Illinois: Licensing basics — Part 3 Practice Test
Graduated licensing, permits, ID documents, license classes, the exams and vehicle registration. — Part 3
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Illinois Rules of the Road" (2026), Illinois Secretary of State.
All 39 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.
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Which tests are required for the issuance or renewal of all permits?
- A driving exam and a vision screening
- A vision screening and a written test
- A written test and a driving exam
- A driving exam only
Show answer
Correct answer: A vision screening and a written test
The manual states that a vision screening and a written test are required for issuing or renewing all permits.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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How many attempts are you allowed to pass each exam within one year from the date you paid the application fee?
- Two
- Five
- Four
- Three
Show answer
Correct answer: Three
You are allowed three attempts to pass each exam within one year of paying the application fee.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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When might a driver be required to take the written and/or driving exams?
- If they have a crash or moving violation on record
- If they request a VETERAN designation on their card
- If they order a copy of their own driving record
- If they report a new address within 10 days
Show answer
Correct answer: If they have a crash or moving violation on record
A traffic crash or other moving violation on your driving record may require you to take the written and/or driving exams.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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An applicant found cheating on the written exam fails and may not retake it for how long?
- 7 days
- 90 days
- 30 days
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
Anyone found cheating fails the exam and is prohibited from retaking it for 30 days.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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Taking any part of the driver's license exam for another person is a criminal offense punishable by what?
- A fine and at least 30 days in jail
- A fine and at least seven days in jail
- A written warning and a 30-day retest ban
- A fine and at least one year in jail
Show answer
Correct answer: A fine and at least seven days in jail
Taking the exam for another person is punishable by a fine and a mandatory minimum seven days in jail.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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What may the Secretary of State's office do to a person who tries to bribe an employee to influence the issuance of a license?
- Require a second vision screening
- Charge them a double application fee
- Require 50 more hours of practice
- Deny them a license and/or permit
Show answer
Correct answer: Deny them a license and/or permit
The Secretary of State's office may deny a driver's license and/or instruction permit to anyone who attempts to influence its issuance, including by bribery.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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Instead of a vision screening, an applicant may submit a Vision Specialist Report dated within how long of the facility visit?
- Six months
- 90 days
- One year
- 30 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Six months
A Vision Specialist Report from a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist or physician must be dated within six months of the facility visit.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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What is the minimum visual acuity required for an Illinois driver's license, with or without corrective lenses?
- 20/20
- 20/70
- 20/40
- 20/50
Show answer
Correct answer: 20/40
The vision requirements include a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 with or without corrective lenses.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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A driver whose visual acuity is between 20/41 and 20/70 is limited to what?
- Driving under 45 mph
- Daylight driving only
- Driving within 25 miles of home
- Driving with a licensed adult
Show answer
Correct answer: Daylight driving only
Drivers with acuity between 20/41 and 20/70 are limited to daylight driving only.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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How many degrees of peripheral vision (the ability to see to the side) must a driver have, with or without corrective lenses?
- At least 120 degrees
- At least 105 degrees
- At least 160 degrees
- At least 140 degrees
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 140 degrees
The vision requirements include at least 140 degrees of peripheral vision.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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If you wear glasses or contact lenses, what will be noted on your license?
- A restriction requiring you to wear them to drive
- A restriction to daylight driving only
- A requirement to retest your vision every year
- A 45 mph speed limit on all roads you drive
Show answer
Correct answer: A restriction requiring you to wear them to drive
A restriction is noted on the license requiring you to wear your glasses or contact lenses when operating a vehicle.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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What must a driver who wears telescopic lenses do to receive a license?
- Drive only with a licensed adult in the front seat
- Renew their license in person every single year
- Meet special requirements and have more vision tests
- Nothing beyond the standard vision screening
Show answer
Correct answer: Meet special requirements and have more vision tests
Drivers who wear telescopic lenses must meet special requirements and undergo additional vision testing.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 13
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How often must a driver take the written exam, unless they have no traffic convictions?
