IL Permit Practice Test 23

All 20 questions in test 23

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 do solid white or yellow lines painted to guide traffic around a hazard do?

   1. Mark the beginning of a bicycle lane
   2. Channel traffic around a hazard
   3. Show where parking becomes legal at night
   4. Separate lanes moving in opposite directions
   Show answer

   Channel traffic around a hazard. Solid white or yellow lines are sometimes used to channel traffic around a hazard. Yellow or white diagonal stripes mark fixed obstructions, while yellow center lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. The option "Mark the beginning of a bicycle lane" should be set aside: Bicycle lanes turn dotted near corners instead. "Show where parking becomes legal at night" loses out as well: The manual identifies these lines as guides around a hazard, not markings that authorize nighttime parking.

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way and pedestrians

2. 2. Power lines have fallen on your vehicle and fire forces you out. How should you exit and move?

   1. Step down one foot at a time while holding the door frame
   2. Run at full stride away from the vehicle immediately
   3. Crawl away keeping hands on the ground for balance
   4. Jump clear without touching vehicle and ground together, land on both feet, and hop or shuffle 50 feet away with arms close
   Show answer

   Jump clear without touching vehicle and ground together, land on both feet, and hop or shuffle 50 feet away with arms close. If power lines fall on the vehicle, remain inside until help arrives unless fire is an immediate danger. If fire forces an exit, jump clear without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time. Land on both feet and hop or shuffle 50 feet away with your arms close to your body. Against "Step down one foot at a time while holding the door frame", note this: Stepping down while holding the frame bridges vehicle to ground.

   Study this in the handbook: Crashes, reports and insurance

3. 3. A driver behind you is tailgating. What should you do?

   1. Brake sharply to warn the driver back
   2. Move to another lane or slowly pull off the road and allow the vehicle to pass
   3. Speed up until the gap grows comfortable
   4. Hold your lane and tap the horn repeatedly
   Show answer

   Move to another lane or slowly pull off the road and allow the vehicle to pass. If you are being tailgated, move to another lane or slowly pull off the road and allow the vehicle to pass. The manual identifies following too closely as the cause of most rear-end crashes. "Brake sharply to warn the driver back" is a distractor here: Sharp braking invites the rear end collision tailgating already risks. Another rival, "Speed up until the gap grows comfortable", is wrong on its own terms: The manual advises changing lanes or slowly pulling off to let the tailgater pass, not speeding up.

   Study this in the handbook: Following distance, night driving and weather

4. 4. How is the turnabout maneuver performed during the Illinois driving exam?

   1. Using an alley on the left side of the street, signaling left before entering and backing out on the proper side
   2. Making a U-turn across the center line at midblock
   3. Turning around inside a private driveway without signaling
   4. Backing around a corner while facing forward
   Show answer

   Using an alley on the left side of the street, signaling left before entering and backing out on the proper side. The graded turnabout uses an alley on the left side of the street: signal left before turning into the alley, then back the car out while staying on the proper side of the street. A midblock U-turn swaps in a different maneuver entirely, an unsignaled driveway turn drops the required signal, and backing while facing forward discards the rearward watch the exam grades. Signal first, enter the alley, then back out watching traffic from the correct side.

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

5. 5. What does Illinois law say about flashing turn signals as a courtesy signal to other drivers?

   1. It is required whenever passing on a two-lane road
   2. It is allowed only during daylight hours
   3. It is against the law to flash signals as a courtesy or do pass signal
   4. It is allowed when the other driver flashes first
   Show answer

   It is against the law to flash signals as a courtesy or do pass signal. It is against the law to flash turn signals as a courtesy or as a do-pass signal to other drivers. The option "It is required whenever passing on a two-lane road" should be set aside: The gesture is prohibited, never required. "It is allowed only during daylight hours" loses out as well: Daylight does not legalize courtesy flashing. Finally, "It is allowed when the other driver flashes first" also misses the rule: Answering a flash still sends a prohibited signal.

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

6. 6. 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. That rule covers the signal itself and the lane or center markings that organize movement. Limiting obedience to expressway signs or to markings only in light traffic would ignore controls that apply across ordinary road conditions. A useful habit is to scan the signal, the painted lines, and any officer directing traffic before moving.

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

7. 7. For a driver age 19 or older, which headset use is permitted while driving in Illinois?

