Illinois 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
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

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 Illinois vision result limits a driver to daylight only?

   1. Acuity of 20/40
   2. Acuity between 20/41 and 20/70
   3. Peripheral vision over 140 degrees
   4. Any use of corrective lenses
   Show answer

   Acuity between 20/41 and 20/70. Illinois requires minimum visual acuity of 20/40 with or without corrective lenses and at least 140 degrees of peripheral vision, which the Full explanation in Test 1

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

2. 2. How long does a DUI conviction stay on an Illinois driving record?

   1. Five years
   2. Ten years
   3. Permanently
   4. Until the fine is paid
   Show answer

   Permanently. Illinois classifies DUI as a violent crime, and a DUI conviction remains on the driving record permanently. Full explanation in Test 2

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

3. 3. An Illinois driver under 21 wants court supervision for a serious traffic offense. What is required?

   1. Paying double the fine
   2. Nothing, since supervision is automatic
   3. Attending traffic safety school
   4. Retaking the written exam
   Show answer

   Attending traffic safety school. Illinois allows a driver under 21 only one court supervision for serious traffic offenses. Full explanation in Test 3

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

4. 4. What is the minimum revocation for a second DUI conviction within 20 years in Illinois?

   1. One year minimum
   2. Three years
   3. Five years
   4. Lifetime
   Show answer

   Five years. Illinois revokes driving privileges for at least one year on a first DUI conviction and at least five years on a second conviction within 20 Full explanation in Test 4

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

5. 5. During the Illinois permit phase, how many passengers may ride with a teen driver?

   1. Any number, as long as an adult supervises
   2. One in the front seat and no more than the number of safety belts in the back seat
   3. None at all
   4. Two in the front seat and three in the back
   Show answer

   One in the front seat and no more than the number of safety belts in the back seat. In the Illinois permit phase, passengers are limited to one in the front seat and no more than the number of safety belts in the back seat. Full explanation in Test 5

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

6. 6. What does an Illinois driver owe a pedestrian in an unmarked crosswalk on the driver's side when no signals control traffic?

   1. No duty unless the pedestrian is carrying a crossing flag
   2. A yield, including a complete stop when necessary
   3. Priority only if the roadway has painted crosswalk lines
   4. A horn warning, followed by immediate passage
   Show answer

   A yield, including a complete stop when necessary. Illinois requires a driver to yield when a pedestrian is in an unmarked crosswalk on the driver’s side and no traffic-control signals are op Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way and pedestrians

7. 7. During the Illinois permit phase, what nighttime driving restriction is listed for Sunday through Thursday?

   1. Driving is restricted from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m.
   2. Driving is restricted from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.
   3. Driving is restricted from midnight until 5 a.m.
   4. No nighttime restriction applies during the permit phase
   Show answer

   Driving is restricted from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.. For the permit phase, Illinois lists a Sunday-through-Thursday restriction from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Full explanation in Test 7

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

8. 8. How long should an Illinois driver keep speed reduced after passing a disabled vehicle when a lane change was not safe?

   1. Only until the front bumper reaches it
   2. Until the next traffic signal
   3. Until well past the disabled vehicle
   4. For exactly 500 feet
   Show answer

   Until well past the disabled vehicle. When a safe lane change is unavailable near a disabled vehicle, Illinois tells the driver to reduce speed while approaching and passing. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. What must an Illinois driver in the Initial Licensing Phase keep in order to move to full privileges at 18?

   1. A perfect school attendance record
   2. 100 logged practice hours
   3. A second driver education course
   4. A conviction free driving record for the six months before turning 18
   Show answer

   A conviction free driving record for the six months before turning 18. An Illinois teen in the Initial Licensing Phase must keep a conviction free driving record for the six months before turning 18. Full explanation in Test 9

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

10. 10. What does an Illinois pedestrian crosswalk sign tell drivers to expect?

    
    1. A section where pedestrians are prohibited
    2. A crosswalk where pedestrians may be present
    3. A sidewalk that is closed to all users
    4. A lane reserved for bicycles only
    Show answer

    A crosswalk where pedestrians may be present. An Illinois pedestrian crosswalk sign tells drivers that a crosswalk is present. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. What must Illinois law enforcement officers provide when a driver asks during a traffic stop?