- Every four years
- Every eight years
- Every six years
- Every ten years
Show answer
Correct answer: Every eight years
Every driver must take a written exam every eight years, except drivers with no traffic convictions.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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What types of questions does the basic written exam use?
- Multiple-choice and true-or-false
- Fill-in-the-blank and short essay
- Matching and short answer only
- Oral questions only
Show answer
Correct answer: Multiple-choice and true-or-false
The basic written exam includes multiple-choice and true-or-false questions about traffic laws, safety rules, crash prevention and vehicle equipment.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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On the basic written exam, how must you identify traffic signs?
- By their MUTCD code number
- By their size and height
- By shape, color or symbol
- By the order they appear on a route
Show answer
Correct answer: By shape, color or symbol
The basic written exam requires you to identify traffic signs by shape, color or symbol.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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What is suggested for an applicant age 21 or older who is driving for the first time?
- Completing the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course
- Holding an instruction permit for at least nine months
- Logging 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night
- Enrolling in a driving school for adults before applying
Show answer
Correct answer: Enrolling in a driving school for adults before applying
For first-time drivers age 21 or older, enrollment in a driving school for adults is suggested before applying.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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What must be provided for the vehicle at the time of the driving exam?
- Proof of insurance
- The purchase receipt
- An emissions test report
- A mechanic's safety certificate
Show answer
Correct answer: Proof of insurance
The exam vehicle must be properly insured, and proof of insurance must be provided at the time of the exam.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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An Illinois-registered vehicle used for the driving exam must display what?
- A valid rear plate with a current emissions sticker
- A front plate and a sign reading 'Driver Under Test'
- Valid front and rear plates and a registration sticker
- Temporary paper plates from a licensed dealer only
Show answer
Correct answer: Valid front and rear plates and a registration sticker
The exam vehicle must display valid front and rear Illinois license plates and a valid registration sticker.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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How must the vehicle for the driving exam get to the facility?
- Driven by the examiner from a nearby parking lot
- Driven by a driver with a valid license or permit
- Driven only by a parent or legal guardian
- Driven by any adult, licensed or not
Show answer
Correct answer: Driven by a driver with a valid license or permit
The exam vehicle must be driven to the facility by a driver with a valid driver's license or permit.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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Who may be with you in the vehicle during the driving exam?
- The examiner and one parent
- The examiner and your instructor
- Any licensed adult you choose
- Only the examiner
Show answer
Correct answer: Only the examiner
Only the examiner is allowed to be with you during the driving exam.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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If you bring children or pets to your driving exam, what must you do?
- Bring someone to care for them during the exam
- Leave them in the facility's waiting area
- Keep them in the back seat during the exam
- Leave them in a parked vehicle outside
Show answer
Correct answer: Bring someone to care for them during the exam
Children or pets may not be in the vehicle or left unattended in the facility, so you must bring someone to care for them.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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What happens if you commit a traffic violation or a dangerous action during the driving exam?
- You lose points but may still pass
- You automatically fail the exam
- You get one warning, then fail
- The exam restarts from the beginning
Show answer
Correct answer: You automatically fail the exam
You automatically fail the exam if you commit any traffic violation or dangerous action while taking it.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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During the driving exam, when must you adjust the seats, safety belts and mirrors?
- At the first stop sign you reach
- Whenever the examiner asks you to
- After you leave the parking lot
- Before the vehicle is put into motion
Show answer
Correct answer: Before the vehicle is put into motion
All adjustments to seats, safety belts, mirrors and other equipment must be made before the vehicle is put into motion.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 14
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On the driving exam, about how far must you back the vehicle, slowly, straight and smoothly?
- 50 feet
- 25 feet
- 100 feet
- 75 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 50 feet
The backing task is approximately 50 feet at a slow speed, straight and smoothly.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 15
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When backing the vehicle on the driving exam, what should you do?
- Watch only the inside rearview mirror
- Turn your head to the left and watch the side mirror
- Turn your head to the right and watch to the rear
- Watch the road ahead and steer by the mirrors
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn your head to the right and watch to the rear
When backing, turn your head to the right and watch to the rear.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 15
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How is the turnabout performed on the driving exam?
