New changes to the Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test went into effect on September 1st. These updates impact both CDL and non-CDL drivers with a J51 restriction. Notably, the parallel parking requirement has been removed from the test.

The basic control skills portion has been streamlined to focus on four steps: forward stop, straight-line backing, forward offset tracking, and reverse offset backing. Additionally, pre-trip testing requirements have returned to the pre-2015 rules.

Under the new update, drivers can now use a checklist during the pre-trip inspection, and test administrators are permitted to prompt drivers during examinations.

The Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) has released an updated section of the CDL study guide, found here.