All 39 Illinois Permit Test Questions
Every question in our Illinois bank, with the correct answer and an explanation. Free to read, no signup.
Get Smart Review & Mock Exams Smart Review drills only the questions you get wrong. Full-length mock exams in the real format. Progress saved on every device — and the same account unlocks the mobile app.
Get Smart Review & Mock Exams
Licensing & Permits In Illinois, a graduated instruction permit is available at age:
Answer: 15
The GDL Permit Phase begins at age 15 (with driver education).
An Illinois instruction permit must be held for a minimum of:
Answer: Nine months
You must hold the permit at least nine months.
Illinois requires drivers under 18 to complete supervised driving of at least:
Answer: 50 hours (10 at night)
You need at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
In Illinois, GDL nighttime driving is restricted Sunday–Thursday during:
Answer: 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
Sun.–Thu., no driving 10 p.m.–6 a.m. (local curfews may differ).
In Illinois, GDL nighttime driving is restricted Friday–Saturday during:
Answer: 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
Fri.–Sat., no driving 11 p.m.–6 a.m. (local curfews may differ).
During the first 12 months of Illinois licensing (or until 18), passengers are limited to:
Answer: One person under 20 (unless a sibling/child)
First 12 months: only one passenger under 20 unless a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild.
To get an Illinois license at 16, a minor must complete a state-approved:
Answer: Driver education course
You must complete a state-approved driver education course.
An Illinois 16–17 driver must maintain a conviction-free record for how long before turning 18?
Answer: Six months
You must be conviction-free for six months before turning 18.
To be licensed in Illinois you must pass a:
Answer: Vision test
A vision test is required for licensing.
Speed Limits & Speed Management In Illinois, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on interstates and tollways is:
Answer: 70 mph
Interstates and tollways are 70 mph unless posted otherwise.
In Illinois, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on four-lane highways is:
Answer: 65 mph
Four-lane highways are 65 mph unless posted otherwise.
In Illinois, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on other highways and rural areas is:
Answer: 55 mph
Other highways and rural areas are 55 mph unless posted otherwise.
In Illinois, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in city/town areas is:
Answer: 30 mph
City/town areas are 30 mph unless posted otherwise.
In Illinois, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in alleys is:
Answer: 15 mph
Alleys are 15 mph.
In Illinois, the school-zone speed limit (school days, children present) is:
Answer: 20 mph
School zones are 20 mph on school days (6:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) when children are present and signs posted.
Alcohol, Drugs & the Law .02 under 21 .08 adult
In Illinois, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of:
Answer: .08% or more
Driving with a BAC of .08% or more is illegal (DUI).
In Illinois, you can be convicted of DUI even below .08% if:
Answer: Your driving ability is impaired
You can be convicted below .08% if your driving ability is impaired.
.02 under 21 .08 adult
Illinois uses Zero Tolerance for drivers under 21, suspending the license for:
Answer: Any trace of alcohol
Under 21, any trace of alcohol results in suspension (Zero Tolerance).
An Illinois commercial driver is DUI at a BAC of:
Answer: .04
Commercial drivers are DUI at .04.
The only thing that lowers your BAC is:
Answer: Time
Only time removes alcohol from your body.
If you plan to drink in Illinois, the safest choice is to:
Answer: Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Line up a sober ride before you drink.
Sharing the Road
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren in Illinois, you should:
Answer: Pull to the right and stop
Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes.
Illinois' Scott's Law (Move Over) requires that, for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you:
Answer: Change lanes if safe and slow down
Scott's Law: change lanes away if safe, and reduce speed.
A motorcycle in Illinois is entitled to:
Answer: A full lane of travel
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane.
When an Illinois school bus stops with red lights flashing on a two-lane road, traffic must:
Answer: Stop
Stop for a school bus with red lights flashing.
When passing a bicyclist in Illinois, you should:
Answer: Give at least 3 feet and pass when safe
Give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.
Vehicle Equipment Illinois law requires the driver and passengers to:
Answer: Wear seat belts
Buckle up — Illinois' seat-belt law is enforced.
If your turn signals fail in Illinois, you should:
Answer: Use hand signals
Use hand signals if your turn signals fail.
In Illinois you must use headlights at night and:
Answer: Whenever wipers are in use
Use headlights at night and whenever your wipers are in use.
Signaling & Communication An arm extended straight out the driver's window means:
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
In Illinois, using a hand-held cell phone while driving is:
Answer: Illegal (hands-free required)
Hand-held phone use while driving is illegal; hands-free only.
Safe Driving If you become drowsy while driving in Illinois, you should:
Answer: Pull over safely and rest
Only rest cures drowsiness — pull over.
A safe following distance in Illinois gives you:
Answer: Time to react and avoid a crash
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
On Illinois snow or ice, you should:
Answer: Slow down and increase following distance
Reduce speed and leave more room on snow and ice.
Even at the posted Illinois limit, in rain, snow, or fog you should:
Answer: Slow down for conditions
Reduce speed for weather and road conditions.
Keeping a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead helps you:
Answer: React safely to sudden stops
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
Points & Penalties If you are involved in a crash in Illinois, you must:
Answer: Stop and give information
Stop and exchange information at any crash.
Illinois requires drivers to carry proof of:
Answer: Liability insurance
Proof of liability insurance is required.
Illinois GDL restrictions can be extended beyond 18 if the driver has a:
Answer: Conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase
A conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase can extend restrictions past 18.