Illinois: Driving record & suspensions
Traffic convictions, suspension, revocation, denial and cancellation. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Driving record & suspensions — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “If an Illinois driver is convicted of a traffic violation while driving in another state, what happens?”
StartDriving record & suspensions — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “During the course of a driver’s license revocation, what else may be suspended?”
StartAll 46 Driving record & suspensions questions with answers
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If an Illinois driver is convicted of a traffic violation while driving in another state, what happens?
- The offense stays only on the other state's records
- The offense is included on their Illinois record
- The offense is ignored unless a crash occurred
- The offense is removed from all records in 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: The offense is included on their Illinois record
The Secretary of State includes out-of-state traffic convictions on your Illinois driving record.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 9
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A non-resident is convicted in Illinois of a traffic violation that requires immediate action. What happens?
- Nothing, since they are not an Illinois resident
- Only the vehicle's owner or rental company is told
- Their home-state license is canceled right away
- Illinois creates a record and tells their home state
Show answer
Correct answer: Illinois creates a record and tells their home state
A record is established in Illinois for the non-resident, and the violation is also reported to their home state.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 9
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How can the parent of a driver under 18 who holds a permit or graduated license access the teen's driving record?
- At no cost on ilsos.gov using a PIN
- For a fee, by written request only
- In person at a DMV with the teen present
- Only with a court order
Show answer
Correct answer: At no cost on ilsos.gov using a PIN
Parents/legal guardians can access their minor's driving record at no cost on ilsos.gov using a PIN provided by the Secretary of State.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 19
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A driver under age 21 is limited to how many court supervisions for serious traffic offenses?
- Two
- Three
- None
- One
Show answer
Correct answer: One
A driver under 21 is limited to one court supervision for serious traffic offenses.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 19
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To obtain court supervision for a traffic violation, a driver under 18 must attend traffic safety school and do what?
- Appear in court with a parent/legal guardian
- Complete 50 more hours of supervised driving
- Pay double the normal fine for the offense
- Retake all of the driver's license exams
Show answer
Correct answer: Appear in court with a parent/legal guardian
Court supervision requires traffic safety school, and drivers under 18 must also appear in court with a parent/legal guardian.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 19
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What is the minimum suspension for a driver under 21 convicted of two or more moving violations within 24 months?
- 90 days
- 7 days
- 60 days
- 30 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
Such a driver faces a minimum 30-day suspension, with the length varying by the seriousness of the offenses.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 20
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As part of reinstatement after a suspension for moving violations, what may a driver under 21 be required to complete?
- A driver remedial education course
- A new 50-hour supervised driving log
- A second nine-month permit phase
- A new vision and hearing screening
Show answer
Correct answer: A driver remedial education course
A driver may be required to complete a driver remedial education course as part of reinstatement.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 20
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Is a suspended driver under 21 always eligible for a Restricted Driving Permit during the suspension period?
- Yes, always
- No, never
- No, they may be, but not always
- Yes, but only after 30 days
Show answer
Correct answer: No, they may be, but not always
The manual says a suspended driver may be, but is not always, eligible for a Restricted Driving Permit.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 20
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What does signing a traffic ticket mean in Illinois?
- You acknowledge receiving the ticket
- You admit you are guilty of the offense
- You give up your right to traffic court
- You agree to pay the fine within a week
Show answer
Correct answer: You acknowledge receiving the ticket
A traffic ticket requires the driver's signature, but signing is not an admission of guilt, only an acknowledgment of receiving the ticket.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 21
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You believe a traffic ticket was issued unfairly. According to the manual, what should you do?
- Argue with the officer at the scene
- Refuse to sign the ticket
- Present your case in traffic court
- Drive away before it is handed to you
Show answer
Correct answer: Present your case in traffic court
Do not argue about the ticket when it is issued; if you believe it was issued unfairly, you can present the case in traffic court.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 22
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If you fail to pay a ticket for a minor traffic violation or to appear on the court date, a second court date may be set at least how many days later?
