Illinois: Licensing basics — Part 5 Practice Test
Graduated licensing, permits, ID documents, license classes, the exams and vehicle registration. — Part 5
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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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A denial can be entered on the driving record of an individual under what age?
- 16
- 21
- 18
- 25
Show answer
Correct answer: 18
A denial can be entered on the driving record of an individual under age 18 for conviction of certain offenses.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 61
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A person under 18 is denied for an offense that carries mandatory revocation. Until when are they prohibited from applying for a license or instruction permit?
- Until their 18th birthday
- For exactly 90 days
- Until their 16th birthday
- Until their 25th birthday
Show answer
Correct answer: Until their 18th birthday
A denial for mandatory revocation offenses prohibits applying for a driver’s license or instruction permit until the 18th birthday.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 61
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A person under 18 who already has a driver’s license is denied for driving without a valid license or permit. What happens to their driving privileges?
- They are upgraded to a full adult license
- They stay the same with no change at all
- They are canceled for the next ten years
- They are reduced to an instruction permit
Show answer
Correct answer: They are reduced to an instruction permit
For this denial, if the person already has a driver’s license, the driving privileges granted by that license are reduced to an instruction permit.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 61
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A person under 18 is denied for driving without a valid license or permit. Which application is still allowed?
- A full driver’s license
- An instruction permit
- A commercial license
- None of these
Show answer
Correct answer: An instruction permit
Such a denial forbids applying for a driver’s license until the 18th birthday, while an application for an instruction permit is still allowed.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 61
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How long is a denial for a serious moving violation by a person under 18?
- Nine months or until age 18, whichever is shorter
- Six months or until age 18, whichever is longer
- One year or until age 21, whichever is shorter
- Three years, no matter how old the person is
Show answer
Correct answer: Nine months or until age 18, whichever is shorter
The length of a serious moving violation denial is either nine months or until the person’s 18th birthday, whichever is shorter.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 61
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When you buy a vehicle from a dealer in Illinois, within how many days of the purchase must the dealer send the required documents to the Secretary of State's office?
- 20 days
- 10 days
- 30 days
- 45 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 days
The manual says a dealer must send the application, the signed title or Certificate of Origin and the fee and tax payments to the Secretary of State's office within 20 days of purchase.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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When you buy a vehicle from a dealer, what does the amount of sales tax depend on?
- The model year of the vehicle and nothing else
- The county where the buyer is registered to vote
- The city or county where the vehicle is purchased
- The weight class printed on the vehicle's title
Show answer
Correct answer: The city or county where the vehicle is purchased
The manual states that sales tax varies depending on the city or county where the vehicle is purchased.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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If you buy a vehicle from a private owner instead of a dealer, which tax must be paid?
- No tax, since no dealer is involved
- Vehicle Use Tax
- An emissions surcharge only
- A personal property tax
Show answer
Correct answer: Vehicle Use Tax
For a purchase from someone other than a dealer, the manual lists payment of Vehicle Use Tax among the items the Secretary of State's office must receive.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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In a private vehicle sale, how is the Vehicle Use Tax figured when the selling price is less than $15,000?
- It is based on the vehicle's selling price
- It is based on the vehicle's total weight
- It is a flat amount set by the seller
- It is based on the vehicle's model year
Show answer
Correct answer: It is based on the vehicle's model year
The manual says that if the selling price is less than $15,000, the tax is based on the model year of the vehicle.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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In a private vehicle sale, how is the Vehicle Use Tax figured when the selling price is $15,000 or more?
- It is based on the vehicle's model year
- It is based on the vehicle's mileage
- It is based on the vehicle's selling price
- It is based on the buyer's home county
Show answer
Correct answer: It is based on the vehicle's selling price
According to the manual, if the selling price is $15,000 or more, the Vehicle Use Tax is based on the selling price of the vehicle.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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After a private vehicle purchase, the RUT-50 tax form and the tax payment are submitted to which agency?
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- Illinois Department on Aging
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
- Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan
Show answer
Correct answer: Illinois Department of Revenue
The manual says a RUT-50 tax form must be submitted along with the correct tax payment to the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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When you buy a vehicle out of state, which document must you have for both new and used vehicles?
- An emissions test certificate
- A Temporary Registration Permit
- A certificate of insurance
- A Bill of Sale
Show answer
Correct answer: A Bill of Sale
For vehicles purchased out of state, the manual says that for both new and used vehicles you must also have a Bill of Sale.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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For a NEW vehicle bought out of state, which ownership document must be sent to the Secretary of State's office?
