IL Permit Practice Test

How to use this IL practice test

1. Take the 35 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Illinois Rules of the Road, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 80 percent or better, book the real test.

IL practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable IL practice test with answer key

All 35 questions, IL exam length

Every question below comes from the Illinois question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What subjects are covered by the basic Illinois written driver examination?

   1. Vehicle repairs, insurance pricing, and county registration procedures
   2. Only road signs and the names of Illinois highways
   3. Traffic signs, signals, pavement markings, traffic laws, safety, crash prevention, and equipment
   4. Parking fees, fuel economy, and commercial vehicle loading rules
   Show answer

   Traffic signs, signals, pavement markings, traffic laws, safety, crash prevention, and equipment. The basic written examination covers visual controls and practical driving knowledge. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. When may a driver return to the right-hand lane after passing another vehicle?

   1. As soon as the front bumper clears the other vehicle
   2. Before the passed vehicle disappears from the driver’s side mirror
   3. After the entire passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror
   4. Only after the passed driver flashes a courtesy signal
   Show answer

   After the entire passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror. After passing on a two-lane highway, Illinois requires the driver to wait until the entire vehicle just passed is visible in the rearview mi Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. What should an Illinois driver do when light rain begins to make the roadway slippery?

   1. Keep cruise control on and follow more closely
   2. Turn off cruise control and increase following distance
   3. Brake hard repeatedly to dry the tires
   4. Accelerate to pass through the wet area quickly
   Show answer

   Turn off cruise control and increase following distance. Light rain can make the road slippery because water mixes with dust, oil, and leaves. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. How long should a driver maintain reduced speed after passing a stationary emergency vehicle?

   1. Until safely past any stationary emergency vehicles
   2. Only until the front bumper reaches the vehicle
   3. Until the driver sees a green traffic signal
   4. Only while the emergency vehicle’s siren is audible
   Show answer

   Until safely past any stationary emergency vehicles. Illinois requires a reduced speed to continue until the driver is safely past stationary emergency vehicles. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. What does a steady yellow traffic light warn an Illinois driver?

   1. The driver may enter without checking the intersection
   2. The signal will remain green for another full cycle
   3. Cross traffic must stop immediately
   4. The signal is changing from green to red
   Show answer

   The signal is changing from green to red. A steady yellow light warns that the signal is changing from green to red. Full explanation in Test 2

6. 6. What should an Illinois driver do when an emergency vehicle approaches using audible and visual signals?

   1. Continue at the same speed in the current lane
   2. Turn left at the next intersection to get ahead of it
   3. Immediately pull to the right side and allow it to pass
   4. Stop only if the emergency vehicle is directly beside the car
   Show answer

   Immediately pull to the right side and allow it to pass. When an emergency vehicle approaches with audible and visual signals, Illinois requires motorists to immediately pull to the right side of t Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. For how long must motorists obey a posted Illinois construction-zone speed limit?

   1. Only while workers are visible beside the roadway
   2. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week
   3. Only during weekday daylight hours
   4. Only after a construction vehicle enters the lane
   Show answer

   Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A posted construction-zone speed limit remains in force around the clock, every day of the week, regardless of whether workers are present. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. Where does the Illinois manual specifically tell drivers to slow down?

   1. Only on straight roads with a clear view
   2. At intersections, curves, hilltops, and narrow winding roadways
   3. Only after passing the top of a hill
   4. Only when a police officer is present
   Show answer

   At intersections, curves, hilltops, and narrow winding roadways. The handbook names four places that demand extra caution and reduced speed: an approaching or crossing intersection, a curve, the top of a h Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. What minimum revocation follows an Illinois driver's first DUI conviction while under age 21?

   1. A three-month alcohol-trace suspension
   2. A six-month chemical-test suspension
   3. Two years
   4. A one-year refusal suspension
   Show answer

   Two years. A driver under age 21 who is convicted of DUI faces revocation of driving privileges for at least two years when it is a first conviction. Full explanation in Test 3

10. 10. For an Illinois second offender, what happens after refusing chemical testing?

    1. Driving privileges are suspended for three years
    2. Driving privileges are suspended for 45 days
    3. Driving privileges are suspended for six months
    4. Driving privileges are revoked for five years
    Show answer

    Driving privileges are suspended for three years. Illinois treats a qualifying prior statutory summary suspension, refusal, court supervision, or DUI conviction within the last five years as Full explanation in Test 3

11. 11. Which cellphone use does Illinois prohibit while operating a motor vehicle?

    1. Reporting an emergency
    2. Using a cellphone while parked on the shoulder
    3. Using a cellphone while stopped because normal traffic is obstructed, with the vehicle in park
    4. Using a handheld cellphone
    Show answer

    Using a handheld cellphone. Illinois prohibits handheld cellphone use while a motor vehicle is operating. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. How should a driver follow an Illinois ONE-WAY sign?