- 7 days
- 14 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
A second court date may be set a minimum of 30 days later, and the clerk sends you a notice.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 54
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What happens if you fail to appear on the second court date for a minor traffic ticket?
- An ex-parte conviction is entered and reported to the Secretary of State
- The ticket is dismissed and nothing is ever placed on your record
- A third court date is set automatically about one year later
- Your fine is doubled, but no conviction is ever recorded
Show answer
Correct answer: An ex-parte conviction is entered and reported to the Secretary of State
Failure to appear on the second court date results in an ex-parte conviction, which is reported to the Secretary of State and treated as any other conviction.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 54
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What happens to a driver whose license was suspended for failure to appear between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024?
- It stays until the ticket is resolved
- It becomes a revocation
- It is extended by one more year
- The suspension is cleared
Show answer
Correct answer: The suspension is cleared
A driver whose license was suspended for failure to appear between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, will have the suspension cleared.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 54
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If your license was suspended for failure to appear in court before January 1, 2020, what must happen before the suspension ends?
- Nothing, because all such suspensions have been cleared
- Resolve the ticket with the court and pay a reinstatement fee
- Retake only the vision screening at a facility
- Wait five years with no further traffic tickets
Show answer
Correct answer: Resolve the ticket with the court and pay a reinstatement fee
For a failure-to-appear suspension before January 1, 2020, the license stays suspended until you resolve the ticket with the court and pay a reinstatement fee.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 54
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If you are under age 18 and are required to appear in court for a traffic ticket, who must be present with you?
- A parent or legal guardian
- A licensed driving instructor
- A police officer from your town
- A lawyer chosen by the court
Show answer
Correct answer: A parent or legal guardian
Drivers under 18 who must appear in court must have a parent or legal guardian present at the court appearance.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 54
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An Illinois driver ticketed in a Non-Resident Violator Compact state promises to comply with the ticket. What does this allow?
- Having the ticket erased from all records right away
- Paying only half of the fine at the roadside
- Continuing the journey and handling the ticket from home
- Driving on without ever answering the ticket
Show answer
Correct answer: Continuing the journey and handling the ticket from home
Promising to comply allows the driver to continue the journey and handle the ticket from home.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 54
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What may happen if an Illinois driver fails to keep a promise to comply with a ticket received in a Non-Resident Violator Compact state?
- Nothing, because the ticket was out of state
- Suspension of their Illinois driver’s license
- Only a written warning mailed to their home
- Loss of their vehicle title to the other state
Show answer
Correct answer: Suspension of their Illinois driver’s license
Failure to comply with the promise to comply may result in suspension of the driver’s Illinois license.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 54
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When a driver is convicted of leaving the scene of a crash in which someone was killed or injured, what is the Secretary of State’s office required to do?
- Revoke the driver’s license
- Issue a written warning only
- Suspend the license for 30 days
- Add a note but take no action
Show answer
Correct answer: Revoke the driver’s license
Where a death or personal injury occurred, the Secretary of State’s office is required to revoke the individual’s driver’s license.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 55
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A driver convicted of leaving the scene of a crash will have driving privileges suspended when the damage is more than what amount?
- $100
- $500
- $5,000
- $1,000
Show answer
Correct answer: $1,000
In leaving-the-scene cases where damage is more than $1,000, driving privileges will be suspended.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 55
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What is the result of driving while your driver’s license is suspended or revoked?
- The suspension or revocation ends early for good behavior
- Only a small fine, with no effect on the suspension period
- The suspension or revocation period is extended, and jail is possible
- A warning letter, since the first offense is excused
Show answer
Correct answer: The suspension or revocation period is extended, and jail is possible
Driving while suspended or revoked extends the suspension or revocation period and may lead to incarceration.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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What is a revocation?
- A temporary loss for a set number of days
- The indefinite withdrawal of driving privileges
- A correction of an error on the license
- A refusal to let a minor take the road test
Show answer
Correct answer: The indefinite withdrawal of driving privileges
A revocation is the indefinite withdrawal of driving privileges by the Secretary of State’s office.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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After a revocation, you may be eligible to reapply for a license after a minimum of how long, unless otherwise noted?
