Knowledge Test Class A
This license is required for driving any legal combination of vehicles, with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of a trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds. To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. Test questions come from the Illinois Commercial Drivers License Study Guide. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination Vehicles, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving. Endorsements that may be used with a Class A CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, Doubles/Triples, HazMat, Tank, Air Brakes, School bus and Charter.
Number of Question
Passing Score
8. When taking the basic control skills test, drivers are:
Explanation
During the basic vehicle control skills test, you must place the vehicle in neutral and set the parking brake before exiting the vehicle to check its position. You may check the position of the vehicle no more than twice, except during the straight line backing exercise, where you may look no more than once.
9. Header boards:
Explanation
Front-end header boards, also known as "headache racks," protect the driver from cargo moving in the event of a crash or emergency stop.
10. Belts in the engine compartment should be:
Explanation
When inspecting your vehicle's engine, check the belts for tightness and excessive wear. The amount of "give" that is safe for each belt in a given engine will vary, so learn what is appropriate for your vehicle.
11. When doing an inspection, make sure your brake pads are:
Explanation
Potential problems to check for when inspecting brakes include cracked drums; shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.
12. Without securing a load on a flatbed trailer, cargo may:
Explanation
On flatbed trailers and trailers without sides, cargo must be secured to prevent it from shifting or falling in transit.
13. When changing lanes, you should:
Explanation
Always check your mirrors and use the proper signal when changing lanes. Be sure there is enough space for your entire vehicle in the next lane before you begin moving.
14. Using an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS):
Explanation
An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. While it provides better control, it does not necessarily shorten a vehicle's stopping distance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is a type of license that allows individuals to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, including the weight of the vehicle being towed. This license is required for driving tractor-trailers, tanker vehicles, flatbeds, and large buses. In Illinois, a Class A CDL also allows drivers to operate vehicles in Class B and C categories.
With a Class A CDL license in Illinois, you can operate the following types of vehicles:
1. Combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed weighs over 10,000 pounds.
2. Tractor-trailers: A vehicle combination that includes a tractor unit and one or more trailers.
3. Tanker vehicles: Vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers.
4. Livestock carriers: Vehicles designed to transport live animals.
5. Flatbeds: Trucks that have an open cargo area without sides or a roof and are used to transport heavy or oversized items.
6. Large buses: Vehicles designed to transport more than 16 passengers, including the driver.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials (Hazmat) or passenger transport.
1. Combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed weighs over 10,000 pounds.
2. Tractor-trailers: A vehicle combination that includes a tractor unit and one or more trailers.
3. Tanker vehicles: Vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers.
4. Livestock carriers: Vehicles designed to transport live animals.
5. Flatbeds: Trucks that have an open cargo area without sides or a roof and are used to transport heavy or oversized items.
6. Large buses: Vehicles designed to transport more than 16 passengers, including the driver.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials (Hazmat) or passenger transport.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Illinois or 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Have a valid Illinois driver's license.
3. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
4. Pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
5. Pass a written knowledge test, which covers general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles.
6. Pass a skills test, which consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Pay the required fees for the CDL license and any endorsements that you may need.
8. Provide proof of residency in Illinois if you are not a U.S. citizen.
9. Disclose your driving history for the past 10 years, including any violations or convictions.
10. Pass a background check and fingerprinting.
It's important to note that additional requirements may apply depending on your specific situation or the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
1. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Illinois or 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Have a valid Illinois driver's license.
3. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
4. Pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
5. Pass a written knowledge test, which covers general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles.
6. Pass a skills test, which consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Pay the required fees for the CDL license and any endorsements that you may need.
8. Provide proof of residency in Illinois if you are not a U.S. citizen.
9. Disclose your driving history for the past 10 years, including any violations or convictions.
10. Pass a background check and fingerprinting.
It's important to note that additional requirements may apply depending on your specific situation or the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
In Illinois, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL license is 18 years old. However, if you plan to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old. Additionally, some companies may have their own age requirements for hiring CDL drivers. It's important to note that younger drivers may face more restrictions and additional training requirements than older drivers.
Yes, you may need endorsements for your Class A CDL license depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate and the cargo you plan to transport. The following endorsements are available in Illinois:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: Required for drivers who plan to tow double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: Required for drivers who plan to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: Required for drivers who plan to transport liquids or gases in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials, as defined by the Department of Transportation.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who plan to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in tanks.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to that endorsement. Some endorsements may also require additional training or certifications.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: Required for drivers who plan to tow double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: Required for drivers who plan to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: Required for drivers who plan to transport liquids or gases in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials, as defined by the Department of Transportation.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who plan to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in tanks.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to that endorsement. Some endorsements may also require additional training or certifications.
