How many questions are on the Illinois permit test?

The Illinois written permit test has 35 questions: 20 on traffic laws and regulations, and 15 on traffic sign identification by shape, color, and symbol.

What's the passing score for the Illinois written test?

You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80%) to pass the Illinois permit test.

How much does the Illinois written knowledge test cost?

The Illinois permit test costs $20. Additional reexamination fees apply if you retake the test after failing within 90 days.

How old do I have to be to take the Illinois permit test?

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for and take the learner's permit test in Illinois. At 17 years 3 months, you can apply for a permit without completing driver education.

Can I take the Illinois DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, Illinois offers the written permit test in multiple languages including Spanish, Polish, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic. Request your preferred language when scheduling your appointment with the Secretary of State.

How many times can I retake the Illinois written test?

You can retake the test up to three times total within one year from the date you paid your application fee. If you fail three times, you must reapply and pay the fee again. There is typically a one-day waiting period between attempts.

Is the Illinois permit test online or in person?

Illinois's permit test is administered in person at Driver Services facilities throughout the state. You must schedule an appointment online at www.ilsos.gov to take your test.

What documents do I need to bring to the Illinois DMV?

Bring valid identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, proof of Illinois residency (utility bill or lease agreement), and your completed application to your scheduled test appointment.

Illinois DMV Permit Practice Test (2026)

Prepare for the 2026 Illinois learner’s permit and driver’s license knowledge test administered by the Illinois Secretary of State, Drivers Services Department. PassMyDMV’s Illinois car question bank includes 939 multiple-choice questions written directly from the official Illinois Driver Manual — with every explanation citing the exact handbook page and rule.

Illinois's written permit test consists of 35 questions split into two sections: 20 on traffic laws and regulations (multiple-choice and true/false format) and 15 on traffic sign identification based on shape, color, and symbol. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80%) to pass. The test costs $20 and is administered in person at Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facilities. You must be at least 15 years old to test. If you fail within 90 days, you can retake the test up to two more times, though there is typically a one-day waiting period and a reexamination fee for each retake.

Illinois's permit test emphasizes practical traffic law knowledge and sign recognition equally. Expect questions on right-of-way rules, safe following distances, speed limits, parking regulations, and proper use of turn signals. The test covers proper responses to traffic control devices, lane positioning, and navigating intersections safely. You'll encounter questions about driving under the influence and the consequences of impaired driving. The sign identification section tests your ability to recognize warning signs, regulatory signs, and information signs by their shape and color—red octagon for stop, yellow diamond for warning, and white rectangle for regulatory signs. Chicago and major urban area questions might focus on managing heavy traffic and lane discipline, while rural questions emphasize open road safety and highway merging.

Sample Illinois Car Permit Practice Test Questions & Official Manual Citations (2026)

Below are 4 real sample questions from our Illinois car permit practice test bank. Every question in PassMyDMV cites the exact page and rule in the official Illinois manual so you understand the law behind every answer:

Sample Question 1 · Warning Sign Colors Official Illinois Manual · Chapter 11 · Page 70

What color are warning signs that alert drivers to potential hazards ahead?

A. Red and white
B. Green with white text
C. Orange with black letters
D. Yellow or yellow-green with black symbols Correct

Why D. Yellow or yellow-green with black symbols is correct: Yellow and yellow-green are the colors used for warning signs. These signs tell you of road conditions and dangers ahead. Yellow-green warning signs specifically alert you to pedestrian and bicycle crossings, playground areas, school bus stops, and school zones. Orange warning signs are used for construction and maintenance zones. When you see a yellow or yellow-green warning sign, you should slow down and use caution. [Manual: Roadway Signs — Colors of Signs, p. 70]

Manual excerpt (Official Illinois Manual · Chapter 11 · Page 70): “YELLOW is used for warning signs. These signs tell you of road conditions and dangers ahead. YELLOW-GREEN can also be used for warning signs. These signs alert you to pedestrian and bicycle crossings, playground areas, school bus stops, and school zones.”

Sample Question 2 · Red Sign Meaning Official Illinois Manual · Chapter 11 · Page 70

What do RED signs tell you to do?