- 30 days
- Three months
- Five years
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: One year
To regain driving privileges after a revocation, you may be eligible to reapply after a minimum of one year, unless otherwise noted.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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The Secretary of State will immediately revoke the driving privileges of anyone convicted of what?
- A first parking violation in a residential neighborhood on a weekday
- A single speeding ticket of up to 10 mph over the posted speed limit
- A moving violation that caused a crash resulting in another person’s death
- Failing to renew a license plate sticker before it expired
Show answer
Correct answer: A moving violation that caused a crash resulting in another person’s death
Driving privileges are immediately revoked for a conviction of a moving violation that caused a crash and resulted in the death of another person.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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During the course of a driver’s license revocation, what else may be suspended?
- Your vehicle registration
- Your voter registration
- Your passport
- Your state ID card
Show answer
Correct answer: Your vehicle registration
During the course of any revocation, your vehicle registration may be suspended, and notice is given accordingly.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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Driving away from the police when directed to stop is listed as which revocable offense?
- Aggravated Fleeing the Police
- Aggravated Reckless Driving
- Drag Racing or Street Racing
- Gang-related Activity
Show answer
Correct answer: Aggravated Fleeing the Police
Aggravated Fleeing the Police, driving away from the police when directed to stop, is an offense for which a license may be revoked.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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Which of these is listed as an offense for which your driver’s license may be revoked?
- Child visitation abuse
- Failure to pay child support
- Drag racing or street racing
- Unauthorized disability parking
Show answer
Correct answer: Drag racing or street racing
Drag racing or street racing, illegally racing with another vehicle, is listed among the offenses for which a license may be revoked.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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Using a vehicle while committing a serious crime is listed as which revocable offense?
- Perjury
- Felony Offense
- Auto Theft
- Zero Tolerance
Show answer
Correct answer: Felony Offense
A Felony Offense, using a vehicle while committing a serious crime, is listed among the offenses for which a license may be revoked.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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Driving that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another person is listed as which revocable offense?
- Gang-related Activity
- Aggravated Fleeing the Police
- Fraudulent ID
- Aggravated Reckless Driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Aggravated Reckless Driving
Aggravated Reckless Driving is driving resulting in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another person.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 58
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Giving false information to the Secretary of State is listed as which revocable offense?
- Reckless Conduct
- Leaving the Scene
- Perjury
- Auto Theft
Show answer
Correct answer: Perjury
Perjury, giving false information to the Secretary of State, is an offense for which a license may be revoked.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 59
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Your driver’s license may be revoked for conviction of how many reckless driving offenses in 12 months?
- Three
- One
- Two
- Five
Show answer
Correct answer: Three
Reckless Driving as a revocable offense includes conviction of three reckless driving offenses in 12 months.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 59
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Driving recklessly, resulting in the death of another person, is listed as which revocable offense?
- Reckless Conduct
- Felony Offense
- Perjury
- Reckless Homicide
Show answer
Correct answer: Reckless Homicide
Reckless Homicide is driving recklessly, resulting in the death of another person, and it is listed among the offenses for which a license may be revoked.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 59
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What is a suspension?
- The temporary loss of driving privileges
- The indefinite withdrawal of privileges
- The correction of a defect in a license
- The refusal to accept a minor’s application
Show answer
Correct answer: The temporary loss of driving privileges
A suspension is the temporary loss of driving privileges.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 59
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When a suspension is for a specific length of time, what must you do to regain your driving privileges after it has ended?
- Wait one more full year
- Buy a new vehicle title
- Pay a reinstatement fee
- Sell the vehicle you drove
Show answer
Correct answer: Pay a reinstatement fee
After a suspension for a specific length of time has ended, you may regain driving privileges once you have paid a reinstatement fee; some cases have other requirements too.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 59
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Which of these is listed as an offense for which your driver’s license may be suspended?
- Failure to pay child support
- Being age 81 or older when renewing
- Moving to a new county
- Owning two vehicles
Show answer
Correct answer: Failure to pay child support
Suspension for nonpayment of child support, from a court order or by direction of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, is on the suspension list.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 59
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For a driver age 21 or older at the time of arrest, how many traffic violation convictions during a 12-month period may lead to suspension?
