Free Illinois Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official Illinois driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Licensing & Permits — 6
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Safe Driving — 3
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 3
- Points & Penalties — 2
- Sharing the Road — 1
- Signaling & Communication — 1
- Vehicle Equipment — 1
Heaviest on Licensing & Permits (6 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are Illinois-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. An Illinois 16–17 driver must maintain a conviction-free record for how long before turning 18?
- 2 years
- Six months
- 3 months
- 1 year
Show answer
Answer: Six months
You must be conviction-free for six months before turning 18.
2. In Illinois, a graduated instruction permit is available at age:
- 18
- 16
- 14
- 15
Show answer
Answer: 15
The GDL Permit Phase begins at age 15 (with driver education).
3. Illinois uses Zero Tolerance for drivers under 21, suspending the license for:
- Any trace of alcohol
- .05+
- Nothing
- Only .08+
Show answer
Answer: Any trace of alcohol
Under 21, any trace of alcohol results in suspension (Zero Tolerance).
4. In Illinois, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of:
- .02% or more
- .05% or more
- .10% or more
- .08% or more
Show answer
Answer: .08% or more
Driving with a BAC of .08% or more is illegal (DUI).
5. Illinois GDL restrictions can be extended beyond 18 if the driver has a:
- Clean record
- Job
- Conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase
- New car
Show answer
Answer: Conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase
A conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase can extend restrictions past 18.
6. Illinois requires drivers to carry proof of:
- A passport
- Nothing
- Liability insurance
- A medical card
Show answer
Answer: Liability insurance
Proof of liability insurance is required.
7. In Illinois you must use headlights at night and:
- Whenever wipers are in use
- Only on highways
- Only in cities
- Never in rain
Show answer
Answer: Whenever wipers are in use
Use headlights at night and whenever your wipers are in use.
8. During the first 12 months of Illinois licensing (or until 18), passengers are limited to:
- One person under 20 (unless a sibling/child)
- Three friends
- Any passengers
- No passengers
Show answer
Answer: One person under 20 (unless a sibling/child)
First 12 months: only one passenger under 20 unless a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild.
9. In Illinois, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in alleys is:
- 20 mph
- 15 mph
- 10 mph
- 25 mph
Show answer
Answer: 15 mph
Alleys are 15 mph.
10. Illinois requires drivers under 18 to complete supervised driving of at least:
- 100 hours
- 20 hours
- 40 hours
- 50 hours (10 at night)
Show answer
Answer: 50 hours (10 at night)
You need at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
11. In Illinois, using a hand-held cell phone while driving is:
- Fine at stops
- Required
- Legal
- Illegal (hands-free required)
Show answer
Answer: Illegal (hands-free required)
Hand-held phone use while driving is illegal; hands-free only.
12. When passing a bicyclist in Illinois, you should:
- Give at least 3 feet and pass when safe
- Speed up
- Honk and squeeze by
- Pass close
Show answer
Answer: Give at least 3 feet and pass when safe
Give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.
13. In Illinois, GDL nighttime driving is restricted Sunday–Thursday during:
- 11 p.m.-5 a.m.
- 9 p.m.-5 a.m.
- 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Midnight-6 a.m.
Show answer
Answer: 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
Sun.–Thu., no driving 10 p.m.–6 a.m. (local curfews may differ).
14. A safe following distance in Illinois gives you:
- More speed
- A better view only
- Time to react and avoid a crash
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: Time to react and avoid a crash
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
15. To be licensed in Illinois you must pass a:
- Swim test
- Fitness test
- Hearing test
- Vision test
Show answer
Answer: Vision test
A vision test is required for licensing.
16. In Illinois, the school-zone speed limit (school days, children present) is:
- 20 mph
- 10 mph
- 25 mph
- 15 mph
Show answer
Answer: 20 mph
School zones are 20 mph on school days (6:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) when children are present and signs posted.
17. In Illinois, you can be convicted of DUI even below .08% if:
- You refuse only
- Your driving ability is impaired
- You are over 65
- Never
Show answer
Answer: Your driving ability is impaired
You can be convicted below .08% if your driving ability is impaired.
18. Even at the posted Illinois limit, in rain, snow, or fog you should:
- Keep the limit
- Speed up
- Slow down for conditions
- Stop in the road
Show answer
Answer: Slow down for conditions
Reduce speed for weather and road conditions.
19. If you become drowsy while driving in Illinois, you should:
- Speed up
- Pull over safely and rest
- Keep going
- Open a window only
Show answer
Answer: Pull over safely and rest
Only rest cures drowsiness — pull over.
20. In Illinois, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on other highways and rural areas is:
- 65 mph
- 45 mph
- 55 mph
- 35 mph
Show answer
Answer: 55 mph
Other highways and rural areas are 55 mph unless posted otherwise.