    1. The reason for every prior stop that day
    2. Their names and badge numbers
    3. A written warning instead of any ticket
    4. The home address of the reporting complainant
    Show answer

    Their names and badge numbers. Officers are required to provide their names and badge numbers upon request. Full explanation in Test 11

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

12. 12. How are Illinois driver licenses for persons under age 21 printed?

    1. Horizontally, identical to adult licenses
    2. Vertically, with distinct features
    3. On paper until the driver turns 21
    4. Without a photograph until age 21
    Show answer

    Vertically, with distinct features. Driver’s licenses for persons under age 21 are printed vertically with distinct features. Full explanation in Test 12

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

13. 13. Within how many days from a physician signing a Medical Report must it be presented to DMV personnel?

    1. Within 30 days
    2. Within 60 days
    3. Within 180 days
    4. Within 90 days
    Show answer

    Within 90 days. The Medical Report must be presented to DMV personnel within 90 days from the date the physician signs it. Full explanation in Test 13

14. 14. What will an Illinois standard driver's license or ID card applicant be told about voter registration?

    1. That they must register to vote before the license is issued
    2. Whether they are currently registered to vote and, if so, at what address
    3. That their license will be denied if they are not registered
    4. That voter registration is available only by mail
    Show answer

    Whether they are currently registered to vote and, if so, at what address. A person applying for a standard driver's license or ID card will be informed if they are currently registered to vote and, if so, at what a Full explanation in Test 14

15. 15. What movement is authorized by a green arrow pointing left?

    1. A U-turn in every intersection
    2. A right turn only
    3. Straight travel only
    4. A left turn
    Show answer

    A left turn. Illinois assigns the green arrow direction-specific meaning. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

16. 16. Which act involving an overpass does Illinois law prohibit?

    1. Carrying an object across an overpass inside a vehicle
    2. Causing an object to fall from an overpass toward a moving vehicle with intent to strike it
    3. Driving across an overpass during high winds
    4. Parking beneath an overpass during a storm
    Show answer

    Causing an object to fall from an overpass toward a moving vehicle with intent to strike it. Illinois law prohibits causing an object to fall from an overpass or other elevated location toward a moving vehicle with the intent to stri Full explanation in Test 16

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

17. 17. A driver passes a bicyclist too closely and a crash results. What may the driver face?

    1. Criminal charges
    2. Only a verbal warning
    3. Loss of the bicycle lane for a year
    4. A mandatory bicycle safety class only
    Show answer

    Criminal charges. Passing a bicyclist demands slow speed and at least 3 feet of passing space measured from the edge of the vehicle's side mirror, and drivers Full explanation in Test 17

18. 18. How may a parent or legal guardian access a minor's Illinois driving record, and at what cost?

    1. At no cost online using a PIN from the Secretary of State
    2. For a fee at a currency exchange
    3. Only by hiring an attorney
    4. Only after the minor turns 18
    Show answer

    At no cost online using a PIN from the Secretary of State. Parents and legal guardians keep oversight during graduated licensing through free record access, using a personal identification number fro Full explanation in Test 18

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

19. 19. An Illinois driver under age 21 may not drive which for-hire vehicle?

    1. A vehicle for hire carrying nine passengers on a local route
    2. A vehicle for hire carrying more than 10 passengers, a commuter van, or a school bus
    3. A private car carrying three friends to a game
    4. A rental car used for a family vacation
    Show answer

    A vehicle for hire carrying more than 10 passengers, a commuter van, or a school bus. The under twenty one restriction targets larger passenger work: a vehicle for hire transporting more than ten passengers, along with commute Full explanation in Test 19

20. 20. 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. Full explanation in Test 20

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

21. 21. 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. Full explanation in Test 21

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

22. 22. Which parking conduct appears on the Illinois license suspension list?

    1. Parking once at an expired meter
    2. Unauthorized parking in a space designated for persons with disabilities
    3. Parking overnight on a residential street
    4. Standing briefly in a marked loading zone
    Show answer

    Unauthorized parking in a space designated for persons with disabilities. Unauthorized parking in a space designated for persons with disabilities is listed as a reason a driver’s license may be suspended. Full explanation in Test 22

23. 23. 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. Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way and pedestrians

24. 24. When parking facing uphill on a street with a curb, which way should the front wheels be turned?

