Illinois: Licensing basics — Part 1 Practice Test
Graduated licensing, permits, ID documents, license classes, the exams and vehicle registration. — Part 1
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Ready? Test yourself
- Instant feedback with an explanation
- Every answer cites its source in the manual
- Your best score is saved on this device
Questions are original and based on the official manual "Illinois Rules of the Road" (2026), Illinois Secretary of State.
All 40 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
Show the questions and answersHide the questions
-
Which class of Illinois driver's license is issued to a driver seeking a basic license to operate a car?
- Class D
- Class C
- Class B
- Class M
Show answer
Correct answer: Class D
The manual states that a driver seeking a basic license to operate a car in Illinois is issued a Class D license.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 4
-
A Class D license holder may drive a rental vehicle up to what weight when moving their own personal property for non-business purposes within Illinois?
- 16,000 pounds
- 10,000 pounds
- 26,000 pounds
- 20,000 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: 26,000 pounds
Class D holders may operate rental vehicles up to 26,000 pounds when transporting their own or an immediate family member's personal property for non-business purposes within Illinois.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 4
-
Effective July 1, 2024, what changed for Temporary Visitor Driver's Licenses (TVDLs) in Illinois?
- They must be renewed every year
- They are no longer issued
- They are issued only at age 21+
- They became REAL ID-compliant
Show answer
Correct answer: They are no longer issued
Since July 1, 2024, TVDLs are no longer issued; people who were eligible for a TVDL can apply for a standard driver's license.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 4
-
What is the minimum age to obtain an Illinois driver's license?
- 15
- 17
- 18
- 16
Show answer
Correct answer: 16
You must be at least age 16 to obtain an Illinois driver's license.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 4
-
If a parent or guardian cannot accompany a 16- or 17-year-old to the facility, who may sign the Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive?
- A legal guardian or a responsible adult over age 21
- The minor's driver education instructor only
- Any licensed driver age 18 or older
- A Secretary of State employee at the facility
Show answer
Correct answer: A legal guardian or a responsible adult over age 21
The Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive must be signed by a legal guardian or a responsible adult over age 21 when a parent or guardian cannot come to the facility.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
A first-time applicant age 18, 19 or 20 who has never been licensed or taken an approved driver education program must complete which course before getting a license?
- A 30-hour classroom driver education course
- A four-hour defensive driving course
- A six-hour Adult Driver Education Course
- A 10-hour traffic safety school course
Show answer
Correct answer: A six-hour Adult Driver Education Course
First-time applicants aged 18-20 without prior licensing or approved driver education must complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course from a certified provider.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
Drivers under what age are not allowed to drive a for-hire vehicle transporting property, such as a delivery vehicle?
- 21
- 18
- 17
- 19
Show answer
Correct answer: 18
A driver under age 18 may not drive any for-hire vehicle transporting property, such as for deliveries, or any vehicle requiring a CDL.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
Drivers under what age are not allowed to drive a school bus, a commuter van or a child care vehicle?
- 18
- 19
- 25
- 21
Show answer
Correct answer: 21
The manual says a driver under age 21 may not drive a school bus, commuter van, religious organization bus, child care vehicle or a for-hire vehicle carrying more than 10 passengers.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
You have permanently moved to Illinois and hold a valid license from another state. When must you get an Illinois license?
- Within 90 days or before your license expires, whichever is first
- Within 30 days or before your license expires, whichever is first
- Within 120 days, even if your old license expires sooner
- Within one year, as long as your old license stays valid
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 90 days or before your license expires, whichever is first
New residents with a valid non-Illinois license must obtain an Illinois license within 90 days or before their license expires, whichever comes first.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
An out-of-state student attends an Illinois college and has a valid license from home. Who may drive in Illinois with a valid home-state license?
- Only the student, and only for 90 days
- Only the student, never family members
- The student, their spouse and their children
- No one; the student needs an Illinois license
Show answer
Correct answer: The student, their spouse and their children
Out-of-state students attending an Illinois college, and their spouse and children, may drive with a valid license from their home state or country.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
An Illinois resident serving in the U.S. Armed Forces outside the United States, who obtained a license deferral, may drive during the first how many days after returning?
- 90 days
- 120 days
- 60 days
- 30 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 120 days
Illinois residents serving in the Armed Forces outside the U.S. who obtained a deferral may drive during the first 120 days of their return.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
Which of these may be driven in Illinois without a valid Illinois driver's license?
