- Updated for October 2024
- Based on 2024 IL commercial driver's license manual
Free Illinois CDL General Knowledge Test 2024 | IL
If you want to acquire a Commercial Driver’s License from the State of Illinois, you’re going to have to pass a general knowledge test. This test covers all aspects of commercial driving, from basic care of your vehicle to road skills, from cargo loading to correct behavior in an emergency. You’re going to have to get a minimum of 80% on this test to obtain your CDL license. The questions below are taken directly from the 2024 Illinois CDL manual; each question has a hint to help you and a detailed explanation of the answer. Good luck!
- Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
- Triple-checked for accuracy
What you need to know
What to expect on the actual IL DMV exam
questions
correct answers to pass
passing score
List of questions (classic view)
- The aggregate working load limit of your cargo tiedowns must be at least ______ times the weight of the cargo.
- When you first approach your vehicle, which of these should you look out for?
- When beginning a long downgrade, which of the following should NOT influence your choice of speed?
- When is it safe to remove the radiator cap?
- As you approach a work crew on the highway, you should
- Which of these statements about a spare tire is FALSE?
- What is the minimum tread depth for tires that are not front tires?
- Why might your brakes start to fade going downhill?
- When checking your vehicle's load, you must make sure it conforms to
- A GPS device
- What is the safest way to control your speed on a downgrade?
- Which of the following should make you reject a vehicle until it is corrected?
- If you smell exhaust fumes in the cab, what should you do?
- If you're driving a 30-foot vehicle below 40 miles per hour, how much following distance should you leave between you and the vehicle in front?
- What are blocking and bracing?
- What is the most important reason for your pre-trip inspection?
- Who is responsible for making sure all lights and mirrors are clean?
- If your vehicle catches fire, where should you pull over?
- What is the most important reason to signal well before you turn?
- Which of the following will not prevent distracted driving?
- If you start to become sleepy while driving, what should you do?
- Why do vehicles hauling hazardous materials need warning placards?
- Your truck's stopping distance will be shortest when it is
- Where can you find the maximum weight loading for a given tire pressure?
- How far into your trip should you make your first inspection of your cargo?
- When you check your tires, which of the following should NOT cause you concern?
- How should you check for leaks in hydraulic brakes?
- If there are two left turn lanes for you to choose from, you should
- Before performing Step 2 (Check Engine Compartment) of the seven-step inspection, you must check that
- How do you calculate the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you?
- Before descending a hill, you must be in the right gear because
- What is the best way to know what another driver is doing?
- You should NOT use your low-beam headlights
- When backing up, which side should you back toward?
- How many times should you shift gears while crossing railroad tracks?
- How often should you check your gauges (air pressure, temperature, etc.)?
- When you see a hazard ahead, what should you do?
- When double clutching, what should you do if you have difficulty getting into the next gear?
- How should you care for conscious accident victims?
- What's the most important tool you have for monitoring the condition of your vehicle on the road?
- You should have at least one tie-down for every ____ feet of cargo.
- You should NOT use water on a _______ fire.
- To pull away in snow or icy conditions, you should
- As you approach on- and off-ramps, you should remember
- Both federal and state law require __________ to inspect a commercial motor vehicle before a trip.
- Why should you make sure to keep your vehicle in the middle of your lane?
- Which of these substances can impair your ability to drive safely?
- You should downshift in advance before
- In very hot weather, how often should you inspect your tires?
- Your hands should be at the _______ o'clock positions on the steering wheel.
FAQs
To get a CDL in Illinois, start by obtaining a commercial learner's permit (CLP) after passing the required knowledge tests. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days, then complete CDL training (optional but recommended) and pass the skills test. Ensure you meet all medical and legal requirements.
The cost for a CDL in Illinois includes a $50 fee for the CDL, plus additional fees for endorsements and CDL training programs, if you choose to enroll in one.
In Illinois, CDL types include Class A (for combination vehicles), Class B (for heavy straight vehicles), and Class C (for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials).
The first step in getting a CDL in Illinois is to obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge tests for the type of vehicle you plan to drive.
CDL training duration in Illinois varies by program. Typically, it can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of training (full-time or part-time) and the specific requirements of the CDL class you are pursuing.
CDL school is not mandatory in Illinois, but it is highly recommended. Proper training can significantly increase your chances of passing the skills test and being better prepared for a career in commercial driving.
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