IL Permit Practice Test 21

All 20 questions in test 21

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. During the nine-month Illinois permit phase, which record must a teen driver avoid acquiring?

   1. Any driving infractions, underage alcohol convictions, or court supervisions
   2. A driver education completion notation
   3. A warning from a parent or guardian
   4. Extra supervised practice hours
   Show answer

   Any driving infractions, underage alcohol convictions, or court supervisions. During the nine-month permit phase, a teen must not acquire driving infractions, underage alcohol convictions, or court supervisions. The phase also requires at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours at night. "A driver education completion notation" is a distractor here: A driver education completion notation is not one of the prohibited records; the manual requires that notation before issuing a license.

   Study this in the handbook: Instruction permit and the graduated license program

2. 2. What lights should drivers in an Illinois funeral procession switch on?

   1. Only parking lights
   2. Headlights and hazard lights
   3. Only the interior dome light
   4. No lights at all
   Show answer

   Headlights and hazard lights. Motorists in a funeral procession should have their headlights and hazard lights turned on. Other motorists must yield to the procession. Motorists should not drive between procession vehicles except when directed by a law enforcement officer. Vehicles may not join a procession to secure the right of way. Local municipalities may impound a vehicle that interferes with a funeral procession due to reckless driving.

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

3. 3. Where does Illinois prohibit standing or parking a vehicle, whether occupied or not?

   1. In front of a public or private driveway
   2. Along a curb on a residential street with no signs
   3. In a legal space within 12 inches of the curb
   4. On the right side of a one-way street
   Show answer

   In front of a public or private driveway. The manual lists standing or parking in front of a public or private driveway as prohibited, whether or not the vehicle is occupied. A legal curb space within 12 inches of the curb is allowed unless signs or other rules say otherwise. Blocking a driveway can keep residents, emergency vehicles, or other drivers from entering or leaving. Even a short stop with the driver inside counts as standing, so look for a clear curb space before you leave the vehicle.

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

4. 4. How often should a mechanic check a vehicle's exhaust system to guard against carbon monoxide?

   1. Every year
   2. Only after a crash damages the rear bumper
   3. Every ten years of vehicle life
   4. Only when a warning light appears
   Show answer

   Every year. The manual recommends having a mechanic check the vehicle’s exhaust system every year. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Never run a vehicle inside a garage attached to a house. Against "Only after a crash damages the rear bumper", note this: The manual recommends a mechanic’s exhaust-system check every year. Compare "Every ten years of vehicle life" next: The manual recommends a mechanic’s exhaust-system check every year.

   Study this in the handbook: Crashes, reports and insurance

5. 5. How should the Illinois driver's shoulder strap fit?

   1. Behind the back for comfort
   2. Under the arm to reduce pressure on the neck
   3. Loose enough to move freely across the seat
   4. As snug as possible while still allowing the driver to reach important controls
   Show answer

   As snug as possible while still allowing the driver to reach important controls. The manual says the shoulder strap should be as snug as possible but still allow the driver to reach important controls. It should be comfortable and cross the body at or near the neck or face. The strap should never be placed behind the back or under the arm, and the lap belt belongs across the hip bones, not the stomach.

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

6. 6. What is the purpose of the Emergency Notification System sign at a highway-rail grade crossing?

   1. It displays the train schedule for the coming week
   2. It authorizes drivers to cross against flashing lights
   3. It reports the weight limit for trucks using the crossing
   4. It lets the public reach the railroad responsible for the crossing and identify that specific crossing during an emergency
   Show answer

   It lets the public reach the railroad responsible for the crossing and identify that specific crossing during an emergency. An Emergency Notification System sign provides critical emergency contact information at a highway-rail grade crossing. It lets the public reach the railroad responsible for the crossing and identify the specific crossing during an emergency. Against "It displays the train schedule for the coming week", note this: The sign provides emergency contact data, not train schedules. Compare "It authorizes drivers to cross against flashing lights" next: Nothing on the sign permits crossing against active warnings.

7. 7. When is a driver not required to stop for a school bus stopped in the opposite direction in Illinois?

   1. When both vehicles are on a four-lane roadway
   2. When the bus lights are not flashing at a parking lot entrance
   3. When the driver is in a hurry and no children are visible
   4. When the road has a speed limit above 45 mph
   Show answer

   When both vehicles are on a four-lane roadway. The Illinois manual says a vehicle is not required to stop for a school bus when both vehicles are on a four-lane roadway and the bus is stopped in the opposite direction from which the driver is traveling. At any other time you must stop before meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading passengers, including on two-lane roads and in parking lots on school property.

