Illinois DMV Driver’s License Tests & Permit Practice
#1. After a conviction of a first violation for failure to obey a railroad-crossing signal, your driving privilege will:
Offenses for which your driver’s license may be suspended include conviction of a second violation for failure to obey a railroad-crossing signal.
#2. When a traffic signal is showing a flashing yellow light, you must:
A flashing yellow signal light warns you to be careful. You do not need to stop for a flashing yellow light, but you must slow down and be especially alert before entering the intersection.
#3. If an advisory speed sign isn't posted before a curve:
If a speed limit is not posted before a curve, you must judge how sharp the curve is and change your speed. Slow down before you enter the curve. Braking and turning at the same time may cause your car to skid.
#4. Always look carefully for motorcycles before you turn at an intersection because:
Because of their size and vulnerability in a crash, it is important for a driver to pay special attention to motorcycles. The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of motorcycle crashes. Due to their small size, motorcycles may be difficult to see and motorists tend to underestimate their speed. A driver should expect to see motorcycles in traffic at any time, not just in the spring and summer. Drivers involved in crashes often report not seeing the motorcycle or seeing it too late to avoid a collision.
#5. Signals and directions from a flag person in a construction zone:
Always obey special signs or instructions from a flag person in a construction zone.
#6. A rear-view mirror must reflect a view of the highway for a distance of:
One rear-view mirror is required so you can see at least 200 feet behind your car.
#7. You must always stop before a railroad crossing if:
Never move onto a railroad track unless you are certain you can drive across safely. Be careful not to get trapped on railroad tracks by a line of vehicles backed up by a traffic signal.
#8. You must allow an extra cushion in front of your vehicle when following:
A driver should allow a greater following distance when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver in an emergency. Motorcycles react differently to traffic, weather and road conditions than cars. Riders may respond in ways a vehicle driver does not expect. Wet or icy roads impair a motorcyclist’s ability to brake and maneuver. Wind gusts, both natural and those created by large passing vehicles, can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider is not prepared. Potholes or railroad tracks often require motorcyclists to change positions within their lane. Gravel roads decrease traction and may cause a rider to slow down or brake where a car would not.
#9. When turning left from a two-way street onto a one-way street, you should complete the turn in:
To turn left from a two-way road onto a one-way road, approach the turn with your left wheels close to the center line of the road. Make the turn before reaching the center of the intersection, and enter the left lane of the one-way road.
#10. Which is true about alcohol?
Alcohol is a depressant drug. It affects your vision and slows your reaction time so it takes longer to act in an emergency.
#11. What is true about checking the air pressure in your tires?
Check the air pressure in your tires frequently. Always check the pressure when the tires are cool.
#12. State law prohibits all drivers from general use of a cell phone while driving.
There is no general prohibition on cell phone use while driving in Illinois.
Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones, texting or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology is allowed for persons age 19 and older.
Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous. If you must make a phone call, even with hands-free technology, it is recommended that you pull off to the side of the road before making the call.
#13. When driving on a slippery surface such as snow or ice, you should:
Reduce your speed. Allow extra space between your car and the car ahead. Do not brake or turn suddenly. Use a low gear when going down steep hills. Be careful on bridges and overpasses. These areas freeze first and dry out last.
#14. To avoid getting tired on a long trip, you should:
Lack of sleep, fatigue or inattentiveness affects your ability to safely drive your vehicle. When taking a long trip, avoid drowsiness by stopping frequently to drink coffee, exercise or nap.
#15. You are turning onto a two-lane road divided by a broken yellow line. You know immediately that:
Broken yellow lines separate single lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions.
#16. Which is true about large trucks?
When following a large vehicle, stay out of its blind spots. Position your vehicle so the driver can see it in the side mirrors. Remember, a large truck has bigger blind spots than most passenger vehicles. Size and weight affect a vehicle’s ability to maneuver and stop. Always allow extra space for large vehicles. Large vehicles also make wide right turns since the rear wheels follow a shorter path. Sometimes they leave an open space to the right just before the turn.
#17. When something obstructs your view, it is illegal to pass on two-lane roads:
Passing on a two-lane, two-way roadway is not allowed:
- On a hill or curve where it is not possible to see oncoming vehicles.
