Section 1030.80  Driver's License Testing/Written Test

Any applicant for an initial or renewal driver's license who is required to take a written test pursuant to IVC Section 6-109 shall comply with the following provisions: 

a)         Classification of licenses is established in Sections 1030.30 through 1030.40.

b)         An applicant for a Class D license will be required to take a written test consisting of a minimum of 35 questions, of which 80% percent must be answered correctly in order to be eligible for a Class D license.

c)         Unless exempted by subsection (l), an applicant for a Class C, B, A or L-M license shall be required to take the written test as set forth in subsection (b). The applicant must also take a written test established by the Secretary of State for the classifications and endorsements applied for. The number of questions required to be answered is dependent upon the classifications and endorsements applied for. Each written classification and endorsement test must consist of a minimum of 35 questions, of which 80% percent must be answered correctly for the applicant to be eligible for the classifications and endorsements applied for.

d)         The written tests set forth in subsections (b) and (c) will be in the English language and may be in any other languages deemed necessary by the Secretary of State, based upon an identifiable demand.

e)         An applicant who is illiterate may be given the written test orally.

f)         An applicant who cannot read or write in the English language or another available foreign language must be eligible to take the written test. The Driver Services Facility supervisor or designee may provide or recommend use of an interpreter for the applicant's language if an interpreter is readily available. If an interpreter is not readily available, it will be the responsibility of the applicant to obtain the services of an interpreter. The CDL knowledge test will be administered only in the English language. An interpreter must not be used when the applicant is attempting to complete the CDL knowledge tests.

g)         An applicant must demonstrate the ability to read and understand official traffic control devices.

h)         Any licensee who wants to change a classification or endorsements prior to renewal of a license will be required to take the written test for the classification or classifications and endorsements the applicant wants to obtain.

i)          Before obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit, an applicant must successfully complete the appropriate CDL knowledge tests specific to the learner's permit classification.

j)          An applicant for a permit to operate a school bus must present an Illinois School Bus Driver's Permit Letter of Intent or its superseding form.  Unless the applicant holds a valid CDL or a CDL expired for 30 days or less, issued by another state, with a S and P endorsement, the applicant will be given a special test consisting of not more than 24 questions, of which 22 or 90% must be answered correctly in order to be eligible for a permit.  For purposes of this subsection (j), state means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia and any province or territory of Canada. [625 ILCS 5/6-500(27)]

k)         Any person found cheating on any portion of a written test will be deemed to have failed that portion of the test. In addition, that person will be prohibited from retaking the written test for a period of 30 days. For purposes of this subsection, "cheating" is defined as receiving or using unauthorized assistance in the taking of any portion of a test. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of any notes, books, or written information.

l)          All persons applying for an Illinois CDL who hold a valid CDL or a CDL expired for less than 12 months issued by another state in the same or higher classification and endorsements, excluding a hazardous materials endorsement, for which they are making application are exempt from the written tests set forth in subsections (b) and (c).  For purposes of this subsection (l), state means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia and any province or territory of Canada. [625 ILCS 5/6-500(27)]

m)        Qualified and eligible military service members with certain MOS/Ratings (U.S. armed forces specialist designations) are exempt from the CDL general knowledge written exam (excluding school bus endorsement) if the applicant:

1)         Is a current resident of this State;

2)         Is a current or former member of the military services, including a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit;

3)         Within one year prior to the date of application, was regularly employed in a military position that requires the operation of large trucks;

4)         Received formal military training in the operation of a vehicle similar to the commercial motor vehicle the applicant expects to operate; and

5)         Provides the Secretary of State with a State of Illinois Application for Exchange of US Military Commercial Driving Experience for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) signed by the applicant and the applicant's commanding officer certifying that the applicant qualifies for the general knowledge written exam waiver.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 9020, effective July 1, 2024)