Illinois SOS Form DSD A 386: Road Test Diagram Guide – If you operate or work with a commercial driver training school or high school driver education program in Illinois, you may need to submit road test routes for approval under the Cooperative Driver Testing Program (CDTP). The official document for this purpose is Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 386 — Road Test Diagram Description. This form helps ensure that every road test route used by approved instructors meets the standards set by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS).
This guide explains what Form DSD A 386 is, who must use it, what information it requires, and how it fits into Illinois driver education and licensing rules. All information is based on official publications from the Illinois Secretary of State and related administrative code.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 386?
Form DSD A 386 is an official Illinois SOS document titled “Road Test Diagram Description.” It is used by commercial driver training schools (and participating high school programs) that administer behind-the-wheel road tests under the Cooperative Driver Testing Program.
The form requires schools to describe each proposed road test route in detail so the Secretary of State can verify that the route includes the required maneuvers and driving situations. Once approved, these routes are used by certified instructors instead of (or in addition to) the standard road test given at a Driver Services facility.
The current version of the form is dated January 2024 and is printed by authority of the State of Illinois. You can download the official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:
Download Illinois SOS Form DSD A 386 (PDF)
Purpose of Form DSD A 386 in the Cooperative Driver Testing Program
The Cooperative Driver Testing Program allows state-certified driver education instructors to give the behind-the-wheel road exam to their own students. When a student successfully completes an approved teenage driver education course with a combined grade of A or B, receives parent/guardian approval, and passes the instructor-administered road test, the facility-administered road test is generally waived.
To protect the quality and consistency of these tests, every commercial school location (including branch offices) must maintain at least two approved road test routes. Form DSD A 386 is the tool schools use to submit those routes for SOS review and approval. Routes must include all the maneuvers that appear on a standard Secretary of State road test.
Official information about the program is available on the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Education page:
Illinois SOS Cooperative Driver Testing Program
Key Sections of Form DSD A 386
The form is straightforward but must be completed carefully. Here is a breakdown of each section:
1. Route Type and School Identification
At the top of the form, enter the name of the commercial school. Then circle whether the described route is a Primary or Alternative Road Test Route. Schools are expected to have more than one approved route.
2. Route Information
This section asks for counts of important elements the driver will encounter:
- Signs: Stop, Traffic, Yield, and Other (list any additional signs)
- Turns: Right and Left
- Crossings: School and Railroad
You must also note any simulated maneuvers used on the route.
3. Required Maneuvers
Circle “Yes” or “No” for each of the following:
- Backing Maneuver
- Park Uphill
- Park Downhill
- Turn About
These maneuvers align with the skills evaluated on a standard Illinois Class D road test, which include starting, posture, use of mirrors, steering, lane observance, right-of-way, turns, attention, following distance, speed control, parking (uphill and downhill), backing, and turnabout.
4. Approximate Drive Time
Enter the approximate length of the route in minutes. Most standard Illinois road tests last roughly 10–20 minutes of actual driving time.
5. Other Distinguishing Features
Use this space to describe any unique characteristics of the route (terrain, traffic patterns, special intersections, etc.).
Certification and Supporting Materials
The form includes a certification statement confirming that the route meets Secretary of State requirements and standards and will be used by approved driver education instructors in the Cooperative Driver Testing Program. The school contact person must sign and date the form.
Importantly, the form instructs schools to include a separate sheet listing the turn-by-turn directions for each test route. Without the detailed directions, the SOS cannot properly evaluate the route.
Illinois Road Test Skills That Routes Must Cover
According to Illinois Administrative Code (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.85), applicants for a Class C or Class D license are evaluated on a specific set of driving skills. Approved CDTP routes must allow instructors to observe these skills. Key items include:
- Starting the vehicle and proper posture
- Use of mirrors and steering control
- Lane observance and right-of-way decisions
- Left and right turns (signal, speed, lane position, and execution)
- Attention level and following distance
- Speed control (too fast or too slow)
- Uphill and downhill parking
- Backing and turnabout
- Response to stop signs, yield signs, traffic signals, railroad crossings, and other regulatory or warning signs
Routes must also allow observation of general safe-driving behavior. Points are assessed for errors, and applicants are generally allowed a maximum of 36 points before failing.
Full regulatory details are available in the Illinois Administrative Code:
92 Ill. Adm. Code § 1030.85 – Driver’s License Testing/Road Test
Who Must Submit Form DSD A 386?
Commercial driver training schools that want to administer road tests under the CDTP must submit their routes (using Form DSD A 386 or the equivalent process required by the Department) for approval. High school programs participating in the Cooperative Driver Testing Program also follow SOS standards for the routes their certified instructors use.
Schools must renew certifications periodically and keep routes current. Any changes to a previously approved route should be resubmitted for review before use.
How to Complete and Submit the Form?
- Download the latest version of Form DSD A 386 from the official Illinois SOS website.
- Fill in the commercial school name and clearly identify the route as Primary or Alternative.
- Provide accurate counts of signs, turns, and crossings. Note any simulated maneuvers.
- Indicate whether the route includes the required backing, uphill parking, downhill parking, and turnabout maneuvers.
- Estimate the drive time and describe any other notable features.
- Attach a separate page with complete turn-by-turn directions.
- Have the designated school contact person sign and date the form.
- Submit the completed package according to the instructions provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department (typically to the Commercial Driver Training School Section or Field Services Bureau, depending on the type of school).
Always use the most current version of the form. The January 2024 edition is the version currently published by the SOS.
Related Forms and Resources
Schools participating in the Cooperative Driver Testing Program often need additional forms, including:
- Intent to Participate forms
- Instructor Compliance Affidavits (such as DSD A 385)
- Release and Waiver of Liability forms
For the most up-to-date list of driver education and testing publications, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State publications page or contact Driver Services directly.
Official Rules of the Road handbook (useful for understanding the skills tested):
Illinois Secretary of State – Official Website
Tips for Creating an Acceptable Road Test Route
- Design routes that realistically test everyday driving skills rather than creating overly complex or unsafe situations.
- Include a balanced mix of stop signs, traffic signals, turns in both directions, and, when possible, school or railroad crossings.
- Ensure the route can be completed in a reasonable time (typically under 20–25 minutes of driving).
- Document turn-by-turn directions clearly so examiners and SOS reviewers can follow the exact path.
- Have at least one alternative route ready in case of construction, weather, or traffic issues.
- Keep copies of all approved routes and any correspondence with the Secretary of State.
Conclusion
Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 386 — Road Test Diagram Description is a required document for commercial driver training schools and participating programs that administer road tests under the Cooperative Driver Testing Program. Completing the form accurately, attaching detailed turn-by-turn directions, and ensuring the route covers all required maneuvers helps maintain the integrity of Illinois driver licensing standards.
Download the official form here:
https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a386.pdf
For the latest requirements, always check the Illinois Secretary of State website or contact the Driver Services Department. Properly approved routes support safer new drivers and keep Illinois roads safer for everyone.