IL Permit Practice Test 20

All 20 questions in test 20

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 does alcohol do to a driver, according to the Illinois manual?

   1. It improves reaction time in small amounts
   2. It affects driving only above the legal limit
   3. It affects vision but not reaction time
   4. It affects vision and slows reaction time, so it takes longer to act in an emergency
   Show answer

   It affects vision and slows reaction time, so it takes longer to act in an emergency. The DUI chapter says alcohol affects your vision and slows your reaction time, so it takes longer to act in an emergency. Alcohol affects your driving even if you are below the level of illegal intoxication, and drinking even a small amount increases the chances of causing a crash. The manual calls alcohol the number one killer on American roadways.

   Study this in the handbook: DUI, implied consent and summary suspension

2. 2. If you must make a phone call while driving, what does the Illinois manual recommend, even with hands-free technology?

   1. Keep the call short and stay in your lane
   2. Make the call only on a straight road
   3. Pull off to the side of the road before making the call
   4. Make the call only at night
   Show answer

   Pull off to the side of the road before making the call. Illinois allows hands-free device use for drivers age 19 and older, but the manual still recommends caution. 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. A call can still take attention away from driving. Pulling off the road is the safest way to handle a call you cannot avoid.

   Study this in the handbook: Phones, distracted driving and traffic stops

3. 3. What should joggers and walkers do at night or in poor visibility?

   1. Wear dark clothing to avoid distracting drivers
   2. Run with traffic so drivers approach from ahead
   3. Be in well-lit areas and wear reflective clothing, facing oncoming traffic on public roads
   4. Use the center of the lane where pavement is smoothest
   Show answer

   Be in well-lit areas and wear reflective clothing, facing oncoming traffic on public roads. At night or in poor visibility, joggers and walkers should use well-lit areas and wear reflective clothing. On public roads, they should face oncoming traffic, look and listen for cars, and try to select wide roads with good shoulders. They should use jogging paths when provided. The option "Wear dark clothing to avoid distracting drivers" should be set aside: The manual recommends reflective clothing in well-lit areas at night or in poor visibility.

4. 4. What must be done before an autocycle may be operated on Illinois roadways?

   1. It needs only a motorcycle endorsement and no registration
   2. It may operate unregistered on roads below 35 mph
   3. It requires a commercial driver license for road use
   4. It must be correctly titled and registered with the Secretary of State, and the operator needs a valid Illinois driver license
   Show answer

   It must be correctly titled and registered with the Secretary of State, and the operator needs a valid Illinois driver license. An autocycle has three wheels, a steering wheel, and seating that does not require straddling. It may operate on Illinois roadways when correctly titled and registered with the Secretary of State. Its operator must have a valid Illinois driver’s license. Against "It needs only a motorcycle endorsement and no registration", note this: Registration is required; an endorsement alone is insufficient. Compare "It may operate unregistered on roads below 35 mph" next: Road speed limits do not waive titling or registration.

5. 5. Which vehicles must stop at most railroad crossings in Illinois?

   1. Only vehicles with more than ten passengers
   2. Vehicles carrying people for hire, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials
   3. Only farm vehicles
   4. Only vehicles built before 1965
   Show answer

   Vehicles carrying people for hire, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Vehicles carrying people for hire, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop at most railroad crossings. Be prepared to stop when following vehicles required to stop at crossings. Consider "Only vehicles with more than ten passengers": Passenger count alone does not define the stopping classes. Its rival "Only farm vehicles" fails for a separate reason: The listed categories are vehicles carrying people for hire, school buses, and hazardous-material vehicles, not farm vehicles alone.

   Study this in the handbook: School buses, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings

6. 6. Where there is no sidewalk or shoulder, how should a pedestrian walk in two-way traffic?

   1. Facing oncoming traffic, as far from the outside edge of the road as possible
   2. With traffic, close to the travel lane
   3. In the center of the roadway
   4. Only after dark with a flashlight
   Show answer

   Facing oncoming traffic, as far from the outside edge of the road as possible. With no sidewalk or shoulder available, the manual says pedestrians should walk as far from the outside edge of the road as possible. In two-way traffic, they should face oncoming traffic. The option "With traffic, close to the travel lane" should be set aside: The manual directs pedestrians to face oncoming traffic in two-way traffic, rather than walk with traffic. "In the center of the roadway" loses out as well: The manual gives a different instruction: walk as far from the outside edge of the road as possible and face oncoming traffic.

7. 7. How should the lap belt portion of a safety belt be worn in Illinois?

   1. Across the stomach for comfort
   2. Behind the back
   3. Across the hip bones, never across the stomach or soft abdomen
   4. Under one arm
   Show answer

   Across the hip bones, never across the stomach or soft abdomen. Wear the lap belt across the hip bones, never across the stomach or soft part of the abdomen. A belt behind the back or under an arm does not follow this lap-belt placement instruction. Consider "Across the stomach for comfort": The manual bars positioning the belt across the stomach. Its rival "Behind the back" fails for a separate reason: Behind the back is not the required position across the hip bones.

   Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, air bags and child seats

8. 8. Using hand and arm signals, how is a right turn signaled?

   1. Left arm extended straight out
   2. Left arm extended straight up
   3. Left arm extended down
   4. Right arm extended straight up
   Show answer

   Left arm extended straight up. Use the left arm for hand signals: extend the hand and arm straight up for a right turn, straight out to the left for a left turn, and down to slow or stop. The option "Left arm extended straight out" should be set aside: Arm straight out announces a left turn instead. "Left arm extended down" loses out as well: Arm down asks traffic behind to expect slowing or a stop.

   Study this in the handbook: Passing, turning, roundabouts and parking

9. 9. Do Illinois Persons with Disabilities license plates exempt the holder from parking meter fees?

   1. No, the plates do not exempt the holder from meter fees and time limits
   2. Yes, at every meter in the state
   3. Yes, but only on weekends
   4. Yes, but only for the first hour
   Show answer

   No, the plates do not exempt the holder from meter fees and time limits. The manual says Persons with Disabilities plates do not exempt the authorized holder from parking meter fees and time limitations at parking meters. Only a Meter-Exempt Permanent placard, issued to people whose disability significantly impairs access to a meter, carries that exemption for meters with a time limit of more than 30 minutes. The plates still allow use of reserved spaces.

10. 10. When may an Illinois motorcyclist proceed through a red light that fails to change?

    1. Immediately if no traffic is coming
    2. Never
    3. After 10 seconds
    4. After the light has stayed red for 120 seconds and the rider yields to oncoming traffic
    Show answer

    After the light has stayed red for 120 seconds and the rider yields to oncoming traffic. If a red light fails to turn green after 120 seconds, a motorcyclist may proceed through the intersection after yielding the right of way to oncoming traffic. Proceeding immediately or after ten seconds ignores the 120 second wait, and the rule does allow movement, so never is wrong. Drivers should also allow at least three to four seconds of following distance behind a motorcycle so the rider has time to maneuver in an emergency, and be sure of the motorcycle operator's intent before making a left turn.

11. 11. After a train passes a railroad crossing with more than one track, what should you do before proceeding?

    1. Proceed immediately because the crossing is now clear
    2. Follow the vehicle ahead without looking
    3. Look for a second train on another track
    4. Wait for a horn signal
    Show answer

    Look for a second train on another track. The manual advises that once a train has passed, you should always look for a second train on another track before proceeding. Visually check all the tracks for additional oncoming trains or railroad equipment. A second train can be hidden by the first, so crossing immediately is dangerous. Stay alert until you have cleared every track. Look in both directions and listen before moving onto the tracks.

    Study this in the handbook: School buses, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings

12. 12. How should an Illinois driver treat a temporary STOP sign erected by highway authorities?

    1. As an advisory sign that may be ignored when no cross traffic is visible
    2. As if it were a permanent STOP sign
    3. As a YIELD sign until the work ends
    4. As a sign that applies only to commercial vehicles
    Show answer

    As if it were a permanent STOP sign. Illinois says a temporary STOP sign put up by highway authorities is treated as if it were a permanent STOP sign. That means a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection edge, and yielding to pedestrians and approaching traffic. Its temporary nature does not make it optional. Work zones and temporary traffic control change often, so drivers should expect new STOP signs in unfamiliar places. Stopping fully and yielding to pedestrians and approaching traffic keeps workers and other road users safe.

    Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes and colors

13. 13. When one vehicle tows another in Illinois, what limits generally apply?

    1. Towing only by drawbar, with the distance between cars generally not over 15 feet and the towed vehicle coupled with two chains or cables
    2. Any rope of any length
    3. Up to 50 feet on a single chain
    4. Towing is prohibited in all cases
    Show answer

    Towing only by drawbar, with the distance between cars generally not over 15 feet and the towed vehicle coupled with two chains or cables. Illinois permits towing one vehicle with another only by a drawbar. In most cases, the distance between the vehicles should not exceed 15 feet. The towed vehicle should be coupled to the towing vehicle with two chains or cables. Consider "Any rope of any length": Loose rope lacks the drawbar coupling the rule expects. Its rival "Up to 50 feet on a single chain" fails for a separate reason: The manual generally limits the distance to 15 feet and specifies two chains or cables.

14. 14. Which high school driver education result can exempt a student from the Secretary of State driving exam?

    1. Passing grades with a combined grade of C
    2. A combined grade of A or B in classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
    3. Completion with any passing grade
    4. A grade of A in classroom work only
    Show answer

    A combined grade of A or B in classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. High school students who successfully complete an accredited driver education course with a combined grade of A or B in classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction may be exempt from the Secretary of State driving exam. Students with birthdays on certain spot-check dates must still pass a DMV driving exam. The option "Passing grades with a combined grade of C" should be set aside: A combined grade of C does not meet the stated A-or-B criterion.

