a walk-around inspection to make sure the vehicle is safe to operate. You will not be required to crawl under the vehicle or reach into the engine. (Study Section 10 of the CDL Study Guide.)
- The basic controls skills test contains four maneuvers: straight line backing, stop at line, measured right turn and angled backing/simulated docking. (Study Section 11 of the CDL Study Guide.)
- The road test is administered on an established drive route. The examiner scores you on specific driving maneuvers, use of mirrors, blinkers, clutch (if applicable), and your handling of the vehicle in traffic.
Each portion of the skills tests must be taken in a vehicle representative of the license classification you wish to obtain. Proof of insurance is required for every vehicle before the performance tests may be administered.
How to Schedule a CDL Skills Test – By Computer or by Phone
Before an individual can schedule a CDL skills test, he/she must successfully pass all required written tests.
You may now schedule a road test online. Schedule a CDL Appointment Now! This service is available 24 hours.
To schedule a CDL skills test for the South Holland, Elk Grove and West Chicago facilities by phone, please call (630) 293-1191, Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 p.m. You will be accessing a menu driven phone system, so please listen carefully to the instructions.
To schedule an appointment for any other CDL facility, please call (217) 785-3013, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m.
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