Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds, and a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a vehicle designed to transport 24 or more people (including the driver). To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Test questions come from the Illinois Commercial Drivers License Study Guide. 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 B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes, School bus and Charter.
8. How should you brake if your vehicle loses its ABS?
An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is in place as an addition to a braking system. It intervenes to prevent brakes from locking up during hard braking. If ABS is not working, the basic braking functions on a vehicle will still remain, so the driver can continue to drive and brake normally.
9. How can a person check for a leak in hydraulic brakes?
Check hydraulic brakes by pumping the brake pedal three times before applying firm pressure to the pedal for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or some other problem in the braking system.
10. How much water needs to be on the surface of a road for a vehicle to hydroplane?
Hydroplaning is an effect in which a vehicle's tires lose traction with the surface of the road and instead glide along a layer of water. There does not have to be much water on the road for this to occur.
11. During the straight line backing exercise, how many times are you permitted to exit the vehicle to check its position?
During the straight line backing exercise, you are permitted to exit your vehicle to check its position no more than one time.
12. The use of hand-held cell phones while driving:
In Illinois, the use a hand-held cell phone or other communication device while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited.
13. When doing an inspection, make sure your brake pads are:
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.
14. When inspecting cargo, the driver should do all of the following, except:
Cargo should be inspected by a driver to ensure that it is properly secured, balanced, and not exceeding weight limits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Illinois:
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving), possess a valid Illinois driver’s license, and have a clean driving record.
2. Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): To obtain a CLP, you must pass a written test for the specific Class B CDL you are seeking and any endorsements you might need.
3. Complete the required training: You must complete the necessary training for your Class B CDL. This may include classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
4. Pass the skills test: The skills test consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must pass all three parts to obtain your Class B CDL.
5. Apply for your Class B CDL: Once you pass the skills test, you can apply for your Class B CDL at any Secretary of State Facility.
6. Pay the fees: The fees for obtaining or renewing your Class B CDL vary depending on your age and endorsements.
Remember to always follow Illinois traffic laws and safety regulations when operating any commercial vehicle on the roadways.
Here are some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL:
- Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks or dump trucks)
- Large buses (such as school buses or city buses)
- Segmented buses
- Box trucks
- Tow trucks
- Cement mixers
- Garbage trucks
It is important to note that if you plan to operate vehicles that require additional endorsements, such as passenger or hazardous materials endorsements, you will need to obtain those endorsements in addition to your Class B CDL.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL license in Illinois. However, you must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Valid Driver’s License: You must have a valid Illinois driver’s license.
3. Medical Certificate: You must provide a current medical certificate that meets Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. This certificate must be issued by a certified medical examiner.
4. Knowledge Test: You must pass a written knowledge test for the specific Class B CDL you are seeking and any endorsements you might need.
5. Training: You must complete the necessary training for your Class B CDL, which may include classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
6. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Fees: You will need to pay the appropriate fees to obtain your Class B CDL license.
In addition to these requirements, you will also need to meet any additional requirements for specific endorsements or restrictions that may apply to your desired commercial driving activities.
It is important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements for commercial drivers, which may be higher than the legal minimum age. Additionally, younger drivers may face additional restrictions on their driving activities based on their age and experience level, such as limits on driving at night or transporting certain types of cargo.
The most common endorsements for a Class B CDL license are:
1. Passenger (P) endorsement: Required to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. School Bus (S) endorsement: Required to operate a school bus.
3. Tank (N) endorsement: Required to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
4. Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement: Required to transport hazardous materials, such as flammable or explosive materials.
5. Combination Tank and Hazardous Materials (X) endorsement: Required to transport both hazardous materials and liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional written knowledge tests and/or skills tests. You may also be required to meet additional requirements, such as background checks or specialized training.
It is important to note that some endorsements may have additional age requirements or restrictions on driving activities, so it is important to check with the Illinois Secretary of State's office or a reputable commercial driving school for more information on the specific requirements for each endorsement.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This portion of the test requires you to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. You will be tested on your ability to identify and explain any issues or potential problems with the vehicle, such as broken lights, fluid leaks, or tire wear.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: This portion of the test assesses your ability to control your vehicle in a variety of situations, including backing up, making turns, and parking. You will be tested on your ability to maneuver the vehicle in a controlled and safe manner.
3. Road Test: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to safely operate the vehicle in real-world driving scenarios. You will be evaluated on your ability to obey traffic laws, navigate intersections and turns, and respond appropriately to different driving situations.
In order to pass the Class B CDL skills test, you must successfully complete all three portions of the test with a passing score. The specific requirements for each portion of the test may vary based on the type of vehicle you are driving and any endorsements you are seeking. It is important to prepare thoroughly for the skills test by practicing with a licensed instructor and reviewing the Illinois Commercial Driver's License Study Guide.
1. Vehicle type: Drivers with a Class B CDL are restricted to operating single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a GCWR of less than 26,001 pounds.
2. Passenger restrictions: Drivers with a Class B CDL may not transport more than 16 passengers (including the driver) and are not authorized to operate a school bus.
3. Hazardous materials restrictions: Drivers with a Class B CDL must obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement to transport hazardous materials, and may be subject to additional restrictions or regulations based on the type of material being transported.
4. Age restrictions: Drivers must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL license, but must be at least 21 years old to transport hazardous materials or operate vehicles across state lines.
5. Medical requirements: Drivers with a Class B CDL must meet certain medical requirements, including passing a medical exam and maintaining a valid medical certificate.
It is important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary based on the specific circumstances of each driver and the type of vehicle they are operating. It is important for drivers to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and requirements for their CDL license by regularly reviewing the Illinois Commercial Driver's License Study Guide and consulting with their employer or a qualified driving instructor.
However, it is important to note that the road skills test is only offered in English, and it is necessary to be able to communicate effectively in English while operating a commercial vehicle on the road. Additionally, if you are applying for a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, you must pass a written test in English regardless of whether or not you took the initial CDL written test in another language.
If you require a language other than English for the written test, you should contact your local Secretary of State's office to confirm availability and make an appointment. It may also be helpful to review study materials and practice tests in your preferred language before taking the exam.
To request accommodations, you should contact the Secretary of State's office and provide documentation of your disability, including a description of the functional limitations it causes. You will also need to specify the type of accommodation you are requesting, such as additional testing time or a separate testing room.
The Secretary of State's office will review your request and work with you to determine appropriate accommodations that allow you to take the test effectively. It is recommended that you make your request well in advance of your scheduled testing date to ensure that accommodations can be arranged in a timely manner.
Keep in mind that there are certain requirements for obtaining a CDL license, such as passing the written and road skills tests, that cannot be waived or modified due to accommodations. However, accommodations can be made to ensure that you have an equal opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills on the test.
It is recommended that you review the study materials and practice tests before retaking the exam to improve your chances of passing. The Illinois Secretary of State's office provides study guides and practice tests for the CDL written test, and they can be found on their website.
Keep in mind that there is a limit to the number of times you can retake the written test within a certain period. In Illinois, you can retake the test up to three times within one year before being required to wait longer.
If you fail the written test three times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking it again. Additionally, if you fail the road skills test three times, you must wait at least 14 days before retesting.
It is important to prepare thoroughly for the CDL written and road skills tests to avoid multiple failed attempts and delays in obtaining your CDL license.