- A properly assigned Certificate of Title
- A Certificate of Origin signed by the dealer
- A RUT-50 form signed by the dealer
- A registration ID card from the dealer
Show answer
Correct answer: A Certificate of Origin signed by the dealer
The manual requires a Certificate of Origin signed by the dealer if the vehicle is new; a properly assigned Certificate of Title is for a used vehicle.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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Which document must you have to register a vehicle in Illinois?
- An Illinois Certificate of Title
- A Temporary Registration Permit
- An emissions test notice
- A Bill of Sale by itself
Show answer
Correct answer: An Illinois Certificate of Title
The manual says that to register a vehicle in Illinois you must have an Illinois Certificate of Title, the document that proves ownership.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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Which vehicles must have an Illinois Certificate of Title?
- Only vehicles that are registered for road use
- Only vehicles bought from a licensed dealer
- All vehicles and mobile homes, registered or not
- Only vehicles that were bought out of state
Show answer
Correct answer: All vehicles and mobile homes, registered or not
The manual states that all vehicles and mobile homes must have a Certificate of Title, whether or not they are registered.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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According to the manual, what does registering a vehicle allow you to do?
- Skip the emissions test for that vehicle
- Legally use the vehicle on Illinois roadways
- Drive the vehicle without liability insurance
- Keep the vehicle without a Certificate of Title
Show answer
Correct answer: Legally use the vehicle on Illinois roadways
The manual explains that registration gives the state a record of the vehicle and allows you to legally use it on Illinois roadways.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 95
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How often must vehicle registration fees be paid in Illinois?
- Every two years
- Every five years
- Only once
- Every year
Show answer
Correct answer: Every year
The manual states that registration fees must be paid annually.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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When is the $20 late fee charged on an Illinois vehicle registration?
- When renewed more than one week past expiration
- When renewed more than six months past expiration
- When renewed more than one month past expiration
- When renewed on any day after the expiration date
Show answer
Correct answer: When renewed more than one month past expiration
The manual says a $20 late fee is assessed on registrations renewed more than one month past the expiration date.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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Where must your vehicle registration ID card be kept?
- In your vehicle or with you when driving
- At home with your Certificate of Title
- Attached to the back of the rear license plate
- On file at a Secretary of State facility
Show answer
Correct answer: In your vehicle or with you when driving
The manual says the vehicle registration ID card must be carried in your vehicle or with you when driving.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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How many license plates must a passenger vehicle display in Illinois?
- One, on the rear of the vehicle only
- One, on the front of the vehicle only
- Two, both mounted on the rear bumper
- Two, one on the front and one on the rear
Show answer
Correct answer: Two, one on the front and one on the rear
Illinois law requires all passenger vehicles, trucks, and vans to display two plates, one on the front and one on the rear.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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Are license plate covers allowed in Illinois?
- Yes, as long as the cover is clear
- No, license plate covers are not allowed
- Yes, but on the rear plate only
- Yes, if the plate number can be read
Show answer
Correct answer: No, license plate covers are not allowed
The manual says license plate frames should not cover any information on the plates, and license plate covers are not allowed.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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How must a motorcycle display its license plate in Illinois?
- One plate on the rear
- One plate on the front
- Two plates, front and rear
- One plate on the left side
Show answer
Correct answer: One plate on the rear
The manual says motorcycles, mopeds, trailers, semitrailers and apportioned buses must display one license plate on the rear of the vehicle.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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How must a truck-tractor display its license plate in Illinois?
- One plate on the rear
- Two plates, front and rear
- One plate on the front
- One plate on the cab door
Show answer
Correct answer: One plate on the front
According to the manual, truck-tractors and apportioned straight trucks must have one license plate on the front of the vehicle.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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When you sell your vehicle in Illinois, what should happen to its license plates?
- They stay on the vehicle for the buyer
- The seller removes and keeps them
- The buyer must return them to the state
- The dealer must destroy them
Show answer
Correct answer: The seller removes and keeps them
The manual says the plates should be removed and kept by the seller, because in Illinois license plates remain with the owner, not the vehicle.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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Where must a Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) be displayed on your vehicle?
- On the inside of the windshield
- On the driver's side window
- Where a front license plate goes
- Where a rear license plate goes
Show answer
Correct answer: Where a rear license plate goes
The manual says the TRP must be displayed in the same place and manner as a rear license plate.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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How long is a Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) valid from its issuance date?
- 30 days
- 45 days
- 90 days
- 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 90 days
The manual says the TRP is valid for 90 days from the issuance date and may be reissued if the plates do not arrive within 90 days.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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After your permanent license plates arrive and you remove the Temporary Registration Permit, what should you do with the permit?