- Two
- Three
- Five
- Seven
Show answer
Correct answer: Three
Three traffic violation convictions during a 12-month period is a suspension offense (two within 24 months if under 21 at arrest).
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 60
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If you are under age 21 at the time of arrest, how many traffic violations within any 24-month period may lead to suspension?
- Three
- Four
- Six
- Two
Show answer
Correct answer: Two
For drivers under 21 at the time of arrest, two traffic violations within any 24-month period may lead to suspension.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 60
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A driver’s license or permit is canceled because of an error or defect in the license or because of what?
- The licensee moved within Illinois
- The licensee is no longer entitled to it
- The licensee bought a new vehicle
- The licensee turned age 21
Show answer
Correct answer: The licensee is no longer entitled to it
Cancellation occurs because of an error or defect in the license or because the licensee is no longer entitled to the license.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 60
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After a driver’s license is canceled, when may the person reapply for a license?
- Only after the terms of the cancellation have been met
- Right away, on the same day as the cancellation
- Only after a minimum waiting period of ten years
- Never, since a cancellation is always for life
Show answer
Correct answer: Only after the terms of the cancellation have been met
Reapplication for a driver’s license may be made only after the terms of the cancellation have been met.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 60
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For which purpose may a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) allow driving during certain times and along specified routes?
- Weekend shopping and errands
- Work-related or educational purposes
- Vacation road trips out of state
- Any purpose after dark only
Show answer
Correct answer: Work-related or educational purposes
An RDP allows driving only during certain times and on specified routes for work or education, taking a child to day care or school, or medical care or drug treatment.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 61
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A Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) cannot be issued to a person under what age?
- 15
- 18
- 21
- 16
Show answer
Correct answer: 16
An RDP cannot be issued to a person under age 16.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 61
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An Occupational Driving Permit (ODP) is for a professional driver whose license was suspended for what?
- A first DUI conviction
- Three moving violations
- Unpaid child support
- A medical condition
Show answer
Correct answer: Three moving violations
An ODP allows a professional driver whose license has been suspended for three moving violations to drive in conjunction with employment.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 62
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To which drivers does the Occupational Driving Permit (ODP) not apply?
- Commercial drivers
- Drivers age 21+
- Delivery drivers
- Taxi drivers
Show answer
Correct answer: Commercial drivers
To qualify for an ODP the person must drive for a living, and the permit does not apply to commercial drivers.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 62
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A Probationary License is for drivers of what age whose license was suspended for three moving violations in 12 months?
- 16 and 17 only
- 18 to 20 only
- 21 and over
- 65 and over only
Show answer
Correct answer: 21 and over
A Probationary License allows a driver age 21 and over, suspended for three moving violations in a 12-month period, to drive during the suspension.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 62
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A Probationary License is issued in conjunction with the completion of what?
- A new road test at a facility
- A driver improvement course
- A BAIID installation in the car
- A medical examination by a doctor
Show answer
Correct answer: A driver improvement course
The Probationary License permit is issued in conjunction with the completion of a driver improvement course.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 62
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A Family Financial Responsibility Driving Permit (FRP) is for a driver whose license was suspended for what?
- Three moving violations within a 12-month period
- A first-time DUI with a statutory summary suspension
- Refusing to report a traffic crash to the police
- Nonpayment of child support or child visitation abuse
Show answer
Correct answer: Nonpayment of child support or child visitation abuse
An FRP allows a driver suspended for nonpayment of child support or child visitation abuse to drive, following a circuit judge’s order or direction from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 62
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A Family Financial Responsibility Driving Permit (FRP) is issued only after what?
- A written request from the driver’s employer to the Secretary of State’s office
- Completion of an eight-hour defensive driving course at an approved school
- A circuit judge’s order or Healthcare and Family Services direction
- Installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device in the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: A circuit judge’s order or Healthcare and Family Services direction
This permit is only issued following a circuit judge’s order or upon direction from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 62