15. 15. If you develop a condition likely to cause loss of consciousness, how soon must you notify the Secretary of State's office?

    1. Within 10 days of becoming aware of the condition
    2. Within 30 days of becoming aware of the condition
    3. At the next scheduled renewal only
    4. Within one year of becoming aware of the condition
    Show answer

    Within 10 days of becoming aware of the condition. If you develop a medical condition likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to operate a vehicle safely, notify the Secretary of State’s office within 10 days of becoming aware of it. Failure to do so may lead to cancellation of your license and driving privileges. Consider "Within 30 days of becoming aware of the condition": Thirty days belongs to corrected cards after a name change, not medical disclosure.

16. 16. How strong must the foot brake be on an Illinois vehicle?

    1. Strong enough to stop a vehicle traveling 20 mph within 55 feet
    2. Strong enough to stop a vehicle traveling 20 mph within 30 feet
    3. Strong enough to stop a vehicle traveling 40 mph within 30 feet
    4. Strong enough to hold the vehicle on a hill only
    Show answer

    Strong enough to stop a vehicle traveling 20 mph within 30 feet. Illinois sets a measurable stopping test for the service brake: from 20 mph, the vehicle must halt within 30 feet, riding on two brake systems with brakes at all wheels. Fifty five feet belongs to the emergency brake standard at that same speed, so mixing the pair understates what the pedal must do. Doubling the test speed or reducing the check to hill holding also misses the stated benchmark. A pedal that cannot meet this distance signals repair before regular driving.

    Study this in the handbook: Required vehicle equipment

17. 17. In an urban area, how far before the crosswalk is a white stop line usually painted?

    1. Usually 4 feet before the crosswalk
    2. Usually 12 feet before the crosswalk
    3. Usually 25 feet before the crosswalk
    4. Directly under the crosswalk stripes
    Show answer

    Usually 4 feet before the crosswalk. In an urban area, a white stop line is usually painted 4 feet before the crosswalk. It shows where to stop for a stop sign or red light. Stop before any part of the vehicle crosses the line. Consider "Usually 12 feet before the crosswalk": Twelve feet triples the usual urban stop line setback. Its rival "Usually 25 feet before the crosswalk" fails for a separate reason: Twenty five feet places the line far beyond its usual position.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way and pedestrians

18. 18. When must a crash report be filed because of a school bus connection in Illinois?

    1. Only when a school bus is struck directly
    2. When a crash occurs within 50 feet of a school bus and injures or kills someone waiting to board or who has just exited
    3. Whenever a school bus drives past a crash scene
    4. Only during morning pickup hours on school days
    Show answer

    When a crash occurs within 50 feet of a school bus and injures or kills someone waiting to board or who has just exited. Crash reporting reaches beyond direct impacts: a report must also be filed when a crash occurs within fifty feet of a school bus and causes personal injury or death to any person waiting to board or who had just exited the bus. Any crash involving a school bus producing property damage, injury, or death likewise requires a report regardless of fault. Passing buses and morning hours alone create no filing duty without the injury and proximity pairing.

    Study this in the handbook: Crashes, reports and insurance

19. 19. Which practice helps an Illinois driver avoid drowsiness on a long trip?

    1. Driving faster to finish sooner
    2. Exercising the eyes by reading road signs and shifting focus across the roadway
    3. Keeping cruise control on for hours without breaks
    4. Staring fixedly at the lane center ahead
    Show answer

    Exercising the eyes by reading road signs and shifting focus across the roadway. Drowsiness can impair safe driving even without falling asleep. Be properly rested and stop frequently on long trips. Exercising your eyes by reading road signs or shifting focus to different parts of the roadway is also helpful. Consider "Driving faster to finish sooner": Speeding gambles with dulled drowsy reactions. Its rival "Keeping cruise control on for hours without breaks" fails for a separate reason: The manual recommends frequent stops on long trips, rather than driving for hours without breaks.

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits, school zones and work zones

20. 20. When does an Illinois driver license normally expire?

    1. On the last day of the calendar year
    2. Four years after the date of the most recent traffic stop
    3. On the driver's birthday
    4. On the driver's 21st birthday in every case
    Show answer

    On the driver's birthday. An ordinary Illinois driver's license is valid for four years and expires on the driver's birthday, with listed exceptions by age. For drivers under 21 the license expires three months after their 21st birthday, drivers ages 81 to 86 receive a license valid for two years, and drivers 87 and older must renew every year. The last day of the calendar year is not a date the manual uses, and a traffic stop has no role in the expiration date. Watch for the renewal notice about 90 days before expiration, but renewing on time is the driver's responsibility.