- A car driven by a new resident 6 months after moving here
- A moped ridden on a city street by a 15-year-old
- A pickup truck driven by its owner to a paid job site
- A farm tractor between farm buildings and nearby farmland
Show answer
Correct answer: A farm tractor between farm buildings and nearby farmland
Operating a farm tractor between the farm buildings and nearby farmland is one of the listed exemptions from needing an Illinois license.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
A U.S. government employee does not need a valid Illinois license when doing what?
- On official business in a government-owned or leased vehicle
- Driving their own car to and from a federal workplace
- Driving any vehicle within 50 miles of a federal facility
- Driving a personal vehicle while on paid vacation leave
Show answer
Correct answer: On official business in a government-owned or leased vehicle
U.S. government employees and Armed Forces members do not need an Illinois license when traveling on official business in a vehicle owned by or leased to the government.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 5
-
After legally changing your name, within how many days must you apply for a corrected driver's license/ID card?
- 10 days
- 60 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
A corrected driver's license/ID card must be applied for within 30 days of a legal name change.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 6
-
Within how many days of a move must you notify the Secretary of State's office of your address change?
- 30 days
- 10 days
- 5 days
- 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 days
You must notify the Secretary of State's office of an address change within 10 days of any move.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 6
-
After you notify the Secretary of State of a new address, what must you do to receive a DL/ID that shows the new address?
- Nothing; a new card is mailed to you automatically
- Mail a copy of a utility bill to the Springfield office
- Retake the written exam at any driver's license facility
- Visit a facility, show proof of residency and pay the fee
Show answer
Correct answer: Visit a facility, show proof of residency and pay the fee
An updated DL/ID showing the new address is issued only if you visit a facility, present acceptable proof of residency, and pay the appropriate fee.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 6
-
When you apply for an Illinois driver's license/ID card, what must you do with any other Illinois licenses, ID cards or instruction permits you hold?
- Surrender them
- Keep them as backup identification
- Destroy them yourself at home
- Mail them to Springfield in 10 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Surrender them
Applicants must surrender all other Illinois driver's licenses, ID cards and instruction permits.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 6
-
An Illinois DL/ID applicant must provide documents proving legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, residency and what else?
- Employment
- Vehicle ownership
- Signature
- Insurance coverage
Show answer
Correct answer: Signature
Applicants must prove their legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, residency and signature.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 6
-
Which comparison is required in the verification process for an Illinois driver's license/ID card?
- Fingerprint comparison
- Signature comparison
- Voice comparison
- Handwriting-sample test
Show answer
Correct answer: Signature comparison
The manual notes that signature comparison is required in the verification process.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 6
-
What must you provide at the time of your driver's license/ID card application?
- A copy of your vehicle title
- A letter from your employer
- Your high school diploma
- A valid mailing address
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid mailing address
The manual states that you must provide a valid mailing address at the time of application.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 6
-
How many documents proving Illinois residency must a first-time REAL ID-compliant license/ID applicant present?
- Two
- One
- Three
- Four
Show answer
Correct answer: Two
First-time REAL ID applicants must present two documents to prove Illinois residency.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 7
-
How many residency documents does a first-time applicant for a standard-issued (non-REAL ID) Illinois driver's license/ID card need?
- Two
- Three
- One
- None
Show answer
Correct answer: One
A first-time standard-issued applicant needs proof of residency with one document.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 7
-
Which proof is required of a first-time REAL ID applicant but is not listed for a first-time standard-issued applicant?
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of citizenship or lawful status
- Proof of date of birth
- Proof of written signature
Show answer
Correct answer: Proof of citizenship or lawful status
The REAL ID list adds proof of identity, including U.S. citizenship or lawful status; the standard list requires date of birth, Social Security number, residency and signature.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 7
-
If your identity documents show a name different from your current legal name, what must you also bring?
- A signed statement from two adult witnesses
- A letter from your employer confirming your name
- A second photo ID issued in your old name
- Documentation of the reason for the name change
Show answer
Correct answer: Documentation of the reason for the name change
You must bring additional documentation showing the reason for the name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or adoption papers.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 7
-
An applicant for a duplicate driver’s license/ID card with no change of name, date of birth, Social Security number, gender or address must present proof of what?
- Written signature
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Vehicle insurance
Show answer
Correct answer: Written signature
Duplicate card applicants must present proof of written signature; proof of residency is needed only if an address change will appear on the card.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 7
-
When may you apply for a duplicate Illinois driver's license/ID card online at ilsos.gov?
