Illinois DMV written test
Illinois DMV Cheat Sheet
The Illinois knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Illinois Secretary of State sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Illinois DMV test numbers to memorize
The Illinois knowledge test has 35 questions and you need 28 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 7. The test is given by the Illinois Secretary of State.
35
Questions on the test
28
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
7
Questions you can miss
15 for instruction permit
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $20. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at Secretary of State facility. Two parts: 15 traffic sign identification + 20 rules of the road.
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted at all Secretary of State facilities. Some locations offer appointments.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Illinois
The Illinois Secretary of State asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of Illinois residency
- Proof of written signature
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Illinois retake rules
You may retake the exam a second time the same day during normal business hours, unless you showed a danger to public safety on the first attempt (non-Visa TVDL applicants also need the facility manager to have staff and time). A third road-test attempt cannot be on the same day as the failed second one. Your application fee covers 3 attempts at each exam within 1 year of the first attempt, so a 4th needs a new application and fee; Illinois publishes no separate retest fee amount. Fail the road test 6 times and you must submit a favorable medical report before a 7th. CLP and CDL applicants are barred 30 days after 3 failures, 90 days after 6, and 1 year after 9.
- second attempt after failing the first attempt (written and/or road test) after failure number 1: you may retest the same day.
- re-testing after a third failure of the written and/or road test (CDL) after failure number 3: wait 30 days.
- re-testing after failing a second set of three attempts (new application filed after the 30-day bar) (CDL) after failure number 6: wait 90 days.
- re-testing after failing a third set of three attempts (new application filed after the 90-day bar) (CDL) after failure number 9: wait 365 days.
- Attempt limit: 3.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- The three attempts bought by the application fee are exhausted; a further attempt requires a new application and a new application fee.
- After six road-test failures, the applicant must submit a current favorable medical report before a seventh road-test attempt is permitted.
Some retake details for Illinois are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with Secretary of State before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Illinois
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15 and enrolled in driver education. Must hold instruction permit for 9 months. Must complete 50 hours supervised driving (10 at night). Night and passenger restrictions until age 18.
- Permit versus license
- An instruction permit allows supervised driving with a licensed parent, guardian, or driving instructor. Must hold for 9 months before taking the road test. Graduated license at 16 with restrictions until 18.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail displayed on screen.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Illinois: English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, French, Hindi, Russian, and Urdu. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with Secretary of State before you rely on it.
The study source is the Illinois Rules of the Road (2026 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Illinois practice questions
These free Illinois questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
Defensive drivers constantly:
Ask 'what if' questions
About 35% get it right
- 3
If you have a tire blowout, the vehicle will:
Pull toward the side with the flat tire
About 35% get it right
- 4
Before towing, the load in a trailer should be positioned so that:
Most weight sits ahead of the trailer axle
About 40% get it right
- 5
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 6
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
Your plan
Free Illinois study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Illinois questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1