- Signal right, turn into a right-side alley, then back out
- Signal left, turn into a left-side alley, then back out
- Make a U-turn in the middle of the block
- Back into a left-side alley, then drive out forward
Show answer
Correct answer: Signal left, turn into a left-side alley, then back out
The turnabout uses an alley on the left side of the street: signal left, turn into the alley, back out, and stay on your side of the street.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 15
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Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing and need interpreter service should do what?
- Request it in advance of their facility visit
- Bring their own interpreter age 21 or older
- Take the written exam online at home instead
- Ask the examiner for it after the written exam
Show answer
Correct answer: Request it in advance of their facility visit
Applicants needing interpreter service should request it in advance of their visit to the facility.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 15
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When can an oral version of the written test be requested at a driver's license facility?
- In person, any day of the week
- By phone, Monday through Friday
- In person, Monday through Thursday
- Online, at any time
Show answer
Correct answer: In person, Monday through Thursday
Oral examinations can be requested in person at any Secretary of State driver's license facility, Monday through Thursday.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 15
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Who are oral examinations for the written test provided for?
- Only applicants who have failed the written test twice
- Those with a language barrier or reading/learning disability
- Only applicants age 87 and older who are renewing a license
- Only applicants for a commercial driver's license class
Show answer
Correct answer: Those with a language barrier or reading/learning disability
Oral examinations are provided for applicants who may have a language barrier or any reading or learning disability.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 15
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Approved driver education courses include at least how much classroom study and behind-the-wheel training?
- 20 hours classroom and 10 hours behind the wheel
- 30 hours classroom and 50 hours behind the wheel
- 6 hours classroom and 30 hours behind the wheel
- 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel
Approved driver education courses include at least 30 hours of classroom study and six hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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To get an instruction permit at age 15-17, the provider's document must show you are enrolled in driver education or will start within how many days?
- 30 days
- 10 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
The document must state that you are enrolled in an approved course and/or will start one within the next 30 days.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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How long is an Illinois instruction permit valid?
- 12 months
- 9 months
- 24 months
- 36 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 24 months
The instruction permit is valid for 24 months.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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If you are age 15-17, for at least how long must you hold your instruction permit before getting a driver's license?
- Six consecutive months
- Nine consecutive months
- 12 consecutive months
- Three consecutive months
Show answer
Correct answer: Nine consecutive months
Permit holders aged 15-17 must hold the permit for at least nine consecutive months before obtaining a license.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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From what age may you apply for an instruction permit without taking a driver education course?
- 16 years and 6 months
- 18 years
- 17 years
- 17 years and 3 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 17 years and 3 months
If you are age 17 and 3 months or older, you may apply for a permit without taking a driver education course.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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How long are the vision and written exam results for an instruction permit valid?
- Until the permit expires
- For 90 days after the tests
- For one year after the tests
- For six months after testing
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the permit expires
The test results taken for an instruction permit are valid until the permit expires.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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Outside of driver education, a permit holder may drive with a parent, guardian or responsible adult of at least what age?
- 18
- 25
- 21
- 19
Show answer
Correct answer: 21
A permit holder may drive with a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult who is age 21 or older, has a valid license and at least one year of driving experience.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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How much driving experience must the adult supervising a permit holder have?
- At least three years
- At least one year
- At least five years
- At least six months
Show answer
Correct answer: At least one year
The supervising adult must have a valid license and at least one year of driving experience.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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Where must the adult supervising a permit holder sit?
- Directly behind the driver
- Anywhere in the vehicle
- In the rear passenger-side seat
- In the front passenger seat
Show answer
Correct answer: In the front passenger seat
The supervising adult must sit in the front passenger seat next to the permit holder.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16
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How many hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving must drivers under 18 complete, in addition to driver education, before getting a license?
- At least 50 hours
- At least 30 hours
- At least 40 hours
- At least 100 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 50 hours
Illinois law requires drivers under 18 to have at least 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving in addition to driver education.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 16