Illinois DMV Permit Test Sample Questions and Explanations

At a four-way stop, every vehicle must stop. The vehicle that arrived and stopped first goes first.

Wrong choices

• The largest vehicle: Vehicle size does not decide right of way.
• The vehicle turning left: A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic.
• The fastest vehicle: Speed never gives you the right of way.

If two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. The car on the right goes first.

Wrong choices

• The car on the left: It is the car on the left that must yield.
• The car with more passengers: The number of passengers does not matter.
• Whoever honks first: Honking never gives you the right of way.

This red and white sign means DO NOT ENTER. Traffic on that road or ramp is coming toward you, so you must not drive into it from your direction. You often see it at the wrong end of a one-way street or a highway exit ramp.

Wrong choices

• You may enter only after you stop: The sign does not allow entry after a stop. You may not enter at all from this direction.
• The road ahead is closed to trucks only: The sign applies to all vehicles, not only trucks.
• Parking is not allowed on this street: No parking signs look different. This sign tells you not to drive in.

An eight-sided (octagon) red sign means STOP. You must come to a full stop every time, then go only when the way is clear and you have yielded to traffic and pedestrians.

Wrong choices

• Slow down and go on if no cars are coming: Slowing down is not enough. You must stop completely, even if the road looks clear.
• Stop only if another car is already there: You must stop whether or not other vehicles are there.
• Stop only during rush hour: A STOP sign applies at all hours.

A driver 21 or older with a BAC of 0.08% or more is legally under the influence. You can also be charged with DUI at a lower BAC if alcohol or drugs affect your driving.

Wrong choices

• 0.02% or more: 0.02% is not the adult limit.
• 0.05% or more: 0.05% is not the Illinois adult limit.
• 0.10% or more: 0.10% is higher than the Illinois limit.

Illinois has zero tolerance for drivers under 21. If a driver under 21 has any trace of alcohol, they lose their driving privileges.

Wrong choices

• Nothing, if the BAC is below 0.08%: 0.08% is the adult limit. For drivers under 21, any amount is too much.
• They get a warning only: The law takes away driving privileges, not just a warning.
• They must pay a small parking fine: This is not a parking matter.

Drivers under 18 must hold the instruction permit for at least 9 months before getting a license.

Wrong choices

• 3 months: 3 months is too short.
• 6 months: 6 months is not the Illinois rule.
• 12 months: 12 months is longer than the Illinois rule.

Drivers under 18 must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. A parent or guardian certifies the hours.

Wrong choices

• 20 hours: 20 hours is too few.
• 30 hours: 30 hours is too few.
• 100 hours: 100 hours is more than the rule requires.

In a business or residence district, Illinois law says you must signal continuously for at least the last 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.

Wrong choices

• At least 50 feet: 50 feet is too short.
• At least 200 feet: 200 feet is the rule outside business and residence districts.
• Only as you begin to turn: Signaling only as you turn does not warn others in time.

Illinois law requires lighted headlights from sunset to sunrise. They are also required in bad weather, as other questions explain.

Wrong choices

• Only when it is completely dark: You need headlights from sunset, not only when it is completely dark.
• Only on highways: The rule applies on all roads.
• Only when it is raining: Rain is one reason, but headlights are also required every night.