   1. A full headset covering both ears
   2. A single-sided headset or earpiece with a wireless or cellphone device
   3. Any headset if the volume stays low
   4. Headsets are allowed only for passengers in the front seat
   Show answer

   A single-sided headset or earpiece with a wireless or cellphone device. Illinois generally prohibits headsets while driving, but permits a single-sided headset or earpiece with a wireless or cellphone device. Hands-free devices are allowed for drivers age 19 and older. Hearing aids are excluded from the headset definition, and motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, and moped operators may use intercom helmets to speak with passengers. Against "A full headset covering both ears", note this: The stated exception permits a single-sided headset or earpiece, not a headset covering both ears.

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

8. 8. What can an automated railroad crossing enforcement system record, and what may follow?

   1. It may record the plate number, time, date, and location of a violation; fines and possible license suspension may follow
   2. It records only the color of vehicles that cross lawfully
   3. It photographs drivers only when a police officer is present
   4. It issues warnings that can never lead to fines
   Show answer

   It may record the plate number, time, date, and location of a violation; fines and possible license suspension may follow. An automated railroad crossing enforcement system may record an image of a vehicle’s license plate number and the time, date, and location of a violation. Drivers are subject to fines and possible suspension of driving privileges for violations. Consider "It records only the color of vehicles that cross lawfully": The manual says the system may record the license plate number, time, date, and location of a violation, not only vehicle color.

9. 9. How should a driver complete a right turn in Illinois?

   1. Swing wide into the far lane
   2. Follow the general curve of the curb and stay as close to it as possible
   3. Turn from the center lane
   4. Stop midway through the turn
   Show answer

   Follow the general curve of the curb and stay as close to it as possible. Signal from the proper turning lane, follow the general curve of the curb, and stay as close as possible to it. Turn into the right-hand lane of the roadway you are entering and check for bicyclists approaching the intersection. Against "Swing wide into the far lane", note this: The manual directs you to follow the curb’s general curve and turn into the right-hand lane.

10. 10. What is the Parent-Teen Driving Contract offered by the Illinois Secretary of State's office?

    1. A voluntary contract that sets parameters and boundaries to help a young driver build safe habits
    2. A required court document for all teen drivers
    3. A fee paid before the instruction permit
    4. An insurance policy for teen drivers
    Show answer

    A voluntary contract that sets parameters and boundaries to help a young driver build safe habits. The Secretary of State's office provides a voluntary Parent-Teen Driving Contract that establishes parameters and boundaries between parents and teenagers to enable a young driver to acquire safe driving habits and skills. The contract is available in the Parent-Teen Driving Guide or at the state website. It is optional, and it is not a legal filing or an insurance product.

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

11. 11. Who does not need a valid Illinois license when traveling on official business in a government owned or leased vehicle?

    1. Any Illinois state employee on a lunch break
    2. Any driver carrying government mail in a personal vehicle
    3. Any contractor who owns a work truck
    4. A person employed by the U.S. government or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces
    Show answer

    A person employed by the U.S. government or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. The manual lists exceptions to the Illinois license requirement. If you are employed by the U.S. government or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, you do not need a valid Illinois license if traveling on official business and driving a vehicle owned by or leased to the government. The exception depends on both the official business and the government ownership or lease of the vehicle.

12. 12. Whom does the Illinois manual count as a pedestrian?

    1. Only a person walking on a sidewalk
    2. Only a person crossing at a marked crosswalk
    3. Only an adult age 18 or older
    4. Any person afoot, wearing in-line speed skates, or riding a skateboard, including a person with a disability
    Show answer

    Any person afoot, wearing in-line speed skates, or riding a skateboard, including a person with a disability. At the start of the Sharing the Road chapter, the manual says a pedestrian is any person afoot or wearing in-line speed skates or riding a skateboard, including a person with a physical, hearing, or visual disability. The definition is broad, so drivers should expect pedestrians in many forms and should not limit their attention to people on foot at crosswalks.

13. 13. A pedestrian crosses away from any crosswalk. Who holds the right of way?

    1. The pedestrian always holds it at any crossing point
    2. Drivers do; the pedestrian must give the right of way, and should use a pedestrian tunnel or crossing bridge when available
    3. Whoever reaches the conflict point first holds it
    4. Bicyclists must stop for the pedestrian in all cases
    Show answer

    Drivers do; the pedestrian must give the right of way, and should use a pedestrian tunnel or crossing bridge when available. When crossing anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians must give the right of way to drivers. They should use a pedestrian tunnel or crossing bridge when available. Drivers should always be prepared to yield and should not drive unnecessarily close to pedestrians. "The pedestrian always holds it at any crossing point" is a distractor here: Mid block crossing outside crosswalks reverses the usual priority.

