Illinois DMV Permit Test Safe Driving Summary

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.

In Illinois, you must turn on your headlights whenever rain, snow, fog, or other weather makes you use your windshield wipers, even in the daytime.

Wrong choices

• Headlights are not needed in the daytime: The rule applies in the daytime too.
• Use only your parking lights: Parking lights may not be used instead of headlights.
• Use your high beams: High beams in rain or fog reflect back and make it harder to see.

You must dim your high beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you, so you do not blind the other driver.

Wrong choices

• Within 1,000 feet: 1,000 feet is more than the law requires.
• Within 200 feet: 200 feet is too close. The other driver may already be blinded.
• Only when the other driver flashes their lights: You must dim on your own, without waiting for a signal.

Illinois law bans using a hand-held phone or other electronic device while driving. Adults may use hands-free devices, but the safest choice is to put the phone away.

Wrong choices

• Yes, if you drive slowly: Driving slowly does not make hand-held phone use legal.
• Yes, but only on highways: The ban applies on all roads.
• Yes, if you are 21 or older: Age 21 does not allow hand-held use. Drivers under 19 may not use a phone at all, even hands-free, except in an emergency.

On wet roads, it takes longer to stop. Increase your following distance so you have more time and room to stop.

Wrong choices

• Keep it the same as on a dry road: The same distance as on dry roads is not enough on wet roads.
• Make it shorter so others cannot cut in: A shorter distance means less time to stop.
• Follow closely to use the car ahead as a guide: Following closely is dangerous in any weather.

In a work zone, slow down, follow the posted signs and flaggers' directions, and watch for workers and equipment. Lanes may shift without much warning.

Wrong choices

• Keep your normal speed if no workers are visible: Workers may be hidden by equipment. Obey the work zone limits at all times they are posted.
• Change lanes often to get through faster: Changing lanes often raises the risk of a crash.
• Follow the car ahead closely: Following closely gives you no time to stop for sudden slowdowns.

Outside a business or residence district, you must signal continuously for at least the last 200 feet before turning or changing lanes. Speeds are higher, so others need more warning.

Wrong choices

• At least 100 feet: 100 feet is the rule inside business and residence districts.
• At least 150 feet: 150 feet is not the Illinois rule.
• At least 500 feet: 500 feet is the distance for dimming high beams, not for signaling.

When you follow another vehicle, use low beams within 300 feet of it. High beams shine into the other driver's mirrors.

Wrong choices

• Within 100 feet: 100 feet is too close.
• Within 500 feet: 500 feet is the rule for oncoming vehicles.
• You never need to dim when following: You must dim when following too.

When you hydroplane, your tires ride on water instead of the road. Ease off the gas and keep the wheel straight until the tires grip again. Avoid hard braking or sharp turns.

Wrong choices

• Brake hard: Hard braking can make the car skid.
• Speed up to get through the water: Speeding up makes hydroplaning worse.
• Turn the wheel sharply: A sharp turn can make you spin.