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To obtain a CDL, you will be required to pass a vehicle inspection test. The vehicle inspection test, formerly known as pre-trip, is a skills test to see if you identify which features and equipment on the test vehicle should be inspected before driving. During the test, you will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle. You will be expected to show your knowledge of the inspection process and you will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. During the CDL inspection test, DMV does not allow the use of testing aids, other than the vehicle inspection guide in the Illinois CDL Manual. To prepare for the test, study the following sections of the CDL manual: Driving Safely and the Vehicle Inspection Test. If you do not pass the CDL inspection test, the other skills tests will be postponed.
1.
When inspecting your vehicle, before checking the engine compartment be sure that:
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all tires are properly inflated.
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the parking brakes are on and/or wheels chocked.
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the fire extinguisher is properly charged and rated.
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all lights are working.
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2.
Signs of bad brake drums or shoes include the following except:
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Shoes with no oil on them
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Shoes with brake fluid on them
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Cracked drums
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Shoes worn thin
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3.
Rust trails around the lug nuts on the tires indicate that:
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the lugs may be loose.
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the rim is defective.
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the tire hasn't been removed in some time.
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All of the above.
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4.
Exhaust system parts should be:
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loose.
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leaking.
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rubbing against fuel system parts.
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None of the above.
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5.
Which of the following is NOT a tire problem to look for during the vehicle inspection?
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Cracked valve stems
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All the tires are made by the same manufacturer
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Radial and bias-ply tires used together
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Recapped tires on the front of a school bus
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6.
If the coolant container is not part of the pressurized system:
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you can safely remove the cap and add coolant even when the engine is hot.
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you should remove the container cap and wait until the system has cooled.
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you should never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled.
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None of the above.
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7.
During the pre-trip inspection, belts should:
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not be inspected.
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be checked for tightness and excessive wear.
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checked for leaks.
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checked for oil pressure.
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8.
Checking the automatic transmission fluid level may require:
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the vehicle to be parked downhill.
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the engine to be running.
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the 4-way emergency flashers to be activated.
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you to pump the brake.
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9.
Name some exhaust system parts.
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Main spring, axle and font axle hanger
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Drag link, spindle and gear box
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Pitman arm, hydraulic fluid reservoir and tie rod
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Mufflers, mounting brackets and vertical stacks
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10.
Which of the following is NOT a key part of the steering system?
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Pitman arm
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Leaf spring
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Tie rod
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Gear box
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a class D driver's license in Illinois, teens must follow the three steps of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. Here are the age requirements:
- For a learner's permit, you must be at least 15.
- For an initial license, you must be between 16-17.
- For a full license, you must be between 18-20.
For applicants between 18 and 20 years old, a six-hour adult driver education course is required before getting a driver’s license.
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s office website to book your written test. You can choose dates and times based on your preferences and the available options at various Illinois DMV locations.
You must present the following documents:
- Proof of written signature (credit cards, mortgage documents, passport, etc).
- Proof of date of birth with your full name.
- Proof of Social Security Number.
- Proof of residency (e.g., bank statement, insurance policy, or utility bill). For a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, you have to bring two proofs.
Use this checklist to prepare for your visit and ensure you have all the necessary documents.
The DMV written test in Illinois is available in English. If you don't speak English well or experience any reading difficulties, you can request an oral examination in person at any Secretary of State driver’s license office.
The DMV written test is based on the Illinois Driver's Manual. Focus on road signs, safe driving practices and road rules. Take our free practice tests to prepare for the permit test, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock more resources and prepare for your exam faster!
The Illinois DMV written test consists of 35 questions. Among them, 15 focus on traffic sign identification, and the remaining 20 are multiple-choice or true-false questions. These questions are based on the official manual, so it's important to study it well to maximize your chances of passing the exam.
Illinois imposes specific restrictions on new drivers according to their age.
Permit phase:
- Driving is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Saturday-Thursday) and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Friday-Saturday).
- The maximum number of passengers is one in the front seat, and the number of passengers in the back seat is limited to the available safety belts.
- Drivers and passengers must wear safety belts.
- Using a cell phone, including a hands-free device, is prohibited (except for emergencies).
Initial licensing phase:
- Driving is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Saturday-Thursday) and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Friday-Saturday).
- Drivers and passengers must wear safety belts.
- During the first 12 months or until the driver turns 18, only one passenger under the age of 20 is allowed (except for family members). After this period, only one person is allowed in the front seat, and the number of passengers in the back seat is limited to the available safety belts.
- Using a cell phone, including a hands-free device, is prohibited (except for emergencies).
Full licensing phase:
- Drivers under 18 cannot operate for-hire vehicles transporting property or require a commercial driver’s license, and until 21, they are not allowed to use any for-hire vehicles transporting people.
- Using a cell phone, including a hands-free device, is forbidden for drivers under 19 (except for emergencies).
If you are under 18, the learner’s permit is valid for two years, with a requirement to hold it for a minimum of nine months before qualifying for a driver's license. For applicants over 18, the permit is valid for one year. If it expires, a renewal fee is applicable.
If you fail the DMV written test, you can take a second attempt on the same day. However, if you fail because you were caught cheating, you will have to wait 30 days before retaking it. Generally, you have three attempts to pass the permit test within one year after the application.