- Destroy and discard it
- Return it to the dealer
- Keep it in the glove box
- Mail it to the state
Show answer
Correct answer: Destroy and discard it
For your protection, the manual says the permit should be destroyed and discarded upon removal.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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About how long before your vehicle registration expires may the Secretary of State's office send you a renewal reminder?
- About 15 days
- About 30 days
- About 90 days
- About 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: About 60 days
The manual says that about 60 days before your registration expires you may receive a reminder postcard, an email and/or a renewal notice.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 96
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Where should you place your vehicle registration renewal sticker?
- Lower left side of the rear license plate
- Upper right side of the rear license plate
- Upper left side of the front license plate
- Lower right corner of the front windshield
Show answer
Correct answer: Upper right side of the rear license plate
The manual encourages you to immediately affix the renewal sticker to the upper right side of the rear license plate.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 97
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What may happen if you do not display your new renewal sticker and the current sticker has expired?
- Police may stop your vehicle and issue a ticket
- Your license plates are cancelled at once
- Your driver's license is suspended at once
- Your vehicle title is taken by the state
Show answer
Correct answer: Police may stop your vehicle and issue a ticket
The manual warns that if you do not immediately display the renewal sticker and the current one has expired, law enforcement may stop your vehicle and issue a ticket.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 97
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You bought your renewal sticker online before expiration but have not received it yet. How long is the printed Secretary of State receipt valid as proof of registration?
- 10 days from the expiration of the current sticker
- 60 days from the expiration of the current sticker
- 30 days from the expiration of the current sticker
- 90 days from the expiration of the current sticker
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days from the expiration of the current sticker
The manual says the printed receipt is only valid as proof of registration for 30 days from the expiration of the sticker currently displayed on the plate.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 97
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What benefit can a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who shows proof of service in a combat mission receive after returning to the United States?
- Free personalized license plates for one full year
- The standard registration fee is waived for one renewal
- An extra 90 days to renew after the expiration date
- Exemption from emissions testing at the next renewal
Show answer
Correct answer: The standard registration fee is waived for one renewal
The manual says these service members can have their standard vehicle registration fee waived for the renewal period immediately following their return, with proof shown at renewal.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 97
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An Illinois resident serving outside the United States in a non-combat role with the U.S. Armed Forces returns home. How long do they have to obtain or renew their vehicle registration?
- 30 days from the date of return
- 60 days from the date of return
- 90 days from the date of return
- 45 days from the date of return
Show answer
Correct answer: 45 days from the date of return
The manual gives non-combat service members, Armed Forces civilian employees and Department of Defense employees serving abroad 45 days from their return to obtain or renew registration.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 97
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After ordering personalized or vanity license plates, how long should you allow to receive them?
- At least 14 days
- At least 30 days
- At least 45 days
- At least 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 45 days
The manual asks you to allow at least 45 days from the time the order is placed to receive your license plates.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 97
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Senior citizens and persons with disabilities can get reduced license plate fees if they qualify for which program?
- Benefit Access Program
- Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan
- Illinois Air Team program
- Veterans registration waiver
Show answer
Correct answer: Benefit Access Program
The manual says those who qualify for the Benefit Access Program (formerly Circuit Breaker) through the Illinois Department on Aging are eligible for reduced license plate fees.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 97
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How many reduced-fee license plate discounts are allowed per year under the Benefit Access Program?
- Two
- Three
- No limit
- One
Show answer
Correct answer: One
The manual states that one discount per year is allowed.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 97
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In areas where testing is required, which agency's emissions test must certain vehicles pass before their registration can be renewed?
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- Illinois Department on Aging
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
- Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan
Show answer
Correct answer: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Under the Clean Air Act, certain vehicles must pass an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) emissions test for the Secretary of State's office to renew their registration.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 98
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In which Illinois counties is a vehicle emissions test required throughout the ENTIRE county?
- Cook, DuPage and Lake
- Kane, Kendall and McHenry
- Will, Madison and Monroe
- Lake, McHenry and St. Clair
Show answer
Correct answer: Cook, DuPage and Lake
The manual says emissions testing is required in all of Cook, DuPage and Lake counties, and in parts of Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 98
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If you move away from an area where vehicle emissions testing is required, what must you do?
- Take one final emissions test
- Apply for new license plates
- Get a new Certificate of Title
- Notify the Secretary of State
Show answer
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State
The manual says that if you move from the area in which testing is required, you must notify the Secretary of State.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), page 98