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

8. 8. What cellphone rule applies to an Illinois driver under age 19?

   1. Only texting is prohibited; hands-free calls are always allowed
   2. Hands-free use is required but otherwise unrestricted
   3. All wireless or cellphone use while driving is prohibited, including hands-free use, subject to an emergency exception
   4. Cellphone use is allowed if the vehicle is moving below 15 mph
   Show answer

   All wireless or cellphone use while driving is prohibited, including hands-free use, subject to an emergency exception. Illinois prohibits any wireless or cellphone use while driving for a driver under 19, including hands-free use. The manual allows an exception for an emergency contact with law enforcement, a health care provider, or emergency services. The texting-only answer narrows the ban too far, and the hands-free answer reverses the rule by treating hands-free use as generally permitted. Vehicle speed does not create a listed exception. Age is the first cue, then remember that hands-free technology does not remove the under-19 prohibition.

   Study this in the handbook: Teen curfews, passenger limits and phone rules

9. 9. According to the manual’s Hazard Signal section, what may flashing both turn signals at the same time indicate?

   1. A vehicle is turning around
   2. A disabled or parked vehicle
   3. Permission for others to pass
   4. A funeral procession of one
   Show answer

   A disabled or parked vehicle. Both turn signals may be flashed at the same time to indicate a disabled or parked vehicle. This is the hazard signal described in the manual. The option "A vehicle is turning around" should be set aside: The Hazard Signal section identifies a disabled or parked vehicle, not a turnaround. "Permission for others to pass" loses out as well: Hazards warn traffic; they license no maneuver by others.

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

10. 10. What happens to an out-of-state traffic conviction on an Illinois driving record?

    1. It is ignored until the driver moves back to Illinois
    2. It is included on the Illinois record
    3. It replaces any Illinois convictions already listed
    4. It is recorded only if the driver pays an extra fee
    Show answer

    It is included on the Illinois record. A traffic conviction received while driving in another state is included on the Illinois driving record. For a nonresident convicted in Illinois where immediate action is required, Illinois establishes a record and reports the violation to the person’s home state. Against "It is ignored until the driver moves back to Illinois", note this: Out of state convictions are not ignored. Compare "It replaces any Illinois convictions already listed" next: The manual says an out-of-state traffic conviction is included on the Illinois driving record.

11. 11. What may happen to a person convicted of providing alcohol to someone under age 21 in Illinois?

    1. A fine, possible jail, and suspension of driving privileges
    2. A verbal warning from the court
    3. Loss of alcohol purchasing ability only
    4. A requirement to attend one driver class
    Show answer

    A fine, possible jail, and suspension of driving privileges. A person convicted of providing alcohol to someone under age 21 may be fined, sentenced to jail, and have driving privileges suspended. It is also illegal to allow someone to drive your vehicle if you know that person is under the influence. Against "A verbal warning from the court", note this: The listed possible consequences are a fine, a jail sentence, and suspension of driving privileges.

    Study this in the handbook: Drivers under 21 and alcohol

12. 12. When may a disabled vehicle be pushed on an Illinois rural highway?

    1. At any time, to reach the nearest town
    2. Only in an emergency, and it should be removed to avoid a hazard
    3. Whenever hazard lights are flashing
    4. Only during daylight hours
    Show answer

    Only in an emergency, and it should be removed to avoid a hazard. A disabled vehicle may not be pushed on a rural highway unless there is an emergency, and it should be removed to avoid a hazard. A disabled, unattended, or abandoned vehicle must be removed from the roadway as soon as possible. "At any time, to reach the nearest town" is a distractor here: Convenience trips toward town do not qualify. Another rival, "Whenever hazard lights are flashing", is wrong on its own terms: Flashing hazards warn without repealing the ban.

13. 13. What does an Illinois ROAD CLOSED sign mean?

    1. The road is closed to trucks only
    2. The road is closed to all traffic and you may not continue on it
    3. The road ahead is open to local traffic only
    4. Slow down and continue with caution
    Show answer

    The road is closed to all traffic and you may not continue on it. A ROAD CLOSED sign is used when the road is closed to all traffic. The manual says you may not continue on the road. It applies to every vehicle, not only trucks or non-local drivers. If you see this sign, look for the posted detour or turn around where it is safe. Driving past a closure puts you and any workers or other drivers at risk, so always treat the sign as a full barrier.

14. 14. When passing another vehicle in Illinois, where may a driver not travel?

