Illinois Secretary of State permit practice test 2026
The Illinois Secretary of State knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions, and you need 28 right to pass (80%). Our 325 practice questions are written from the Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112) (2026), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.
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All 13 Illinois practice tests
Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.
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The Illinois Secretary of State knowledge test
Written exam at a Secretary of State driver services facility (DMV): 35 questions, 15 of them traffic-sign identification and 20 multiple-choice or true/false questions on traffic laws, safety rules, crash prevention and vehicle equipment. A vision screening and written test are required for every permit.
No separate test, but 15 of the 35 questions are traffic-sign identification.
Source: Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, checked 2026-10-27.
What the test covers
Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:
| Topic | Practice questions |
|---|---|
| Licensing laws and penalties | 70 |
| Sharing the road | 35 |
| Road signs | 34 |
| Safe and defensive driving | 29 |
| Signals and pavement markings | 28 |
| Alcohol and drugs | 23 |
| Emergencies | 22 |
| Hazards, weather and night driving | 15 |
| Parking | 15 |
| Lanes, highways and freeways | 12 |
| Speed limits | 11 |
| Right of way | 11 |
| Following and passing | 11 |
| Turns and intersections | 9 |
Illinois learner's permit rules
- Minimum age: 15
- Hold the permit for at least 9 consecutive months (ages 15-17). The SOS lists no minimum holding period for applicants 18 and older. before the road test
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- Age 15-17: you must be enrolled in an approved driver education course, or start one within 30 days (at least 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel). At 17 years 3 months or older, a permit may be issued without driver education
- You must drive with a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult 21 or older who holds a valid license, has at least 1 year of driving experience and sits in the front passenger seat (or with a driver education instructor)
- Nighttime driving restriction: Sunday-Thursday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (local curfews may differ)
- Passengers are limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat
- Drivers under 19 may not use a wireless phone while driving, even hands-free, except to contact police, a health care provider or emergency services in an emergency
- No driving infractions, underage alcohol convictions or court supervisions during the 9-month permit phase
- The permit is valid 24 months (2 years) for applicants under 18 and 1 year for applicants 18 and older. Written and vision test results are valid until the permit expires
- A moving-violation conviction during the permit phase means a nine-month wait before you can apply for a driver's license. Permit holders can't get a hardship permit, and anyone caught driving without a permit can't get a license until 18
Fees: Instruction permit $20.
The official handbook
Everything on the test comes from the Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (DSD A 112), also available in Spanish, pl. Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.
Renewing your license
Licenses are valid 4 years; drivers 81-86 get 2-year licenses. As of July 1, 2026, drivers 87 and older must renew every year and take a driving exam at each renewal. Everyone renewing at a facility takes a vision screening. Drivers with traffic convictions must take a written exam every 8 years. License fees: $5 (ages 69-80), $2 (81-86), free (87 and older).
Questions
How many questions are on the Illinois permit test?
The Illinois Secretary of State knowledge test has 35 questions and you need 28 correct to pass (80%). No separate test, but 15 of the 35 questions are traffic-sign identification.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Illinois?
15. You then hold the permit for at least 9 consecutive months (ages 15-17). The SOS lists no minimum holding period for applicants 18 and older. before the road test and 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What happens if I fail the Illinois permit test?
You can retake it: The SOS sets no general waiting period. If you are caught cheating, you fail and may not retake the written test for 30 days. Three attempts to pass each exam within one year of the date the application fee was paid.
Can I take the Illinois permit test in Spanish or another language?
English, plus other languages the Secretary of State offers based on demand. Ask the SOS which languages are available before you go.
What do I need to bring for the Illinois permit test?
Acceptable identification documents proving name, date of birth, Social Security number, residency and signature (standard: 1 residency document; REAL ID: 2 residency documents plus proof of identity/lawful status); Secretary of State application; for ages 15-17 enrolled in driver education it must carry the certified instructor's signature (the instructor may submit it); Proof from the driver education provider of enrollment in (or start within 30 days of) an approved course, for ages 15-17; Parent/legal guardian consent for applicants under 18; Instruction permit fee ($20).
What is the vision requirement in Illinois?
Minimum visual acuity 20/40 with or without corrective lenses; acuity between 20/41 and 20/70 is limited to daylight driving only. At least 140 degrees of peripheral vision. A Vision Specialist Report from an optometrist, ophthalmologist or physician dated within 6 months may be submitted instead of the DMV screening.
Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department. Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.