    1. Use the street in either direction until another sign appears
    2. Turn against the arrow when the intersection is empty
    3. Drive there only during daylight hours
    4. Travel only in the direction shown by the arrow
    Show answer

    Travel only in the direction shown by the arrow. An Illinois ONE-WAY sign identifies a street or driveway where traffic must travel in the arrow's direction. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. Where should a driver go when an Illinois KEEP RIGHT sign points around an obstruction?

    1. To the side indicated by the arrow, around the traffic island, median, or obstruction
    2. Into the opposing lane whenever that lane is empty
    3. To the left of the obstruction regardless of the arrow
    4. Only onto the shoulder, even when a lane is open
    Show answer

    To the side indicated by the arrow, around the traffic island, median, or obstruction. The KEEP RIGHT sign tells drivers where to travel when a traffic island, median, or other obstruction occupies the middle of the roadway. Full explanation in Test 4

14. 14. Why should an Illinois driver begin slowing after seeing a SIGNAL AHEAD sign?

    1. It means the next streetlight is permanently out of service
    2. It marks a police checkpoint where every vehicle must stop
    3. It warns that a traffic signal is approaching, even if it is not yet visible
    4. It permits the driver to ignore the upcoming signal
    Show answer

    It warns that a traffic signal is approaching, even if it is not yet visible. A SIGNAL AHEAD sign warns of an approaching traffic control signal. Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. What does the first Illinois DIVIDED HIGHWAY sign warn a driver about?

    1. A divided highway is ending and opposing traffic will share one lane
    2. A divided highway is beginning and a center strip will separate opposing traffic
    3. A three-way intersection is ahead with traffic entering from the left
    4. A U-turn opening is available through the median
    Show answer

    A divided highway is beginning and a center strip will separate opposing traffic. Illinois describes the first divided-highway sign as the sign posted before a divided highway begins. Full explanation in Test 4

16. 16. What hazard is shown by the yellow crossroad warning sign?

    1. A hospital entrance ahead
    2. An intersection ahead where traffic may cross
    3. A divided highway begins
    4. A school bus stop with a reduced speed zone
    Show answer

    An intersection ahead where traffic may cross. The crossroad symbol belongs to the group of intersection warning signs. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What does a small speed panel below a curve warning sign show?

    1. The maximum safe speed for the curve or turn
    2. The minimum legal speed for the roadway
    3. The distance to the next service area
    4. The number of lanes after the curve
    Show answer

    The maximum safe speed for the curve or turn. The small panel used with a curve or turn warning sign gives the maximum safe speed for that feature. Full explanation in Test 5

18. 18. What do solid yellow no-passing lines indicate on a two-way roadway?

    1. A zone where passing is not allowed
    2. A lane reserved for bicycles
    3. A place where all vehicles must turn left
    4. A roadway edge for traffic moving in the same direction
    Show answer

    A zone where passing is not allowed. Solid yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions and identify zones where passing is not allowed. Full explanation in Test 5

19. 19. How should a driver approach a slow-moving vehicle from the rear?

    1. Follow closely until the operator notices
    2. Prepare to slow down and pass only when it is safe
    3. Pass immediately because the vehicle cannot turn
    4. Use the shoulder to avoid waiting
    Show answer

    Prepare to slow down and pass only when it is safe. Farm vehicles, construction equipment, and animal-drawn vehicles may share Illinois roads, and drivers approaching from behind should use ca Full explanation in Test 5

20. 20. What should occupants do after a vehicle fire begins?

    1. Stay inside until the flames are visible through the windows
    2. Move away from the vehicle and call 911
    3. Open the fuel door and pour water on the engine
    4. Drive farther before turning off the engine
    Show answer

    Move away from the vehicle and call 911. Vehicle fires can become dangerous quickly, so Illinois places distance and emergency notification ahead of attempting repairs. Full explanation in Test 5

21. 21. When is the Illinois school-zone speed limit 20 mph in effect?

    1. Every day from sunrise to sunset near any school
    2. Only when a crossing guard is directing traffic
    3. On school days from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. when children are present and signs are posted
    4. From 4 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. on school days
    Show answer

    On school days from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. when children are present and signs are posted. The 20 mph school-zone limit applies on school days between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. when children are present and signs are posted. Full explanation in Test 6

22. 22. How long is the temporary paper license Illinois issues at the facility valid?

    1. 10 days
    2. One year
    3. 90 days
    4. 30 days
    Show answer

    90 days. Upon payment and completion of any required testing, the Secretary of State issues a temporary, secure paper driver's license or ID card val Full explanation in Test 6

23. 23. What is an Illinois Occupational Driving Permit?

    1. A permit for farm equipment
    2. A permit for drivers under 16
    3. A permit to drive after a DUI without an interlock
    4. A permit letting a professional driver suspended for three moving violations drive for work
    Show answer

    A permit letting a professional driver suspended for three moving violations drive for work. An Occupational Driving Permit allows a professional driver whose license has been suspended for three moving violations to operate a vehicl Full explanation in Test 6

24. 24. What is the proper first action when law enforcement stops your vehicle?