    1. Toward the curb
    2. Away from the curb
    3. Straight ahead
    4. Either direction is equally safe
    Show answer

    Away from the curb. For uphill parking on a street with a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb. Full explanation in Test 24

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

25. 25. What does a green arrow lane signal over a highway lane tell a driver?

    1. The lane may be used without obeying any other sign or signal
    2. The lane is closed and must be left immediately
    3. The lane may be used only by emergency vehicles
    4. The lane may be used, but all other signs and signals must still be obeyed
    Show answer

    The lane may be used, but all other signs and signals must still be obeyed. Lane signals are special lights over each lane on highways and expressways, used most often to change the flow of traffic during certain hou Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

26. 26. A 19-year-old in Illinois is convicted of possessing alcohol while riding in a car. What is the minimum suspension?

    1. 30 days
    2. Three months
    3. No suspension, because the driver was a passenger
    4. Six months
    Show answer

    Six months. When a person under 21 is convicted of possessing, consuming, purchasing, or receiving alcohol while an occupant of a motor vehicle, Illinoi Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Drivers under 21 and alcohol

27. 27. An Illinois driver is convicted of driving without the required insurance. What follows?

    1. At least a three month loss of privileges and a $100 reinstatement fee, with no driving permit
    2. A warning for a first offense
    3. A one year suspension with a work permit
    4. Only a $25 fine
    Show answer

    At least a three month loss of privileges and a $100 reinstatement fee, with no driving permit. A mandatory insurance conviction in Illinois costs the driver's privileges for at least three months, requires a $100 reinstatement fee, and Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Crashes, reports and insurance

28. 28. 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. Only after the passed driver flashes a courtesy signal
    4. After the entire passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror
    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 3

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

29. 29. Where might an Illinois driver encounter a DO NOT ENTER sign?

    
    1. At every legal entrance to a two-way residential street
    2. Only where parking is reserved for emergency vehicles
    3. At a one-way street or an expressway ramp entered in the wrong direction
    4. At a railroad crossing where trains have stopped
    Show answer

    At a one-way street or an expressway ramp entered in the wrong direction. Illinois uses DO NOT ENTER signs on one-way streets and other roadways where entry is prohibited. Full explanation in Test 4

30. 30. What does the round railroad advance warning sign indicate?

    1. A circular traffic pattern begins
    2. A hospital entrance is nearby
    3. Passing is allowed in both directions
    4. A highway-railway crossing is ahead
    Show answer

    A highway-railway crossing is ahead. The round yellow sign with a black X and the letters RR warns that a highway-railway crossing is ahead. Full explanation in Test 5

31. 31. After an Illinois DUI conviction, how long must the driver file Financial Responsibility Insurance?

    1. For six months
    2. For three years
    3. For one year
    4. For ten years
    Show answer

    For three years. An Illinois DUI conviction requires filing Financial Responsibility Insurance, the SR-22, for three years. Full explanation in Test 6

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

32. 32. What distance between a driver and the air bag does the Illinois manual call desirable?

    1. 10 to 12 inches
    2. 2 to 4 inches
    3. 5 to 6 inches
    4. At least 24 inches
    Show answer

    10 to 12 inches. Air bags are lifesaving devices that work together with safety belts, but Illinois says special precautions should be taken in vehicles that Full explanation in Test 7

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

33. 33. How many traffic violation convictions within 12 months can lead to suspension for an Illinois driver age 21 or older?

    1. Three
    2. Two
    3. Four
    4. Six
    Show answer

    Three. Illinois may suspend a driver's license after three traffic violation convictions during a 12 month period. Full explanation in Test 8

34. 34. Who is exempt from the Illinois ban on drinking alcohol in a vehicle?

    1. Passengers in chartered buses for nonschool purposes, motor homes, and limousines
    2. Passengers in any car when the driver is sober
    3. Drivers stopped at a red light
    4. Passengers over 65
    Show answer

    Passengers in chartered buses for nonschool purposes, motor homes, and limousines. In Illinois it is illegal for anyone to drink alcohol in a vehicle, and both the driver and passengers can be cited. Full explanation in Test 9

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

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

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