ILLINOIS CLASS B NON-CDL
EXAMINATION PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. What is the primary definition of a Class B Non-CDL vehicle in Illinois?
A. A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a
vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
B. Any vehicle with a GVWR of 16,001 lbs but less than 26,000 lbs.
C. A combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the towed unit
is over 10,000 pounds.
D. Any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Class B covers single vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR. If towing,
the trailer must be 10,000 lbs or less. If the trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs, a Class A license is
required.
2. When driving a heavy vehicle, what is the ‘perception distance’?
A. The distance traveled while your foot moves from the accelerator to the brake pedal.
,B. The distance the vehicle travels from the time your eyes see a hazard until your brain
recognizes it.
C. The distance it takes for the brakes to physically stop the vehicle.
D. The total distance required to bring the vehicle to a complete halt.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Perception distance is the mental processing phase. At 55 mph,
this accounts for about 60 feet of travel.
3. In Illinois, if you are driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes, what is the minimum
pressure required before the vehicle should be moved?
A. 100 psi
B. 80 psi
C. 60 psi
D. 120 psi
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Air pressure should build to at least 100 psi in both primary and
secondary systems before operating the vehicle to ensure brake responsiveness.
4. When performing a pre-trip inspection, what is the minimum tread depth allowed for front
tires?
A. 2/32 inch
, B. 6/32 inch
C. 4/32 inch
D. 1/32 inch
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Front (steering) tires require at least 4/32 inch of tread depth
for safety; all other tires require 2/32 inch.
5. When should you downshift your vehicle when navigating a steep downgrade?
A. Once you have reached the maximum safe speed on the hill.
B. Only if your brakes start to fade.
C. Before starting down the hill.
D. Halfway down the hill to save fuel.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: You should downshift to a gear that allows engine braking
before starting down a steep grade to prevent brake overheating and fade.
6. What is ‘off-tracking’ or ‘cheating’ in the context of a large Class B vehicle?
A. The tendency of the vehicle to drift toward the shoulder on a crowned road.
B. The delay in air brake application after pressing the pedal.
C. The loss of traction when accelerating on a slippery surface.
EXAMINATION PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. What is the primary definition of a Class B Non-CDL vehicle in Illinois?
A. A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a
vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
B. Any vehicle with a GVWR of 16,001 lbs but less than 26,000 lbs.
C. A combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the towed unit
is over 10,000 pounds.
D. Any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Class B covers single vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR. If towing,
the trailer must be 10,000 lbs or less. If the trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs, a Class A license is
required.
2. When driving a heavy vehicle, what is the ‘perception distance’?
A. The distance traveled while your foot moves from the accelerator to the brake pedal.
,B. The distance the vehicle travels from the time your eyes see a hazard until your brain
recognizes it.
C. The distance it takes for the brakes to physically stop the vehicle.
D. The total distance required to bring the vehicle to a complete halt.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Perception distance is the mental processing phase. At 55 mph,
this accounts for about 60 feet of travel.
3. In Illinois, if you are driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes, what is the minimum
pressure required before the vehicle should be moved?
A. 100 psi
B. 80 psi
C. 60 psi
D. 120 psi
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Air pressure should build to at least 100 psi in both primary and
secondary systems before operating the vehicle to ensure brake responsiveness.
4. When performing a pre-trip inspection, what is the minimum tread depth allowed for front
tires?
A. 2/32 inch
, B. 6/32 inch
C. 4/32 inch
D. 1/32 inch
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Front (steering) tires require at least 4/32 inch of tread depth
for safety; all other tires require 2/32 inch.
5. When should you downshift your vehicle when navigating a steep downgrade?
A. Once you have reached the maximum safe speed on the hill.
B. Only if your brakes start to fade.
C. Before starting down the hill.
D. Halfway down the hill to save fuel.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: You should downshift to a gear that allows engine braking
before starting down a steep grade to prevent brake overheating and fade.
6. What is ‘off-tracking’ or ‘cheating’ in the context of a large Class B vehicle?
A. The tendency of the vehicle to drift toward the shoulder on a crowned road.
B. The delay in air brake application after pressing the pedal.
C. The loss of traction when accelerating on a slippery surface.
