Illinois CDL Practice Test

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This Illinois CDL practice test includes 20 multiple choice questions based on information in the official commercial driver’s license handbook. 

You’ll receive instant feedback after each question and answer. And you can restart the quiz or refresh the page for a completely new version. Take as many practice tests as you need to!

About the Illinois CDL Written Tests

All of the information on the Illinois CDL knowledge exam come from the official CDL handbook. 

You can find the official copy from the Illinois SOS here: Download Illinois Commercial Driver’s License Handbook

The knowledge tests you’ll need to take and pass depend on the Class of CDL you are applying for and the endorsements you plan to get. 

At the very least, all CDL applicants in Illinois will need to pass the CDL general knowledge exam, which is based on Sections 1 through Section 3 in the CDL manual. 

You’ll be tested on questions about:

• General Trucking Knowledge.
• Driving a Commercial Vehicle Safely.
• Transporting Cargo Safely.

Here’s what you need to know about the Illinois CDL general knowledge exam:

• There are a total of 50 questions.
• There is a time limit of 60 minutes to take the test. 
• You must get a score of 80% or 40 correct answers to pass.

Which CDL tests do you need to pass in Illinois?

The CDL knowledge tests you need to take in Illinois depend on which Class of CDL you’re applying for and which endorsements you need. The CDL written tests you may need to take include:

• General knowledge test for all applicants.
• The air brakes test if you want to operate a commercial vehicle equipped with air brakes.
  • Take a free air brakes practice test.
• The combination vehicles test if you want to drive combination vehicles (i.e. Class A CDL and commercial vehicles pulling trailers).
  • Take a free combination vehicles practice test.
• The passenger transport test if you plan to drive a bus.
  • Take a free passenger transport practice test.
• The school bus test if you plan to drive a school bus.
  • Take a free school bus practice test.
• The doubles/triples test if you plan to drive combination vehicles with two or more trailers.
  • Take a free doubles/triples practice test.
• The tanker test if you plan to transport liquid or gas cargo.
  • Take a free tanker endorsement practice test.
• The hazardous materials test if you plan to transport hazmat cargo.
  • Take a free HazMat practice test.

If you plan on taking multiple CDL knowledge and endorsement tests on the same day, you should plan to give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to take the tests. 

How to Get a CDL in Illinois

To be eligible for a commercial driver’s license in Illinois, you must:

• Be an Illinois resident. 
• Be at least 18 years old to drive within Illinois.
• Be at least 21 years old to drive interstate. 
• Already hold a valid, noncommercial Illinois driver’s license.

As part of your application, you’ll need to submit:

• A completed application for a CDL.
• Proof of your age and identity. 
• Proof of your Social Security Number. 
• Proof of your residency in the state. 
• Certified medical documents and paperwork. 
• Any necessary background checks. 
• Payment for your Commercial Learner’s Permit and Testing Fees.

The first step towards getting your commercial driver’s license is your Illinois Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). To get the CLP you’ll need to:

• Visit the DMV.
• Submit your application, identification, residency, and medical documents, and pay the necessary fees.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass the CDL general knowledge test and any necessary written tests for endorsements you’ll be applying for. 

After you pass the tests, you’ll receive your Illinois commercial learner’s permit, which is valid for 180 days.

With your learner’s permit, you’ll be able to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a supervising instructor and prepare for your road test. 

You’ll be eligible to take your CDL skills test after you’ve held the CLP for at least 14 days. 

You will either take your skills test through the DMV or an authorized testing facility. You’ll need to take and pass the test in the type of commercial vehicle that corresponds with your CDL Class and any endorsements. 

Fees for your Illinois CDL may include:

• $50 CLP fee.
• $60 CDL fee.
• $5 endorsement fee.