The Class A CDL skills test in Illinois consists of three parts:
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. You will need to identify and explain any potential safety hazards or mechanical issues.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing, turning, and parking.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic, including merging, changing lanes, and obeying traffic laws.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to handle the vehicle safely and confidently, as well as your knowledge of the rules of the road and safe driving practices. It's important to practice and prepare thoroughly for the skills test by studying the Illinois CDL manual, practicing driving skills with a qualified instructor or mentor, and becoming familiar with the specific requirements of the test.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. You will need to identify and explain any potential safety hazards or mechanical issues.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing, turning, and parking.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic, including merging, changing lanes, and obeying traffic laws.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to handle the vehicle safely and confidently, as well as your knowledge of the rules of the road and safe driving practices. It's important to practice and prepare thoroughly for the skills test by studying the Illinois CDL manual, practicing driving skills with a qualified instructor or mentor, and becoming familiar with the specific requirements of the test.
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license in Illinois. Here are some examples:
1. Age restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license, but you will be limited to intrastate driving only. If you are 21 years old or older, you can obtain a Class A CDL license that allows for interstate driving.
2. Endorsement restrictions: Depending on the endorsements you have on your Class A CDL license, there may be additional restrictions or limitations on the types of vehicles or cargo you can transport.
3. Medical requirements: You must meet certain medical requirements to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL license. For example, you may need to pass a medical exam and maintain a valid medical certificate.
4. Hours of service limitations: As a commercial driver, you will be subject to federal hours of service regulations that limit the amount of time you can drive and require rest breaks.
It's important to understand and comply with these restrictions and limitations in order to maintain your Class A CDL license and operate your vehicle safely and lawfully.
1. Age restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license, but you will be limited to intrastate driving only. If you are 21 years old or older, you can obtain a Class A CDL license that allows for interstate driving.
2. Endorsement restrictions: Depending on the endorsements you have on your Class A CDL license, there may be additional restrictions or limitations on the types of vehicles or cargo you can transport.
3. Medical requirements: You must meet certain medical requirements to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL license. For example, you may need to pass a medical exam and maintain a valid medical certificate.
4. Hours of service limitations: As a commercial driver, you will be subject to federal hours of service regulations that limit the amount of time you can drive and require rest breaks.
It's important to understand and comply with these restrictions and limitations in order to maintain your Class A CDL license and operate your vehicle safely and lawfully.
In Illinois, the Class A CDL written test is only available in English. However, the Illinois Secretary of State's office does provide a CDL manual in Spanish that you can use to study for the exam. The manual covers all the topics that you will need to know for the written test, including safety regulations, driving techniques, and road signs.
If you are not fluent in English, it may be helpful to work with a translator or language coach to help you understand the material and prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are several third-party companies that offer CDL training courses in languages other than English. However, these courses may not be available in all areas and may come at an additional cost. Ultimately, it's important to be comfortable with the English language in order to operate a commercial vehicle safely and effectively on U.S. roads.
If you are not fluent in English, it may be helpful to work with a translator or language coach to help you understand the material and prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are several third-party companies that offer CDL training courses in languages other than English. However, these courses may not be available in all areas and may come at an additional cost. Ultimately, it's important to be comfortable with the English language in order to operate a commercial vehicle safely and effectively on U.S. roads.
Yes, if you have a disability that affects your ability to take the Class A CDL written test, you can request accommodations from the Illinois Secretary of State's office.
To request accommodations, you will need to complete a Request for Testing Accommodations form, which is available on the Secretary of State's website. You will need to provide documentation of your disability and explain how it affects your ability to take the test. The documentation can come from a qualified professional such as a doctor or therapist.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available include extra time to take the test, a separate testing room, or assistive technology such as a screen reader or magnifying device. The Secretary of State's office will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your individual needs.
It's important to note that you must submit your request for accommodations at least 30 days before the date of your scheduled exam. This will give the Secretary of State's office enough time to review your request and make arrangements for your accommodations.
To request accommodations, you will need to complete a Request for Testing Accommodations form, which is available on the Secretary of State's website. You will need to provide documentation of your disability and explain how it affects your ability to take the test. The documentation can come from a qualified professional such as a doctor or therapist.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available include extra time to take the test, a separate testing room, or assistive technology such as a screen reader or magnifying device. The Secretary of State's office will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your individual needs.
It's important to note that you must submit your request for accommodations at least 30 days before the date of your scheduled exam. This will give the Secretary of State's office enough time to review your request and make arrangements for your accommodations.
If you fail the Class A CDL written test in Illinois, you may retake the test after a waiting period of at least one day. However, each time you retake the test, you will need to pay the testing fee again.
It's important to note that there is a limit to the number of times you can retake the Class A CDL written test. In Illinois, you are allowed to retake the test up to three times within a 12-month period. If you fail the test three times within a 12-month period, you will be required to wait at least six months before taking the test again.
It's important to study and prepare thoroughly for the Class A CDL written test in order to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt. You can find study materials and practice tests online or through commercial driving schools. Additionally, some trucking companies offer training programs that include preparation for the CDL exam.
It's important to note that there is a limit to the number of times you can retake the Class A CDL written test. In Illinois, you are allowed to retake the test up to three times within a 12-month period. If you fail the test three times within a 12-month period, you will be required to wait at least six months before taking the test again.
It's important to study and prepare thoroughly for the Class A CDL written test in order to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt. You can find study materials and practice tests online or through commercial driving schools. Additionally, some trucking companies offer training programs that include preparation for the CDL exam.
