Illinois CDL test facility recommendations

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by AlexRF10, Apr 23, 2019.

  1. AlexRF10

    AlexRF10 Bobtail Member

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    Hey everybody,

    I’m a newbie in Illinois with a CDL A permit. I still need to take the pre-trip, skills, and road test. I’ve heard some test facilities in Illinois, such as the Elk Grove one are a pain and the instructors are very strict and rude. Can anybody recommend a facility in Illinois they have experience with, where the instructors are more lenient and not rude, overall an easy going facility? Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
     
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  3. Wyldon

    Wyldon Bobtail Member

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    I'm sorry, I can't answer your specific question. However, as a former driver trainer, I strongly suggest you ensure you have a driver trainer with a calm demeanor who can teach from the passenger's seat. Worry not about some of the ogres known to inhabit some of the testing facilities. With the right driver trainer, you'll be well-armed and trained to confidently DEMONSTRATE you have satisfactory knowledge of your equipment and can safely drive and maneuver the vehicle.

    Fear not the inspector; fear only not being prepared to demonstrate you know what you're doing and why.
     
    kylefitzy and AlexRF10 Thank this.
  4. flybynight12

    flybynight12 Medium Load Member

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    I think he's asking for which testing facility is the easiest to pass the test he is going to rent a truck no school from what I understand
     
  5. Casper88

    Casper88 Bobtail Member

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    As a heads up a lot of companies won't touch a fresh Illinois CDL without a 160 hour certificate. This is still from the Ryan days of people buying Cdls.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  6. AlexRF10

    AlexRF10 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 17, 2019
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    Correct. Thank you for the great advice, but I am trying to learn on my own. I’ve only practiced a few times but I’ve been told by other drivers that they are very impressed with my skills especially since I’ve never drove a semi before. Just looking for recommendations since I’ve heard most testers are a pain.
     
  7. AlexRF10

    AlexRF10 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the heads up. I still have to try. hopefully be able to find a company that is willing to give me a shot, since I have a perfect mint driving and criminal record.
     
  8. Wyldon

    Wyldon Bobtail Member

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    Ah. Do you actually take a rig onto the roadways solo? Or, do you have a cdl holder with you?

    I certainly don't have the FMCSR regs for training/certification memorized, but will your self-taught approach pose any problems when you find an easier facility to test at?
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    AlexRF10 Thanks this.
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Can you pass the 150 part pre-trip inspection. Most Illinois testing facilities fail new drivers on that. You have to pass that before the road test. The tester will stand right over you and you better use the proper nomenclature a say out load what the part is and what you're inspecting the part for.
     
    EuropeanTrucker Thanks this.
  11. Wyldon

    Wyldon Bobtail Member

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    Have you considered an IL-approved third party tester? A quick Google search may yield some in your area you could start researching.
     
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