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When applying for an Illinois driver’s license, you may be required to complete a vision screening, as well as written and driving exams. The IL DMV practice permit test covers the contents of the Illinois Driver's Handbook. It requires you to identify traffic signs, signals and pavement markings, and answer questions about traffic laws, driving and safety rules, vehicle equipment and crash prevention. The Illinois DMV written test consists of 35 questions, 15 of which will address traffic sign identification. To pass the test, you must correctly answer at least 28 questions.
1. When passing another vehicle, a driver should wait until the entire car they just passed is visible in the rearview mirror before turning back into the right-hand lane.
False
True
2. Stop, Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs are:
orange
red
black and white
3. Which of the following signs has a red background?
Do not enter.
Stop.
All of the above.
4. This road sign means:
side road sign
All traffic must turn right
A road joins from the right
All traffic must go straight ahead
5. Regardless of fault, a crash report must be filed by the driver of a vehicle if the crash involves bodily injury.
True
False
6. You can pass on the right:
when a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction is prepared to turn left.
when a vehicle ahead makes a left turn.
when a vehicle ahead makes a right turn.
7. When you make a left turn from a two-way road into a four-lane highway, you must:
turn left two way
go straight through the intersection, and then make the turn.
enter the right lane, to the left of the center line.
enter the left lane, to the right of the center line.
8. When they see a yellow X signal, drivers should:
lane yellow x
prepare to leave the lane safely.
turn off the ignition.
come to a complete stop at the marked stop line.
9. Who must wear safety belts in Illinois?
All drivers and front seat passengers ages 8 and older.
All drivers and passengers (front and back seat) ages 8 and older.
All drivers and front seat passengers.
10. Bright lights must be dimmed _____ feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle.
500
200
300
 
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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.

IL DMV Permit Practice Test

Number of questions: 35
Correct answers to pass:28
Passing score:80%
Signs questions:15
Minimum age to apply: 15
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