DMV Illinois · Fees, age, and practice test
Illinois Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Start the free Illinois practice testSourced procedural facts for Illinois DMV, plus a free 217-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Illinois permit test cost?
The official fee schedule lists a $20 original Class D instruction permit and does not itemize a separate knowledge-test charge
- Learner permit / application fee: $20 Instruction Permit (Class D), original
- Knowledge (written) test fee: The official fee schedule lists a $20 original Class D instruction permit and does not itemize a separate knowledge-test charge
- Initial driver license fee: $30 basic driver's license (ages 21 to 68); $5 for ages 18 to 20
Source: Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS), Driver Services · Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 217-question Illinois practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Your 3-stage Illinois study path
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Illinois verified practice bank · 217 questions rev 2026-10-12-ca500
Before your Illinois knowledge test
Cost details
- The fee table lists $20 for the original Class D permit, with no separate knowledge-exam charge. Official cost source
- A license obtained before the permit expires may not require another fee; ordinary license fees otherwise vary by age. Official cost source
Before you apply
These notes cover selected application steps. Check the linked official instructions for the full requirements for your situation.
- Ages 15-17 generally need approved driver education enrollment or participation starting within 30 days; a permit-only exception starts at 17 years 3 months. Official application instructions
- Prepare identification and the permit application, including the instructor’s signature when applying through driver education. Official application instructions
Cost and application notes checked .
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old, with enrollment in an approved driver education course
Knowledge test fee
The official fee schedule lists a $20 original Class D instruction permit and does not itemize a separate knowledge-test charge
Permit fee
$20 Instruction Permit (Class D), original
Initial license fee
$30 basic driver's license (ages 21 to 68); $5 for ages 18 to 20
Questions on the knowledge test
A written test consisting of a minimum of 35 questions (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.80)
Passing score
80% must be answered correctly to be eligible for a Class D license (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.80)
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 hours at night, certified by a parent/guardian
Documents to bring
Proof of identity/legal name/DOB/lawful status, proof of Social Security number, and two documents proving Illinois residency
Find an office / appointment
Use the ilsos.gov Facility Finder to locate the nearest Driver Services facility; appointments required at 44+ high-traffic 'Skip-the-Line' locations, walk-in at others.
REAL ID status
REAL ID requires proof of identity/citizenship, SSN document, 2 proofs of IL residency, and signature document. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025.
Commercial license (CDL)
18 for intrastate-only CDL/CLP; 21 required for interstate commerce or passenger transport
Official source: Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS), Driver Services
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Illinois Secretary of State (Driver Services + Vehicle Services) site.
How much is the Illinois permit test?
Illinois knowledge test fee: The official fee schedule lists a $20 original Class D instruction permit and does not itemize a separate knowledge-test charge (official source). Permit fee: $20 Instruction Permit (Class D), original (official source).
How many questions are on the Illinois permit test?
The official Illinois knowledge test: A written test consisting of a minimum of 35 questions (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.80) (official source). Passing score: 80% must be answered correctly to be eligible for a Class D license (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.80) (official source).
Illinois DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | The official fee schedule lists a $20 original Class D instruction permit and does not itemize a separate knowledge-test charge | source |
| Permit fee | $20 Instruction Permit (Class D), original | source |
| Initial license fee | $30 basic driver's license (ages 21 to 68); $5 for ages 18 to 20 | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Illinois DMV practice test (217 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Illinois driver license covers
Initial license fee: $30 basic driver's license (ages 21 to 68); $5 for ages 18 to 20 (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID requires proof of identity/citizenship, SSN document, 2 proofs of IL residency, and signature document. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Illinois DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Illinois
Getting your first permit
In Illinois, the minimum permit age is 15 years old, with enrollment in an approved driver education course. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of identity/legal name/DOB/lawful status, proof of Social Security number, and two documents proving Illinois residency. Use the ilsos.gov Facility Finder to locate the nearest Driver Services facility; appointments required at 44+ high-traffic 'Skip-the-Line' locations, walk-in at others.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
The official fee schedule lists a $20 original Class D instruction permit and does not itemize a separate knowledge-test charge. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 hours at night, certified by a parent/guardian.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID requires proof of identity/citizenship, SSN document, 2 proofs of IL residency, and signature document. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. For a commercial license (CDL): 18 for intrastate-only CDL/CLP; 21 required for interstate commerce or passenger transport.
The Illinois bank has 217 questions across 9 topics
Test day: what to bring and where to go: a printable Illinois checklist of the documents for the permit test, plus the official office finder and appointment links.
Study the handbook, chapter by chapter: 17 free lessons that boil the Illinois driver manual down to the rules and exact numbers on the test, each quoted with its page.
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