Cover DSD CDL 10.22.qxp_Layout 1 1/7/20 2:39 PM Page 1 ILLINOIS CDL

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STUDY GUIDE Cover DSD CDL 10.22.qxp_Layout 1 1/7/20 2:39 PM Page 2

The commercial motor vehicle industry is the backbone of our transportation system to ensuring goods are transported through - out Illinois and the entire country. Truck drivers are integral to the process and growth of our state’s economy.

Illinois’ Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program is credited as one of the best in the nation by the U.S. Department of Transpor - tation. The CDL program, including Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLP), has been overhauled during my administration to ensure that truck drivers licensed in Illinois are held to the highest possible standards. Federal laws require any person applying for a CLP/CDL or current CDL holders to certify his/her commercial driving medical status. All CLP/CDL holders who operate in non-excepted interstate commerce are also required to keep a current DOT medical certificate on file with the Secretary of State’s office. The law strengthens the CDL program by requiring truckers meet minimum health and safety standards before getting behind the wheel. For details on CDL/CLP medical certification, see Section 15.

This year, my office initiated a law allowing for an exemption from the CDL written knowledge test for qualified current or former military personnel who participated in military heavy-vehicle programs. I am pleased to help make it easier for our military veterans to find employment based on their previous military driving service.

CDL applicants may schedule pre-trip, skills and on-road exams online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. The Illinois Fast Pass program allows residents to schedule appointments online in minutes for CDL testing purposes at the CDL facility of their choice. Illinois Fast Pass can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and makes scheduling CDL appointments quick and convenient. CDL applicants may also schedule appointments by calling 217-785-3013 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

I encourage you to study this CDL Study Guide thoroughly prior to scheduling and taking the required exams. My goal as Secretary of State is to ensure that our roads are the safest and that we license safe, qualified drivers to operate commercial vehicles in the state of Illinois.

Sincerely,

Jesse White Secretary of State ILLINOIS CDL/CLP GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1: Introduction to Illinois’ CDL ...... 2-18 Section 2: Driving Safely...... 19-63 Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely ...... 64-67 Section 4: Transporting Passengers Safely ...... 68-71 Section 5: Air Brakes ...... 72-81 Section 6: Combination Vehicles ...... 82-93 Section 7: Doubles and Triples ...... 94-98 Section 8: Tank Vehicles ...... 99-101 Section 9: Hazardous Materials ...... 102-124 Section 10: School Bus ...... 125-138 Section 11: Charter Bus ...... 139 Section 12: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test ...... 140-149 Section 13: Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test ...... 150-152 Section 14: On-Road Driving Test ...... 153-157 Section 15: Special CDL/CLP Information & Programs ...... 158-170

Printed by authority of the State of Illinois. January 2020 — 1 — CDL 10.22

1 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION TO ILLINOIS’ CDL

This Section Covers: • Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) • Mechanical Safety Tests • CDL/CLP Classifications, Endorsements and • Electronic Devices Restrictions • Vehicle Size Limitations • CDL/CLP Standards and Requirements • Special Lighting Equipment • Commercial Driver’s License Tests • Vehicle Registration • CDL/CLP Disqualifications • IRP/International Fuel Tax Agreement • Other CDL/CLP Rules

Illinois’ Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program is designed to improve safety on our roads by meeting federal requirements for testing and licensing commercial drivers. On October 26, 1986, Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. This law sets minimum standards fo