DMV Illinois · Fees, age, and practice test
Illinois Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Illinois DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Illinois permit test cost?
No separate test fee found; the instruction permit application fee is $20 (Class D)
- Learner permit / application fee: $20 Instruction Permit (Class D), original
- Knowledge (written) test fee: No separate test fee found; the instruction permit application fee is $20 (Class D)
- 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 · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Illinois practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old, with enrollment in an approved driver education course
Knowledge test fee
No separate test fee found; the instruction permit application fee is $20 (Class D)
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: No separate test fee found; the instruction permit application fee is $20 (Class D) (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 | No separate test fee found; the instruction permit application fee is $20 (Class D) | 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 (180 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
No separate test fee found; the instruction permit application fee is $20 (Class D). 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 180 questions across 8 topics
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