- Within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing.
- When the view is blocked within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
- When a vehicle has stopped at a crosswalk or intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross.
- In a construction zone. All constructions zones in Illinois are no passing zones.
- In an area marked for no passing by a solid yellow line on your side of the center of the roadway or a do not pass or no passing zone sign.
#18. Unless otherwise posted, what is the legal speed limit on a highway with four lanes in an urban area?
The speed limit on highways with four lanes is 65 mph. The maximum speed limit on other highways (less than four lanes) and in rural areas is 55 mph. The maximum speed limit on Interstates and tollways is 70 mph .
#19. When parking close to a stop sign, you must keep what distance?
The distance you must keep from a stop sign is more than 30 feet.
Standing or parking a vehicle, whether occupied or not, is prohibited within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign or traffic control signal.
#20. Signing a citation after being pulled over by a police officer:
If you are issued a ticket requiring a signature, sign it. Signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt – only an acknowledgment of receiving the ticket.
Facts about the Illinois Permit Knowledge Test
| What You Should Know | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on exam: | Traffic signs: 15 Traffic laws and safe driving: 20 Total: 35 |
| Passing score: | 80 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 28 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | No limit |
| Wait time before retest: | 1 day |
| This Practice Test | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on each practice test: | Traffic rules: 20 |
| Question pool: | 500+ |
| Each test is random | |
About this Illinois Practice Test
This practice test is a learning tool. Each test has 20 questions about Illinois safety rules and traffic laws. You will find all answers in the Illinois handbook “Rules of the Road.” Many questions are from the official written examination.
After each practice question, the test will show you whether your answer is correct. If you miss a question, there is also a brief explanation.
Read the feedback and focus on why you missed the question. Did you misunderstand, or didn’t you know the answer? Always compare the answer with the information in the handbook; it is a simple way of learning faster.
The Illinois knowledge examination consists of two parts. This is the second part.
The first part of the test addresses common road signs. You can find a random practice test with all signs here: Illinois Road Signs Recognition Test – 15 Questions
Study for the Knowledge Examination
Before you start, you should have the following:
- The latest version of “Rules of the Road.” Get it from a licensing office or online .
- The Parent-Teen Guide if you are applying for a permit.
- A parent or other licensed driver to discuss rules and safe driving with.
If you follow these steps, you will learn more efficiently. Read more about the best way to study here: Best Way to Study .
When you understand the contents of “Rules of the Road,” take several sample tests to check how much you have learned. The test score also tells you whether you are ready for the examination.
The official passing score in Illinois is 80 percent, but you should aim higher on a practice test. Try to complete all of the questions on each sample test. Go back to the study guide for each question you miss. Compare answers with the information in the booklet.
Who Must Take the Illinois Written Test?
All new drivers.
All new drivers applying for an original Illinois Driver’s License or Instruction Permit must pass the written knowledge exam.
Drivers with a license from a foreign country.
If you have an out-of-country driver’s license, you must pass the vision exam, the written knowledge exam, and usually also the road skills test.
Drivers with an out-of-state license.
Unlike the rules in many other states, you must also take the knowledge test if you have a valid license from another state. The road skills test is, however, waived in most cases.
When you renew your license and have traffic convictions on your record. .
Drivers must also take a written exam every eight years unless they have a clean driving record with no traffic convictions.
If you have a traffic crash or other moving violation on your driving record, the Secretary of State can also ask you to take the written exam again.
When you let your Illinois license expire more than one year.
Should you let your Illinois driver’s license expire more than a year, you must retake all tests. You must also retake all tests if the state has revoked your license.
What You Should Know about Illinois Written Test
During the written test, you must identify traffic signs by shape, color, or symbol, identify signals and pavement markings, and answer questions about traffic laws and safety rules. You should expect questions from all parts of the handbook.
You cannot use books, papers, cell phones, or other wireless devices during the test.
If DMV staff observe a suspicious situation during the test, they will warn the applicant. If the applicant is cheating, they will fail that portion of the exam. The applicant must wait 30 days before they can retake the test.
Taking the exam for another person is a criminal offense. It may result in a fine and a minimum of seven days in jail.
What Happens if I Fail the Test?