14. 14. In which Illinois counties is a vehicle emissions test required for registration renewal?

    1. Every county in Illinois without exception
    2. Only Cook County within Chicago city limits
    3. Only counties bordering neighboring states
    4. All of Cook, DuPage and Lake, plus parts of Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair
    Show answer

    All of Cook, DuPage and Lake, plus parts of Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair. The manual lists all of Cook, DuPage and Lake counties and parts of Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair. Certain vehicles in these areas must pass an IEPA emissions test before registration can be renewed. Owners receive notice of the scheduled test month and year and must notify the Secretary of State if they move out of a testing area.

    Study this in the handbook: Crashes, reports and insurance

15. 15. Which driving job is closed to an Illinois driver under age 18?

    1. Driving a vehicle for hire that transports property, such as delivery work
    2. Driving a family car to school with a valid license
    3. Riding as a passenger in a delivery van
    4. Driving a farm tractor between farm buildings and nearby farmland
    Show answer

    Driving a vehicle for hire that transports property, such as delivery work. A driver under age 18 may not drive a vehicle for hire transporting property, such as delivery work. Riding as a passenger is not driving. The manual separately exempts operation of a farm tractor between farm buildings and nearby farmland from the Illinois-license requirement. The option "Driving a family car to school with a valid license" should be set aside: Licensed family driving carries no for-hire property element.

16. 16. When is it illegal to have alcohol in the passenger area of an Illinois vehicle?

    1. Only when the driver is under age 21
    2. Only when the vehicle is moving at night
    3. When the container has been opened
    4. Never, if the container is within reach of a passenger
    Show answer

    When the container has been opened. The manual says it is illegal to have alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle if the container has been opened. It is also illegal for anyone to drink alcoholic beverages in a vehicle, and the driver and passengers may be issued a traffic citation. Passengers on chartered buses used for nonschool purposes, motor homes, mini motor homes, and limousines are exempt.

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

17. 17. When parking on a street without curbing, which way should the wheels be turned?

    1. Toward the center of the road
    2. Toward the side of the road on which the vehicle is parked
    3. Away from the side of the road
    4. Wheels must stay straight
    Show answer

    Toward the side of the road on which the vehicle is parked. On a street without curbing, turn the wheels toward the side of the road on which the vehicle is parked. The manual’s illustration applies this direction to both uphill and downhill parking without a curb. "Toward the center of the road" is a distractor here: Toward the road’s center is not the required direction toward the side where the vehicle is parked.

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

18. 18. Which males must register with the Selective Service System under federal law, as noted during Illinois licensing?

    1. All males ages 16-18
    2. All males ages 21-25
    3. All males ages 18-25
    4. All males ages 18-21
    Show answer

    All males ages 18-25. The manual states that federal law requires all males ages 18-25 to register with the Selective Service System. A qualifying male’s signature on the license or ID application certifies registration or authorizes the Secretary of State to submit the information for registration. The option "All males ages 16-18" should be set aside: Sixteen year olds fall outside the federal registration ages. "All males ages 21-25" loses out as well: Starting at 21 skips eighteen, nineteen, and twenty year olds who must register.

19. 19. Under implied consent, may a driver arrange additional alcohol or drug tests?

    1. Yes, by a qualified person of the driver's choice at the driver's own expense
    2. No; only the officer's test counts and no other test is allowed
    3. Yes, paid for by the arresting agency
    4. Only after the court case ends
    Show answer

    Yes, by a qualified person of the driver's choice at the driver's own expense. Under the implied consent law, a driver may have a qualified person of the driver’s choice administer additional tests at the driver’s own expense. Against "No; only the officer's test counts and no other test is allowed", note this: Independent testing is an express right beside the official test. Compare "Yes, paid for by the arresting agency" next: The expense falls on the driver requesting more tests.

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

20. 20. Before moving from the right-hand lane into the left-hand lane, how should a driver check the space?

    1. Rely only on the rearview mirror
    2. Turn the head and visually assess the area behind and to the left
    3. Accelerate first, then look
    4. Sound the horn and move over
    Show answer

    Turn the head and visually assess the area behind and to the left. Before moving from the right-hand lane to the left-hand lane, turn your head and visually check behind and to the left. If the area is clear, give the left-turn signal and carefully move into the left lane. "Rely only on the rearview mirror" is a distractor here: Mirrors hide the blind spot this maneuver must clear. Another rival, "Accelerate first, then look", is wrong on its own terms: Speed before sight reverses the safe checking order.