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State guides · Illinois

Illinois DMV written test guide

Everything you need to know about the written test in Illinois, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.

AgencyIllinois Secretary of State (Driver Services Department)
Official handbookIllinois Rules of the Road 2026 ↗
Questions35
To pass28 of 35 correct
Test in Spanish?Ask your local office

🗣️ No official language list. State rules say the test is in English and may be given in other languages; oral tests can be requested for a language barrier. An official Spanish handbook exists. Illinois Admin. Code

Illinois Administrative Code 92 IAC 1030.80(b): the Class D written test has a minimum of 35 questions and 80% must be answered correctly (28 of 35). It covers signs by shape, color and symbol, signals, pavement markings, and multiple-choice and true-or-false questions on laws (handbook p.14).

Illinois rules you need to know

Illinois test FAQ

How many questions are on the Illinois written test?

The written test has 35 questions and you need 28 correct to pass.

Can I take the Illinois driver's test in Spanish?

There's no official language list; ask your local office before you go.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Illinois?

You can get an instruction permit at 15 if enrolled in driver education.

What documents do I need for a permit in Illinois?

It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Illinois Secretary of State (Driver Services Department) before you go.

Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →

11 Illinois practice questions

  1. 1. In an Illinois business or residential area, how far before turning must you signal?

    1. Only as you begin the turn
    2. At least 100 feet
    3. At least 50 feet
    4. At least 75 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: At least 100 feet

    Illinois requires a continuous signal at least 100 feet before turning in town, 200 feet elsewhere.

    Official source ↗

  2. 2. What following-distance rule does the Illinois handbook teach?

    1. The one-second rule
    2. The three-second rule
    3. One car length per 20 mph
    4. The two-second rule
    Show answer

    Answer: The three-second rule

    Count 'one-thousand-one' to 'one-thousand-three'; reaching the object sooner means you're too close.

    Official source ↗

  3. 3. In Illinois, how far from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?

    1. 1,000 feet
    2. 400 feet
    3. 200 feet
    4. 500 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 500 feet

    Dim 500 feet before meeting oncoming traffic and 300 feet before passing a vehicle.

    Official source ↗

  4. 4. May you turn left on a red light in Illinois?

    1. Yes, at any intersection
    2. Only if no pedestrians, without stopping
    3. Yes, from a one-way onto a one-way street, after a full stop
    4. Never
    Show answer

    Answer: Yes, from a one-way onto a one-way street, after a full stop

    Illinois allows left on red from one-way to one-way (traffic moving left) after a complete stop and yielding.

    Official source ↗

  5. 5. In Illinois, drivers under what age may not use a phone at all while driving, even hands-free?

    1. Under 21
    2. Under 18
    3. Under 19
    4. Under 16
    Show answer

    Answer: Under 19

    Drivers under 19 may not use any wireless phone, even hands-free, except to report an emergency.

    Official source ↗

  6. 6. On a four-lane roadway, a school bus stops in the opposite direction. What must you do?

    1. Always stop
    2. Honk and keep going
    3. You are not required to stop
    4. Stop only if children are crossing
    Show answer

    Answer: You are not required to stop

    Illinois does not require stopping when both are on a four-lane roadway and the bus faces the other way.

    Official source ↗

  7. 7. In Illinois, you may not park within how many feet of a STOP sign?

    1. 15 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 50 feet
    4. 30 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 30 feet

    No parking within 30 feet of a STOP or YIELD sign or traffic signal.

    Official source ↗

  8. 8. In Illinois, within what distance of an emergency scene is phone use or photography prohibited?

    1. 500 feet
    2. Only inside the scene
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 100 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 500 feet

    Illinois law prohibits photography and phone use within 500 feet of an emergency scene, with exceptions.

    Official source ↗

  9. 9. In Illinois, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?

    1. 20 feet
    2. 15 feet
    3. 25 feet
    4. 10 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 15 feet

    Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

    Official source ↗

  10. 10. In Illinois, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?

    1. 15 feet
    2. 50 feet
    3. 25 feet
    4. 20 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 20 feet

    Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection or 30 feet of a STOP sign.

    Official source ↗

  11. 11. In Illinois, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?

    1. 25 feet
    2. 300 feet
    3. 50 feet
    4. 100 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 100 feet

    Signal at least 100 feet before turning in business or residential areas and 200 feet elsewhere.

    Official source ↗

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Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.