The act requires new CDLs for drivers of vehicles
weighing more than 26,000 pounds; vehicles designed
to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver; or
vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require
placarding. Those exempted from the new provisions
include farmers (except when driving semitrailers) and
drivers of firefighting, military or recreational vehicles.
Commercial vehicle drivers who have non-CDLs
expiring after April 1 should have received callback
notices from the Secretary of State's office. Whether or
not callback notices have been received, drivers can
apply for a CDL any time if they intend to drive a
commercial vehicle after April 1.
To assist drivers in preparing for the tests, this office
has made available CDL study guides at full-time
driver services facilities throughout the state. The office
also provides CDL seminars for commercial drivers
and operates a group written testing program.
Applicants for new CDLs must take one or more
written tests, depending on the class of license and any
endorsements they need. The written tests include:
• the CDL core knowledge test,
• the air brakes test, if the vehicle has air brakes,
• the combination vehicles test, if the applicant
drives combination vehicles,
• the passenger transport test, if the applicant
drives a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more
persons, including the driver,
• the hazardous materials test, if the applicant
drives a vehicle carrying hazardous materials
that require placarding,
• the tank vehicle test, if the applicant drives a
vehicle carrying liquids in bulk (1,000 gallons
or more), and
• the doubles/triples test, if the applicant operates double or triple trailers.
Mechanical defects are the cause of many truck
crashes, so the road test not only tests driving skills of
the applicants but also mechanical safety of the vehicles. There are three parts to the road test:
1. The driver conducts a basic pre-trip inspection
to determine whether he or she knows how to inspect
the vehicle for mechanical safety.
2. The basic control skills test evaluates a driver's
ability to use basic skills to control the vehicle. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to move the vehicle
forward, backward and through turning movements.
3. The road test determines the driver's ability to drive safely in a variety of on-road situations.
New CDL Testing Procedures in Chicago
Through April 1, CDL testing in the Chicago metropolitan area is being offered only at the Truck and
Bus Centers in Elk Grove Village, McCook, West Chicago and on the southeast side of Chicago at Lake
Calumet Harbor.
During this brief period, the tests are not being
January 1992 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 19
offered at other driver services facilities in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. However, driver facilities elsewhere in Illinois are continuing to offer both the written and road tests.
The Truck and Bus Centers were designed specifically to serve commercial drivers. By concentrating our
efforts, we are using those facilities and their personnel
more efficiently. This change also helps us to ease the
work load at other driver facilities, allowing us to provide better service for the general public.
Drivers who do not intend to operate a commercial
vehicle after April 1 should keep their current licenses.
They may continue to operate a vehicle with a Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,000 pounds or less if it is
not designed to carry 16 or more persons or hazardous
materials that require placarding.
However, if they intend to operate a commercial
vehicle requiring a new CDL after April 1, and they do
not have a CDL, be aware that the deadline is coming.
Obtain a CDL study guide, prepare for the tests and
take them as soon as possible. If drivers act now, they
will have three opportunities to pass the core written
knowledge test.
For information about the CDL program or to obtain a CDL study guide, contact the nearest driver
services facility or one of the Truck and Bus Centers in
Chicago. •
Page 20 / Illinois Municipal Review / January 1992