    1. Off the pavement or main traveled part of the road, on either side
    2. In the left lane of a two-lane highway
    3. Beside a vehicle that is slowing to turn
    4. On a one-way street with clear lanes
    Show answer

    Off the pavement or main traveled part of the road, on either side. Driving off the pavement or main traveled part of the road is not allowed when passing on either the right or the left. On a two-lane roadway with enough room, you may pass on the right when the other vehicle is making or is about to make a left turn. Right-side passing is also permitted on a one-way street. Consider "In the left lane of a two-lane highway": The left lane is the ordinary lawful passing path.

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

15. 15. When passing a large truck at night, how should you use your headlights?

    1. Hold high beams steady beside the truck until it moves over
    2. Trail the truck closely until it flashes permission
    3. Turn your headlights off while alongside the trailer
    4. Blink your headlights to let the truck driver know, and complete the pass quickly rather than staying alongside
    Show answer

    Blink your headlights to let the truck driver know, and complete the pass quickly rather than staying alongside. Blink your headlights when passing a truck, especially at night, to let the truck driver know. Complete the pass as quickly as possible to avoid staying alongside. When following a truck at night, dim your headlights because bright lights reflected in its large side mirrors can blind the driver. "Hold high beams steady beside the truck until it moves over" is a distractor here: Steady high beams blind truck drivers through large mirrors.

16. 16. What must the emergency or parking brake be able to do?

    1. Stop the vehicle in 30 feet at 20 mph and lock both front wheels
    2. Hold the vehicle only on perfectly level pavement
    3. Stop the vehicle in 55 feet at 20 mph and hold it on a grade or hill
    4. Replace the foot brake for everyday stopping
    Show answer

    Stop the vehicle in 55 feet at 20 mph and hold it on a grade or hill. The emergency or parking brake must be strong enough to stop the vehicle within 55 feet at 20 mph and hold it on a grade or hill. The 30-foot stopping standard at 20 mph applies to the foot brake. The option "Stop the vehicle in 30 feet at 20 mph and lock both front wheels" should be set aside: Thirty feet is the foot brake standard at that speed.

    Study this in the handbook: Required vehicle equipment

17. 17. Within how many days of a vehicle purchase must a dealer send the required items to the Secretary of State?

    1. Within 45 days of purchase
    2. Within 20 days of purchase
    3. Within 90 days of purchase
    4. Within 6 months of purchase
    Show answer

    Within 20 days of purchase. Within 20 days of purchase, a dealer must send the Secretary of State the vehicle transaction application, properly signed title or certificate of origin, and separate payments for title/license plate fees and sales tax. Sales tax varies by the city or county where the vehicle is purchased. "Within 45 days of purchase" is a distractor here: The dealer filing deadline is 20 days. For special plate orders, the manual says to allow at least 45 days for delivery.

18. 18. After a facility visit, within what period is a permanent Illinois license or ID card usually mailed?

    1. Usually within 5 business days
    2. Usually within 15 business days
    3. Usually within 30 business days
    4. Usually within 45 business days
    Show answer

    Usually within 15 business days. After document review and verification, the permanent license or ID card is printed centrally and mailed, usually within 15 business days. If it has not arrived after 15 business days from the facility visit, check its status at ilsos.gov or call 217-782-7044. Consider "Usually within 5 business days": Five business days is roughly one week, well ahead of the usual delivery window.

19. 19. An applicant is found cheating on the Illinois written exam. How long is the applicant prohibited from retaking it?

    1. 7 days
    2. 14 days
    3. 30 days
    4. 90 days
    Show answer

    30 days. An applicant found cheating fails the written exam and is prohibited from retaking it for 30 days. Applicants observed doing something suspicious will be warned. Taking any part of the exam for another person is a separate criminal offense punishable by a fine and a mandatory minimum of seven days in jail. "7 days" is a distractor here: Seven days belongs to the jail minimum for impersonating an exam taker.

    Study this in the handbook: Vision screening, written exam and driving exam

20. 20. What is the minimum rearward viewing distance required for a rearview mirror in Illinois?

    1. A view of at least 50 feet behind the car
    2. A view of at least 500 feet behind the car
    3. A view of at least 200 feet behind the car
    4. A view limited to the rear bumper
    Show answer

    A view of at least 200 feet behind the car. One rearview mirror is required so the driver can see at least 200 feet behind the car. The option "A view of at least 50 feet behind the car" should be set aside: Fifty feet is less than the required rearward view of at least 200 feet. "A view of at least 500 feet behind the car" loses out as well: Five hundred feet exceeds the stated mirror requirement.

    Study this in the handbook: Required vehicle equipment