Illinois Permit Practice Test 1
35 questions, the same length as the SOS test. You need 28 correct to pass. Pick an answer to see whether you are right and why.
Questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), last checked November 1, 2026. Your progress is saved on this device.
-
Question 1 of 35 · Safe driving practices · Rules of the road section
Your car begins to skid because the tires have lost traction. What is the correct response?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Ease off the pedal and steer toward the skid until traction returns
Reduce pressure on the gas or brake and steer in the direction the vehicle is skidding until traction returns, then straighten out. Hard braking or sharp steering worsens the skid.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Special Driving Situations and Hazards”, page 87. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SAF-0035
-
Question 2 of 35 · Safe driving practices · Rules of the road section
You are on a two-lane road and reach a roadwork area. The oncoming lane looks empty and your view ahead is clear. May you pass the slow truck in front of you?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. No, passing is never permitted in any IL work zone
Illinois treats every construction zone as a no-passing zone, regardless of how clear the road looks or how slow the vehicle ahead is moving.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Lane Usage”, page 29. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SAF-0019
-
Question 3 of 35 · Signals & pavement markings · Road signs section
You are waiting to turn left and the signal shows a flashing yellow arrow pointing left. What is the correct way to proceed?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Turn left after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection
A flashing yellow arrow permits a turn in the arrow's direction, but only after you give way to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection or crosswalk.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Chapter 10: Traffic Signals”, page 78. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SGM-0010
-
Question 4 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
A blue sign stands beside a highway. Which kind of information is a blue sign most likely to give drivers?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Gas, food, or lodging available near the road
Blue is a guide sign color that tells drivers which services are offered along the roadway. Distances to destinations are on green signs, parks are on brown signs, and work zones use orange signs.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Regulatory Signs”, page 65. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0067
-
Question 5 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
A divided highway has an opening in the median with a No U-Turn sign posted. Which vehicles may use the opening to reach the other side?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Authorized vehicles such as police cars and snow plows
These openings are reserved for authorized vehicles like police cars, ambulances, snow plows, and maintenance equipment. Other drivers may not use them.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Regulatory Signs”, page 66. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0012
-
Question 6 of 35 · Speed limits · Rules of the road section
You are driving at normal highway speed and notice a slow-moving farm vehicle ahead in your lane. What should you be ready to do as you come up behind it?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Slow down
Drivers should be cautious and prepared to reduce speed when approaching a slow-moving vehicle from behind. The difference in speeds closes the gap very quickly.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Slow-Moving Vehicles”, page 46. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SPD-0023
-
Question 7 of 35 · Licensing rules · Rules of the road section
You hold a standard (non-REAL ID) Illinois driver's license. Which of these can you still use it for?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Showing your identity in everyday situations
A standard card still works for driving and general identification. It is not accepted for domestic flights after May 7, 2025, or for entering military bases and secure federal facilities.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “went into effect May 7, 2025.”, PDF page 3. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-LIC-0029
-
Question 8 of 35 · Alcohol & drugs · Rules of the road section
In IL, a passenger in a regular car drinks an alcoholic beverage while the car is moving. Who may receive a traffic citation?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Both the driver and the passengers
Drinking alcohol in a vehicle is illegal, and under the open container rules both the driver and passengers can be cited.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Related DUI Offenses”, page 51. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-ALC-0013
-
Question 9 of 35 · Right of way · Rules of the road section
You come to a railroad crossbuck sign with no gates or flashing lights. How should you treat this sign when a train is approaching?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. As a yield sign, giving way to trains
A crossbuck counts as a yield sign. Drivers must give the right of way to oncoming trains and other railroad equipment.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Railroad Crossings”, page 81. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-ROW-0016
-
Question 10 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
A five-sided yellow-green sign shows two children walking with an arrow pointing downward. What does this sign tell you?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. You are at a school crossing
The downward arrow with the walking children marks the actual school crossing. A sign with just the two children means only that a school is close.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Colors of Signs”, page 64. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0037
-
Question 11 of 35 · Parking · Rules of the road section
In IL, a city street has a marked bike lane that is empty. You want to leave your car there for a short errand. What does the law say?