Should you fail the test, you can generally retake it the next day.
If you have more than eight errors, you should wait and study both the “Rules of the Road” and the practice tests again.
The more you study, the more likely you are to pass.
You have three attempts to pass the knowledge test, counting from the day you applied for the permit and paid the application fee.
What Happens after I Passed the Test?
After passing the vision and knowledge tests as a new applicant, the examiner issues a temporary instruction permit.
A temporary instruction permit is the first step in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program for teenagers.
The GDL Program aims to let drivers between 15 – 20 years pass three progressive stages toward full-driving privileges.
Teen drivers must earn the right to move from one phase to the next based on experience and driving behavior.
Phase I: Instruction Permit Phase – Restrictions
With an instruction permit, you may start driving together with a parent or any adult who is 21 years or older, holds a valid driver’s license, and has at least one year of driving experience.
The permit is valid for two years if you are under 18 (one year if you are 18 or older).
The instruction permit comes with the following restrictions:
General night curfew.
A permit holder cannot drive Sunday-Thursday between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and Friday-Saturday between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. (local ordinances can set different curfews).
Number of passengers is limited.
The number of passengers in the vehicle is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.
No wireless/cellphone use while driving.
Permit holders under 19 years cannot use any wireless/cellphone use while driving, including hands-free devices.
An exemption exists to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider, or emergency services agency in the case of an emergency.
Phase I: Instruction Permit Phase – Before You Can Move On
Before you can move on to phase II, you must:
Hold your permit for a minimum of nine months.
Before moving on to the next step, you must hold the instruction permit for at least nine months.
Practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night.
During the permit phase, you must practice driving with a supervising driver for at least 50 hours, of which 10 hours must be at night.
The 50 hours are in addition to any time spent behind the wheel with a driving instructor.
It is a good idea to keep a log of your driving practice, even if you don’t have to show this log when applying for your provisional license. However, a parent or legal guardian must certify that you have completed a minimum of 50 hours of practice driving.
Not have any driving infractions, underage alcohol convictions or court supervisions during the previous nine-month permit phase.
To obtain court supervision for a traffic violation, a driver must appear in court with a parent/legal guardian and attend a traffic safety school. Limit one court supervision for serious driving offenses.
After a moving violation, there is an additional nine-month waiting period before you can apply for a driver’s license. If you violated the law and did not have a permit, you must wait until you are 18 before applying for a license.
If you violate the night curfew, the Department will suspend your permit.
Phase II: Initial Licensing Phase (Provisional License) 16 – 17 years
To be eligible for phase II in the GDL program, a driver under 18 must have completed a state-approved driver education course. Applicants between 18 and 20 years may complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education course instead.
A parent or legal guardian must certify that you have completed at least 50 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours at night.
You must have held your permit for at least nine months.
Phase II: Initial Licensing Phase – Restrictions
With a provisional license, you may drive without a supervising driver, but the license still has some restrictions.
No driving at night.
You cannot drive Sunday-Thursday between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and Friday-Saturday between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Exemptions in the law allow you to drive to and from employment or school-sanctioned activities during curfew hours. You may also drive if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
No more than one passenger under 20 years for the first 12 months.
For the first 12 months or until you turn 18, whichever occurs first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under 20 years. A sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild of the driver does not count towards this limit.
After 12 months, or when you turn 18, the number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.
No use of cellphones.
All cellphone/wireless use while driving, including a hands-free device, is prohibited if you are under 19 years and not in an emergency.
Phase II: Initial Licensing Phase – Sanctions
Suppose you are guilty of a moving violation within the first year of licensing. In that case, the passenger limitation extends for six months.
Two moving violation convictions within 24 months will result in a minimum one-month license suspension.
If the Secretary of State suspends your license, you may be retested and must pay a $70 reinstatement fee.
If you violate the nighttime driving restriction, the DMV can suspend your driving privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Illinois permit test?
The failure rate on the Illinois written test is less than 10 %. The first part with traffic sign identification (15 questions) is considered very easy and the second part about road rules is graded easy.
At what age can I apply for an Illinois learner's permit?
You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit or instruction permit in Illinois.
Video: Illinois Road Signs Test
Illinois Road Sign Identification Test
