What to Expect on the CDL Skills Test in Illinois (Pre-Trip, Backing & Road Test)

The CDL skills test is the final hurdle between you and your Commercial Driver's License. Understanding exactly what to expect — and how to prepare — will dramatically improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Part 1: Pre-Trip Inspection

The pre-trip inspection tests your ability to identify vehicle defects before driving. You'll walk around the vehicle and verbally identify and explain the condition of key components including:

• Engine compartment (belts, hoses, fluid levels, leaks)
• Tires, wheels, and lug nuts
• Brakes (air lines, slack adjusters, brake drums)
• Lights and reflectors
• Coupling system (kingpin, fifth wheel, safety chains)
• Cab interior (gauges, mirrors, seatbelts, emergency equipment)

Tip: Practice the pre-trip inspection until you can complete it from memory in under 30 minutes.

Part 2: Basic Vehicle Control (Backing)

This section tests your ability to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces. Common exercises include:

• Straight-line backing: Back the vehicle in a straight line through a defined corridor
• Offset backing (left and right): Back into a space that is offset from your starting position
• Parallel parking: Park the vehicle parallel to a curb or boundary

Tip: Take your time. You're allowed to pull forward and re-position — points are only deducted for encroachments, not for the number of pull-ups.

Part 3: On-Road Driving Test

The road test evaluates your ability to safely operate the vehicle in real traffic conditions. Examiners assess:

• Lane changes and merging
• Intersections and turns
• Railroad crossings
• Highway driving and speed management
• Following distance and space management
• Shifting and clutch use

How GetCDL School Prepares You

Our 160-hour program dedicates significant time to all three test components. You'll practice pre-trip inspections daily, spend 40 hours behind the wheel on our training vehicles, and receive personalized feedback from experienced instructors. Our first-time pass rate is among the highest in the Chicago area.

View our Class A CDL program or enroll today to start your training.