- Only when you are age 60 or older
- Only when your card was stolen and reported to police
- When your address, name and date of birth are unchanged
- Only within 30 days after your card has expired
Show answer
Correct answer: When your address, name and date of birth are unchanged
A duplicate may be requested online as long as there are no changes to the address, name or date of birth.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 7
-
To get a free duplicate, what must an applicant under age 60 whose license was stolen present?
- A notarized affidavit describing the theft
- A police report stating the license was stolen
- A letter from their auto insurance company
- Two documents proving current residency
Show answer
Correct answer: A police report stating the license was stolen
An applicant under 60 whose license was stolen must present a police report stating it was stolen to get a duplicate at no cost.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 7
-
Does a person over age 60 need a police report to receive a duplicate driver's license/ID card at no cost?
- Yes, a full police report is always needed
- Yes, unless the card was only lost
- No, but they must pay a $5 fee
- No, a police report is not needed
Show answer
Correct answer: No, a police report is not needed
Persons over age 60 do not need a police report for a free duplicate driver's license/ID card.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 7
-
About how long before your license expires should you receive a renewal notice from the Secretary of State's office?
- 90 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 180 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 90 days
The manual says you should receive a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
How early may you renew a two- or four-year Illinois driver's license before it expires?
- Up to six months
- Up to 90 days
- Up to one year
- Up to two years
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to one year
You may renew up to one year before a two- or four-year license expires.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
How early may you renew a one-year Illinois driver's license before it expires?
- Up to one year
- Up to six months
- Up to 90 days
- Up to 30 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to six months
A one-year driver's license may be renewed up to six months before it expires.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
If you never receive a renewal notice, who is responsible for renewing your license before it expires?
- The Secretary of State's office
- The driver's insurance company
- The local police department
- The driver
Show answer
Correct answer: The driver
It is the driver's responsibility to renew before expiration, whether or not a renewal letter is received.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
For most drivers, how long is an Illinois driver's license valid?
- Four years, expiring on the driver's birthday
- Eight years, expiring on the driver's birthday
- Two years, expiring on the date it was issued
- Six years, expiring on December 31
Show answer
Correct answer: Four years, expiring on the driver's birthday
A driver's license is valid for four years and expires on the driver's birthday, except for the listed age groups.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
When does the driver's license of a driver under age 21 expire?
- On the day of their 21st birthday
- Six months after their 21st birthday
- Three months after their 21st birthday
- One year after their 21st birthday
Show answer
Correct answer: Three months after their 21st birthday
For drivers under 21, the license expires three months after their 21st birthday.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
When may you renew your driver's license through ilsos.gov online services?
- If you received a PIN renewal notice
- Only if you are age 87 or older
- Only if your license expired over a year ago
- Only if you are changing your name
Show answer
Correct answer: If you received a PIN renewal notice
The standard renewal options include using ilsos.gov online services if you received a PIN renewal notice.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
What must a non-U.S. citizen present when renewing a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card?
- A new Vision Specialist Report
- Proof of Illinois voter registration
- Current documentation of lawful status
- A letter from a U.S. employer
Show answer
Correct answer: Current documentation of lawful status
A non-citizen renewing a REAL ID-compliant card must present current documentation of lawful status.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
After you pay and pass any required tests, the Secretary of State issues a temporary, secure paper driver's license/ID card. How long is it valid?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 60 days
- 15 business days
Show answer
Correct answer: 90 days
The temporary, secure paper driver's license/ID card is valid for 90 days.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 8
-
After documents are reviewed and verified, the permanent driver's license or ID card is usually mailed within how long?
- 5 business days
- 30 business days
- 90 days
- 15 business days
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 business days
The permanent card is printed at a central location and usually mailed within 15 business days.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 9
-
When will the post office NOT deliver your new driver's license or ID card?
- If a mail forwarding order or hold is in place
- If the address is in an apartment building
- If the card holder is under age 18
- If the card is a REAL ID-compliant card
Show answer
Correct answer: If a mail forwarding order or hold is in place
Cards are not delivered if there is a forwarding order or any type of hold-on mail service for the address given.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 9
-
Presenting false identification to obtain a driver's license can lead to arrest and possible imprisonment of up to how long?
- One year
- Ten years
- Five years
- Six months
Show answer
Correct answer: Five years
Driver's license/ID fraud offenses can bring arrest, possible imprisonment of up to five years and a 12-month suspension or revocation.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 9