Illinois Secretary of State exam simulator
Take the knowledge test the way the Secretary of State gives it: 35 questions picked at random from all 325 of ours, 28 correct to pass. You only see your answers at the end. Pass three in a row and you're ready for the real thing.
35 questions · 28 to pass
How the simulator works
- Every attempt draws a new random set of 35 questions from across the handbook.
- No feedback until you finish, as in the real test. Then you see your score and every question you missed, with the explanation and handbook reference.
- Your results stay in this browser. After three passes in a row you'll see "You're ready".
- The Secretary of State doesn't publish a time limit for this test, so the clock just shows how long you've taken.
No separate test, but 15 of the 35 questions are traffic-sign identification.
About the real Illinois Secretary of State 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.
- Languages: English, plus other languages the Secretary of State offers based on demand. Ask the SOS which languages are available before you go.
- Attempts: Three attempts to pass each exam within one year of the date the application fee was paid.
- If you fail: The SOS sets no general waiting period. If you are caught cheating, you fail and may not retake the written test for 30 days.
- Fee: Instruction permit $20. Driver's license $30 (ages 21-68), $5 (ages 18-20), $5 (ages 69-80), $2 (ages 81-86), free (87 and older). No additional license fee if the license is issued before the permit expires.
- Audio or oral test: You can ask for an oral written exam in person at any SOS driver's license facility, Monday through Thursday, if you have a language barrier or a reading or learning disability. Oral tests are also allowed for applicants who cannot read. An interpreter may be used for the Class D test (never for CDL tests).
On test day
- Bring the documents on the Illinois what-to-bring list, and check you meet the minimum age (15).
- You'll take a vision test first: 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. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
- Read each question and every answer to the end before choosing; watch for words like "not" and "except".
- Review the hardest questions the night before: exact numbers are where most points are lost.
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.
Test format from the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department: official test information.