Show answer
Correct answer: A. It is not allowed even when no bicyclists are present
Vehicles may not be driven or parked in a designated bike lane. This applies whether or not any bicyclists are present at that moment.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Autocycles”, page 42. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-PRK-0018
-
Question 12 of 35 · Parking · Rules of the road section
In IL, you park facing uphill on a street that has a curb. Which way should the front wheels be turned?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Away from the curb, toward the traffic lane
When facing uphill next to a curb, the wheels point away from the curb so that if the brakes fail, the vehicle rolls back and the rear of the front tire catches the curb.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Parking”, page 34. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-PRK-0001
-
Question 13 of 35 · Licensing rules · Rules of the road section
You buy a car from a private owner in IL for $18,000. On what is the Vehicle Use Tax based?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The vehicle's selling price
When a private sale price is $15,000 or higher, the use tax is figured from the price paid. Only cheaper vehicles are taxed by model year.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Chapter 13: Owning a Vehicle”, page 95. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-LIC-0073
-
Question 14 of 35 · Licensing rules · Rules of the road section
A driver in IL is caught driving while their license is under suspension. What is a likely consequence of this offense?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. A longer suspension period and possible jail time
Driving on a suspended or revoked license extends the period of suspension or revocation. It can also lead to a period of incarceration.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Chapter 8: Driver’s License Revocation,”, page 58. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-LIC-0061
-
Question 15 of 35 · Safe driving practices · Rules of the road section
In IL, you approach a stopped maintenance truck with its amber lights flashing on a multi-lane road. What is the proper response?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Move to a lane away from the truck if possible and slow down
Drivers must yield, shift to a lane away from emergency workers when possible, and proceed with caution at a reasonable reduced speed. If changing lanes is not possible, they should still slow down.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Construction Zones, Emergency Vehicles, Maintenance Vehicles, School Zones and Funeral Processions”, page 25. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SAF-0012
-
Question 16 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
A sign reading "Stop Here on Red" is posted near an intersection with traffic signals. What is the purpose of this sign?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. It shows where to stop when the stopping point is unclear
This sign is used where drivers could be unsure of the right place to stop at a signalized intersection. It marks the stopping spot when the light is red.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Warning Signs”, page 68. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0020
-
Question 17 of 35 · Right of way · Rules of the road section
A school bus has stopped with its stop arm extended on a four-lane road. You are traveling in the opposite direction from the bus. What must you do?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Continue driving, since you are not required to stop
On a four-lane roadway, drivers going the opposite way from a stopped bus do not have to stop. The stopping requirement applies in other situations, such as two-lane roads.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Rotary and Roundabout”, page 32. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-ROW-0003
-
Question 18 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
In a rural area, how far before a railroad crossing might you first see the round yellow advance warning sign with a black X and the letters RR?
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Up to 750 feet
The round railroad warning sign can be placed as far as 750 feet ahead of a crossing in rural areas, so you should slow down and be ready to stop.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Chapter 9: Roadway Signs”, page 63. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0009
-
Question 19 of 35 · Signals & pavement markings · Road signs section
You are stopped at a railroad crossing with flashing red lights. The train has just gone by, but the lights are still flashing. What should you do?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Stay stopped until the lights stop flashing
You must remain stopped until the train has passed and the lights have stopped flashing. A train passing is not enough by itself.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Railroad Crossings”, page 81. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SGM-0006
-
Question 20 of 35 · Sharing the road · Rules of the road section
A motorcycle is passing your car on a multilane road. What should you do while it passes?
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Hold your lane position and speed
Keeping a steady lane position and speed lets the motorcycle finish passing safely and return to its lane as soon as possible.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Children”, page 41. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SHR-0009
-
Question 21 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
You approach a railroad crossing and see a crossbuck sign with a small number 2 mounted below it. What does that number tell you?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. How many tracks cross the road at that spot
At a crossing with more than one track, the number below the crossbuck shows how many tracks there are. The crossbuck itself works as a yield sign.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Railroad Crossings”, page 81. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0015
-
Question 22 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
A yellow-green warning sign is most likely to alert you to which of the following?
Show answer
Correct answer: A. A pedestrian or bicycle crossing
Yellow-green warning signs are used for pedestrian and bicycle crossings, playgrounds, school bus stops, and school zones. Distances, services, and parks use other colors.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Colors of Signs”, page 64. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0040
-
Question 23 of 35 · Signals & pavement markings · Road signs section
You are driving on a two-lane, two-way road and see a solid yellow line marking on your side of the center. What does this marking tell you about passing?
