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Drivers who want to drive combination vehicles must pass the combination vehicles test. The Illinois CDL combination test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%). The test covers the combination vehicles section of the Illinois CDL Manual. Take this practice test now to prepare for the actual IL CDL combination test!
1.
If your cargo only fills one-third of the length of your trailer, make sure your cargo is:
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piled up high with heavy cargo on top.
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to one side and as close to the ground as possible.
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loaded so there is a high center of gravity.
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centered and spread out as much as possible.
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2.
If loose or missing, _______ may cause movement between the frame and fifth wheel assembly.
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locking pins
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safety chains
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electric connectors
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mounting bolts
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3.
The posted speed limit:
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should never be exceeded.
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is only a suggestion.
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should only be exceeded when passing other vehicles.
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may only be exceeded when driving in rural areas.
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4.
The center of gravity of a trailer should be:
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at the front of the trailer.
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as high as possible.
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as low as possible.
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at the rear of the trailer.
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5.
You have two tie-downs on a 15 foot load. How many more tie-downs do you need to secure cargo and keep it from shifting or falling?
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Two
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One
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Three
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None
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6.
When using a fire extinguisher, you should stay:
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as close to the fire as possible, without getting burnt.
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as far away from the fire as possible.
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at least 10 feet away from the fire.
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at whatever distance you think is safe.
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7.
Which of the following is NOT a way to determine if your trailer is equipped with ABS (antilock braking system)?
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Wheel speed sensor wires are coming from the back of the brakes.
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The letters "ABS" are printed on the side of the steering wheel.
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It was built after March 1, 1998.
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It has yellow ABS malfunction lamps.
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8.
If you're feeling tired while driving you should:
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eat something.
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increase your speed to get to your destination quicker.
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stop driving and get some rest.
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drink coffee.
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9.
You are driving a modern truck with a manual transmission. When going down a hill you should usually:
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use a lower gear than would be required to go up the hill.
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use the same gear you would use to go up the hill.
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downshift after your
speed has already built up.
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shift into neutral and coast.
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10.
When driving on slippery surfaces, you should:
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make turns as quickly as possible.
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change lanes often.
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not pass slower vehicles unless necessary.
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All of the above.
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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.