    1. Stop immediately in the traffic lane without signaling
    2. Exit the vehicle before the officer reaches it
    3. Continue driving until the officer uses a second signal
    4. Slow down, signal, and pull safely onto the right shoulder
    Show answer

    Slow down, signal, and pull safely onto the right shoulder. For a traffic stop, slow down, activate the turn signal, and pull safely onto the right shoulder. Full explanation in Test 6

25. 25. What do red roadway signs indicate?

    1. Regulatory instructions that must be obeyed
    2. Optional directions to recreation areas
    3. Warnings about construction equipment only
    4. Services such as fuel or food
    Show answer

    Regulatory instructions that must be obeyed. Red signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed. Illinois examples include STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, and WRONG WAY. Full explanation in Test 7

26. 26. How should a driver use Illinois' three-second rule on a good road in good weather?

    1. Choose a fixed object and ensure the vehicle reaches it no sooner than three seconds after the vehicle ahead
    2. Count one second from the time the vehicle ahead passes any object
    3. Keep one car length between vehicles at every speed
    4. Use the rule only when following a motorcycle
    Show answer

    Choose a fixed object and ensure the vehicle reaches it no sooner than three seconds after the vehicle ahead. Illinois uses a three-second check for ordinary conditions. Full explanation in Test 7

27. 27. When must an Illinois driver use headlights because of windshield wiper operation?

    1. Only when wipers have been running for ten minutes
    2. Whenever the driver is operating the windshield wipers
    3. Only after sunset, even if the wipers are on during daylight
    4. Only when another vehicle flashes its headlights
    Show answer

    Whenever the driver is operating the windshield wipers. Illinois ties headlight use to the operation of windshield wipers. Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. What should a driver do if a vehicle enters a flooded roadway or viaduct?

    1. Enter slowly after checking only the near edge
    2. Avoid driving through it, turn around, and find another route
    3. Follow the vehicle ahead because its tires show the water depth
    4. Stop in the deepest section and wait for the water to recede
    Show answer

    Avoid driving through it, turn around, and find another route. Floodwater hides both depth and current, so a driver cannot reliably judge whether the vehicle can cross. Full explanation in Test 7

29. 29. When may an Illinois driver drive over a fire hose at an emergency scene?

    1. Whenever the hose is flat against the pavement
    2. Whenever no firefighter is standing directly on it
    3. Only when permitted by the fire official in command
    4. Only after turning on the vehicle's hazard flashers
    Show answer

    Only when permitted by the fire official in command. Fire hoses can be supplying an active response, so a driver must not make an independent decision to cross them. Full explanation in Test 8

30. 30. What should a driver do when the vehicle's wheels drift onto the shoulder?

    1. Jerk the wheel left immediately to return to the lane
    2. Accelerate on the shoulder and merge without checking traffic
    3. Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, brake gently, check behind, and steer back gradually
    4. Brake hard while keeping both wheels on the pavement edge
    Show answer

    Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, brake gently, check behind, and steer back gradually. A sudden correction from the shoulder can cause the vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic or lose balance. Full explanation in Test 8

31. 31. Unless directed otherwise by an officer, what must a driver obey?

    1. Only signs posted on expressways
    2. A nearby driver's hand gesture instead of signals
    3. Traffic signals and pavement markings
    4. Lane markings only when traffic is light
    Show answer

    Traffic signals and pavement markings. Illinois requires drivers to obey both traffic signals and pavement markings unless a police or traffic control officer directs otherwise. Full explanation in Test 8

32. 32. How far before a rural Illinois railroad crossing may the round advance warning sign be placed?

    1. 50 feet
    2. Up to 750 feet
    3. One mile
    4. Directly at the crossing
    Show answer

    Up to 750 feet. The round yellow advance warning sign with a black X and the letters RR means a highway railway crossing is ahead, and in rural areas it may Full explanation in Test 8

33. 33. Why are special lights sometimes displayed above individual highway lanes?

    1. To identify a lane reserved for parked vehicles
    2. To replace every other traffic control
    3. To show that the road has no speed limit
    4. To change the flow of traffic during certain hours
    Show answer

    To change the flow of traffic during certain hours. Illinois uses special lights above lanes to change the flow of traffic during certain hours. Full explanation in Test 9

34. 34. Which vehicles may not be sold or operated in Illinois without safety belts?

    1. Vehicles manufactured in 1965 or after
    2. Only vehicles built after 1990
    3. All vehicles regardless of year
    4. Only commercial vehicles
    Show answer

    Vehicles manufactured in 1965 or after. Vehicles manufactured in 1965 or after may not be sold or operated in Illinois without safety belts. Full explanation in Test 9

35. 35. What do double solid yellow center lines permit a driver to do?

    1. Cross for a permitted left turn into or from an alley, driveway, or street
    2. Pass whenever the opposing lane looks empty
    3. Cross to make any U-turn on a divided highway
    4. Use the lines as a regular travel lane
    Show answer

    Cross for a permitted left turn into or from an alley, driveway, or street. Double solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic and mark the center of the roadway. Full explanation in Test 9