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Passing is not allowed in that area
A solid yellow line marks a no-passing area on a two-lane, two-way road. You must stay in your lane there, even if the road looks clear.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Lane Usage”, page 29. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SGM-0016
-
Question 24 of 35 · Licensing rules · Rules of the road section
In IL, a person who wants a basic license to drive an ordinary passenger car is issued which license class?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Class D
A basic license for operating a car in Illinois is a Class D license. Licenses are classified by the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle being driven.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Chapter 1: Illinois Driver’s License”, page 4. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-LIC-0021
-
Question 25 of 35 · Licensing rules · Rules of the road section
A 16-year-old with an IL instruction permit wants to practice driving after finishing driver education. Which person may ride in the front seat as the supervisor?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. A 21-year-old with a valid license and two years of driving experience
The supervising adult must be at least 21, hold a valid license, and have at least one year of driving experience, and must sit in the front passenger seat.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Chapter 3: Drivers Under Age 21”, page 16. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-LIC-0033
-
Question 26 of 35 · Safe driving practices · Rules of the road section
After you complete a right turn onto a multilane roadway, which lane should you end up in?
Show answer
Correct answer: A. The right-hand lane
A right turn should follow the curve of the curb closely and finish in the right-hand lane of the road being entered.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Signaling”, page 31. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SAF-0021
-
Question 27 of 35 · Licensing rules · Rules of the road section
In IL, you pay your application fee and begin taking the license exams. How many tries do you get at each exam, and over what period?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Three tries within one year of paying the fee
Applicants get three attempts at each exam, and those attempts must happen within one year of the date the application fee was paid.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Chapter 2: Driver’s License Exams”, page 13. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-LIC-0013
-
Question 28 of 35 · Speed limits · Rules of the road section
A driver increases speed from 30 mph to 60 mph on a dry road. What happens to the distance needed to stop the vehicle?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. It becomes four times as long
Stopping distance grows much faster than speed. Going twice as fast makes the distance needed to stop four times as great.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Vehicle Speed”, page 84. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SPD-0006
-
Question 29 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
You are on a highway and see a green sign. What kind of information does it most likely provide?
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Your location, which way to go, and distances to destinations
Green signs are guide signs that help you find where you are, which way to travel, and how far away destinations are.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Colors of Signs”, page 64. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0041
-
Question 30 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
You are driving through a work zone where concrete barriers line your lane. Which habit best protects you and the highway workers?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Leave extra space between your vehicle and the barriers
Work-zone signs ask drivers to stay alert, obey the posted construction speed limit, and keep a safe distance from all traffic barriers.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Construction and Maintenance Signs”, page 72. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0053
-
Question 31 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
At a railroad crossing, which warning device means you must always come to a full stop once it activates, rather than simply slowing or yielding?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Flashing light signals that have begun to blink
Once flashing lights start, you must stop and stay stopped until the train has passed and the lights stop. A crossbuck only requires yielding, while the advance sign and yellow line only warn or prohibit passing.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Railroad Crossings”, page 81. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0066
-
Question 32 of 35 · Signals & pavement markings · Road signs section
Your vehicle's turn signals are not working, so you use a hand and arm signal. Which signal indicates a right turn?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Left arm extended straight up
For a right turn using hand signals, the driver extends the left arm with the hand pointing straight up. Straight out means a left turn and down means slow or stop.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Signaling”, page 30. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SGM-0002
-
Question 33 of 35 · Sharing the road · Rules of the road section
In IL, under what conditions may a person aged 18 or older skate on a public roadway without breaking the law?
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Posted limit of 45 mph or less, sunrise to sunset, no traffic blocked
Adult skaters may use public roads only where the posted speed is 45 mph or less, during daylight hours, and only if they do not obstruct or impede vehicle traffic.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Chapter 5: Sharing the Road”, page 40. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SHR-0007
-
Question 34 of 35 · Licensing rules · Rules of the road section
In IL, a 19-year-old has never held a license and has not finished an approved driver education program. How long must the required adult driver education course be?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Six hours
First-time applicants aged 18 to 20 without prior licensing or approved driver education must take a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course from a provider certified by the Secretary of State.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “First-Time Drivers — Age 18-20”, page 18. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-LIC-0041
-
Question 35 of 35 · Road signs · Road signs section
In IL, what physical feature sets a divided highway apart from other roads, as shown by the signs posted where one begins?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. A center strip separating traffic traveling in opposite directions
A divided highway has a center strip that keeps opposing traffic apart. Signs warn you when this separation begins and again when it is about to end.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), “Construction and Maintenance Signs”, page 72. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in IL-SIG-0075