In Illinois you take the permit test, the written exam, at a Secretary of State driver services facility, together with a vision test. It is based on the Illinois Rules of the Road booklet. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
What is on the test
- 35 multiple-choice questions, including 15 on road sign identification, according to the Secretary of State's Rules of the Road workbook.
- Pass mark: 80%, which is 28 correct. The free Illinois mock tests on PassDriveTest use the same length and pass mark.
- Your test result stays valid until your permit expires.
- Oral tests: if you have a language barrier or a reading or learning disability, you can ask for an oral version in person at any driver services facility, Monday to Thursday.
A study plan that works
- Read the Illinois Rules of the Road booklet (free on the Secretary of State website). Its chapter-review questions are good practice.
- Learn the signs first. With 15 sign questions, signs are almost half the test. Study each sign on the Illinois road signs tab.
- Take a full 35-question mock test early to find your weak areas.
- Review every wrong answer and find the rule in the booklet.
- Learn the numbers: speed limits (30 mph in urban districts, 20 mph in school zones when children are present), following distances, parking distances from hydrants, crosswalks and railroad crossings, and the zero-tolerance alcohol rule for drivers under 21.
- Aim for 32 or more on several different mock tests before you go.
Rules for teen permit holders
- Permit from 15, if you are enrolled in (or within 30 days of starting) an approved driver education course, with a parent or guardian's consent. From 17 years and 3 months you can get a permit without driver education.
- Drive only with a parent or adult aged 21 or older with a valid license and at least one year of driving experience, in the front passenger seat.
- Curfew: Sunday to Thursday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (local curfews may differ).
- Hold the permit at least 9 consecutive months and practice at least 50 hours, including 10 at night, on top of any lessons.
- No mobile phone use while driving, including hands-free, for drivers under 19.
Adults
Applicants aged 18 to 20 who did not complete driver education in high school must take a 6-hour adult driver education course before getting a license.
What to bring
Bring documents proving your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, residency and signature, and the $20 permit fee. Under 18, bring a parent or guardian and proof of driver education enrollment. Check the Secretary of State's document list before you go.
Take a free Illinois mock test to see where you stand.
Checked against official sources on 17 October 2026.