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To obtain your motorcycle license in Illinois, you must pass both a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill test. If you are 16-17 you are required to pass a motorcycle driving course approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation. If you are 18 or older and you successfully completed an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Education Course, you are not required to pass a written or driving test. Knowledge test questions are based on information and ideas from the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual. The test consists of 15 questions, and at least 12 correct answers (80%) are required to pass.
1.
Which of the following kinds of drugs can affect your ability to ride a motorcycle?
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Illegal
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Over the counter
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Prescription
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All of the above.
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2.
You are considered legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is ______ or higher.
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0.05%
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0.09%
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0.08%
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0.01%
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3.
Your lane position should:
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communicate your intentions.
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increase your ability to see and be seen.
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avoid surface hazards.
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All the other answers are correct.
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4.
When riding with passengers, as you approach a stop you should:
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start slowing earlier.
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maintain a
smaller space cushion around you.
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wait for a small gap to cross, enter,
or merge in traffic.
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tell the passenger to put their feet on the ground.
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5.
To ride safely at night:
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Ride in a staggered formation group.
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Reduce your speed.
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Always stay in the left lane position.
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Avoid wearing reflective clothing.
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6.
If your motorcycle starts to wander back and forth while riding over metal bridge gratings you should:
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downshift to a lower gear to improve stability.
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ride is in the center lane position.
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relax, stay on course, and ride straight across.
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proceed in a zigzag pattern until you cross the bridge.
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7.
To safely carry a passenger on your motorcycle, you must have:
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passenger headlight.
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passenger seat and footrests.
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sun protection.
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an approved passenger license.
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8.
When riding your motorcycle, you should use both brakes:
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every time you stop.
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every time you make turns.
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in emergency situations.
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at uncontrolled intersections.
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9.
When riding behind a car, which lane position will make you most visible to the driver?
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Right
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Left
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Center
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Any
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10.
In the 'Evaluate' step of the SEE strategy, you must have a plan to reduce risks, particularly when faced with:
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vehicles that may move into your path.
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traffic signals and warning signs.
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potholes, guardrails,
bridges.
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All of the above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a class D driver's license in Illinois, teens must follow the three steps of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. Here are the age requirements:
- For a learner's permit, you must be at least 15.
- For an initial license, you must be between 16-17.
- For a full license, you must be between 18-20.
For applicants between 18 and 20 years old, a six-hour adult driver education course is required before getting a driver’s license.
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s office website to book your written test. You can choose dates and times based on your preferences and the available options at various Illinois DMV locations.
You must present the following documents:
- Proof of written signature (credit cards, mortgage documents, passport, etc).
- Proof of date of birth with your full name.
- Proof of Social Security Number.
- Proof of residency (e.g., bank statement, insurance policy, or utility bill). For a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, you have to bring two proofs.
Use this checklist to prepare for your visit and ensure you have all the necessary documents.
The DMV written test in Illinois is available in English. If you don't speak English well or experience any reading difficulties, you can request an oral examination in person at any Secretary of State driver’s license office.
The DMV written test is based on the Illinois Driver's Manual. Focus on road signs, safe driving practices and road rules. Take our free practice tests to prepare for the permit test, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock more resources and prepare for your exam faster!
The Illinois DMV written test consists of 35 questions. Among them, 15 focus on traffic sign identification, and the remaining 20 are multiple-choice or true-false questions. These questions are based on the official manual, so it's important to study it well to maximize your chances of passing the exam.
Illinois imposes specific restrictions on new drivers according to their age.
Permit phase:
- Driving is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Saturday-Thursday) and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Friday-Saturday).
- The maximum number of passengers is one in the front seat, and the number of passengers in the back seat is limited to the available safety belts.
- Drivers and passengers must wear safety belts.
- Using a cell phone, including a hands-free device, is prohibited (except for emergencies).
Initial licensing phase:
- Driving is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Saturday-Thursday) and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Friday-Saturday).
- Drivers and passengers must wear safety belts.
- During the first 12 months or until the driver turns 18, only one passenger under the age of 20 is allowed (except for family members). After this period, only one person is allowed in the front seat, and the number of passengers in the back seat is limited to the available safety belts.
- Using a cell phone, including a hands-free device, is prohibited (except for emergencies).
Full licensing phase:
- Drivers under 18 cannot operate for-hire vehicles transporting property or require a commercial driver’s license, and until 21, they are not allowed to use any for-hire vehicles transporting people.
- Using a cell phone, including a hands-free device, is forbidden for drivers under 19 (except for emergencies).
If you are under 18, the learner’s permit is valid for two years, with a requirement to hold it for a minimum of nine months before qualifying for a driver's license. For applicants over 18, the permit is valid for one year. If it expires, a renewal fee is applicable.
If you fail the DMV written test, you can take a second attempt on the same day. However, if you fail because you were caught cheating, you will have to wait 30 days before retaking it. Generally, you have three attempts to pass the permit test within one year after the application.