A. They are regulatory signs that must be obeyed Correct
B. They provide directions to destinations
C. They indicate speed recommendations
D. They warn you of upcoming hazards

Why A. They are regulatory signs that must be obeyed is correct: RED signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed. Red signs include STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, and WRONG WAY. Red signs control traffic and tell drivers what actions they must take. The red color itself is a standard traffic control color that signals mandatory compliance. Ignoring red signs is illegal and dangerous. [Manual: Roadway Signs — Colors of Signs, p. 70]

Manual excerpt (Official Illinois Manual · Chapter 11 · Page 70): “RED signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed. They include STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, or WRONG WAY.”

Sample Question 3 · Orange Sign Color Official Illinois Manual · Chapter 11 · Page 70

What does the color ORANGE on a road sign typically indicate?

A. Regulatory instruction that must be obeyed
B. Construction or maintenance warning; possible dangers ahead Correct
C. Guide information about destinations
D. Pedestrian or school zone warning

Why B. Construction or maintenance warning; possible dangers ahead is correct: ORANGE is used for warning signs, usually found in construction or maintenance zones along streets and highways. These signs alert you to possible dangers ahead due to construction and maintenance projects. When you see an orange warning sign, you should slow down and be prepared for lane closures, equipment, workers, or other hazards associated with road work. Orange signs are temporary and appear only when construction or maintenance is active. [Manual: Roadway Signs — Colors of Signs, p. 70]

Manual excerpt (Official Illinois Manual · Chapter 11 · Page 70): “ORANGE is used for warning signs, usually found in construction or maintenance zones along streets and highways. These signs alert you to possible dangers ahead due to construction and maintenance projects.”

Sample Question 4 · Green Guide Signs Official Illinois Manual · Chapter 11 · Page 70

What do GREEN signs provide to drivers?

A. School zone or pedestrian crossing alerts
B. Warning of hazards ahead
C. Guide information — where you are, which way to go, and distances to destinations Correct
D. Regulatory instructions that must be followed

Why C. Guide information — where you are, which way to go, and distances to destinations is correct: GREEN is used for guide signs. These signs tell you where you are, which way to go, and the distance to upcoming destinations. Guide signs help drivers navigate and find their way. Green guide signs are informational rather than regulatory or warning. They assist drivers in planning their routes and finding specific locations. [Manual: Roadway Signs — Colors of Signs, p. 70]

Manual excerpt (Official Illinois Manual · Chapter 11 · Page 70): “GREEN is used for guide signs. These signs tell you where you are, which way to go, and the distance to upcoming destinations.”

Most-Tested Illinois Car Permit Practice Test Topics in Our 939-Question Bank

Our Illinois car permit practice test bank contains 939 active multiple-choice questions written directly from the official Illinois handbook. Here is how those questions break down across the core exam topics:

Official Manual Topic Area	PassMyDMV Question Coverage
Railroad Crossings	18 manual-cited questions
Following Distance	13 manual-cited questions
Pavement Markings	12 manual-cited questions
Passing	12 manual-cited questions
Construction Zones	8 manual-cited questions
Right Of Way	8 manual-cited questions
Pedestrian Right Of Way	8 manual-cited questions
Electric Bicycles	8 manual-cited questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Car Permit Practice Test

How many questions are on the Illinois permit test?: The Illinois written permit test has 35 questions: 20 on traffic laws and regulations, and 15 on traffic sign identification by shape, color, and symbol.
What's the passing score for the Illinois written test?: You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80%) to pass the Illinois permit test.
How much does the Illinois written knowledge test cost?: The Illinois permit test costs $20. Additional reexamination fees apply if you retake the test after failing within 90 days.
How old do I have to be to take the Illinois permit test?: You must be at least 15 years old to apply for and take the learner's permit test in Illinois. At 17 years 3 months, you can apply for a permit without completing driver education.
Can I take the Illinois DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, Illinois offers the written permit test in multiple languages including Spanish, Polish, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic. Request your preferred language when scheduling your appointment with the Secretary of State.
How many times can I retake the Illinois written test?: You can retake the test up to three times total within one year from the date you paid your application fee. If you fail three times, you must reapply and pay the fee again. There is typically a one-day waiting period between attempts.
Is the Illinois permit test online or in person?: Illinois's permit test is administered in person at Driver Services facilities throughout the state. You must schedule an appointment online at www.ilsos.gov to take your test.
What documents do I need to bring to the Illinois DMV?: Bring valid identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, proof of Illinois residency (utility bill or lease agreement), and your completed application to your scheduled test appointment.