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Free Illinois CDL Combination Practice Test 2025

Average pass rate for CDL tests in Illinois: 64%.
Average pass rate for this test: 53%.
Hard
9 min
Score distribution:
90-100=>9%
80-89=>18%
70-79=>25%
60-69=>30%
<60%=>18%
Avg. first-try score: 66%

We’re glad you decided to take our free Illinois CDL Combination practice test! This practice test will help you prepare to pass the official CDL Combination Vehicles knowledge test. You should start by studying Section 6 (Combination Vehicles) of the official Illinois Commercial Driver’s License Study Guide (Illinois CDL Handbook 2025). Then by taking this practice test, you’ll absorb the relevant material and become more accustomed to being tested on it. The practice test is based on the official state CDL Study Guide, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of December, 2025 and has 30 multiple-choice questions. The questions and answers on this practice test will assess your understanding of such topics as combination braking systems, driving techniques, pre-trip inspections, and rollovers. However, this practice test differs from the official knowledge test in the extra features it provides to help you learn, including a hint and an explanation of the correct answer for each question, and an automated assistant for even more help.

Free Illinois CDL Combination Practice Test 2025
IL commercial driver's license
Based on the official IL CDL HandbookHandbook‑based (2025) + exam‑taker feedback
63 IL students practicing now
823completed today

Accuracy & authorship

Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Reviewed for legal and handbook accuracy:

Steven Litvintchouk

M.S., Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)

Last verified for accuracy on

Andrei Zakhareuski, Co-founder & CEO at Driving-Tests.org

Test design and learning experience oversight:

Andrei Zakhareuski

Co-founder & CEO, Driving-Tests.org

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. One of 4 free Illinois tests. ~9 min. Read explanations as you go.
  2. Cover more ground. All tests have different questions - no repeats.
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions from the current handbook + real test-taker patterns. Explanations cite the manual.
  • AI Assistant explains tricky items in plain language.
  • Performance Insights show your weak topics and what to study next.
  • Challenge Bank™ saves your mistakes for targeted practice.

Actual DMV permit test: What to expect?

The Illinois permit test has 20 questions. You must get 16 correct (80%) to pass.
  • Where: Any Illinois DMV office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Retake after 24 hours.
  • Commonly missed: right-of-way at intersections, distracted driving and mobile device restrictions.
  • Ready to schedule? Book your IL DMV appointment

About the Illinois CDL

There are three classes of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs): Class A, Class B, and Class C. A Class A CDL allows you to operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the unit being towed is over 10,000 pounds. To drive semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, this is the class of CDL you want.

All aspiring commercial drivers must pass the General Knowledge written test. But to obtain a Class A CDL and drive semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, you must also pass the Combination Vehicles knowledge test. Otherwise, your CDL will include a restriction prohibiting you from operating tractor-trailers, which would defeat the purpose of obtaining a Class A CDL. In fact, if you don’t pass that knowledge test, you won’t even be allowed to practice driving tractor-trailers.

Once you obtain a CDL and all the endorsements you need, you can start earning money as a commercial driver. Illinois (especially the Joliet/Elwood area) has one of the greatest intermodal transportation hubs in the country, including extensive rail and highway networks and airports for air freight. Illinois is a leading agricultural producer of corn, soybeans, and livestock. In addition, Illinois is also a leading manufacturing state. Major manufacturing sectors include chemicals, machinery, and food products. Truck drivers transport all these and other products.

Major trucking routes include but are not limited to Interstates 55, 57, 80, 90, and 94; U.S. Routes 20, 30, and 51; and Illinois Route 53.

We know what it takes to pass. And we’ve got the proof.

Driver’s Ed is - nobody wants to set foot inside the DMV. That’s why millions of learners trust us for simple, visual, effective prep.

An official & trusted partner in driver education

We are an officially recognized FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training provider and a proud partner to over 2,500 libraries. We work with safety organizations like GHSA and the National Safety Council to help create safer roads for everyone.

A smarter way to study

Challenge Bank™

Our trademarked system automatically saves questions you miss, creating personalized tests that target your weak spots until you’ve mastered the material.

AI-powered feedback

Get smarter as you study. Our new AI-powered feedback provides detailed, question-level insights to help you understand the why behind each answer.

Interactive handbook

Go beyond the boring black-and-white manual. Our interactive handbook lets you read, listen with an MP3 audio version, or even chat with it to find the information you need, faster.