Illinois instruction permit and written test

Illinois written-test format and passing score

The basic Illinois Class D written exam has 35 questions. Fifteen test traffic-sign identification; the other 20 are multiple-choice or true/false questions on traffic laws and safe driving. You need 80% correct, which means 28 correct answers out of 35.

You need 80% to pass

Illinois administrative rules set the Class D passing standard at 80%. On a 35-question exam, that corresponds to 28 correct answers.

Fifteen questions are sign identification

The state workbook breaks the exam into 15 traffic-sign identification questions plus 20 questions that are multiple-choice or true/false. Treat signs as a major part of the test, not a small side topic.

The steps to a Illinois driver license

To receive an Illinois Class D instruction permit, you need the required identification, the application and fee, a vision screening and the applicable written exam. Teen requirements add driver education and supervised-practice rules.

1. Step 1. Study the current Illinois Rules of the Road.
2. Step 2. Gather the identification documents required for your credential type.
3. Step 3. Apply for the Class D instruction permit and pay the current fee.
4. Step 4. Pass the vision screening and Class D written exam.
5. Step 5. Practice only under the supervision rules that apply to your permit.
6. Step 6. When eligible, complete the road-test and licensing requirements.

Before you go: requirements and documents

What the four document groups prove

Illinois uses document groups to verify written signature, date of birth and lawful status where applicable, Social Security information and Illinois residency. The exact combination depends on whether you choose a standard credential or REAL ID.

• Group A: written signature.
• Group B: date of birth and qualifying identity/lawful-status documents.
• Group C: Social Security number evidence when required.
• Group D: Illinois residency.

REAL ID needs two residency documents

For a first REAL ID, Illinois requires one qualifying document from Groups A, B and C and two from Group D. The state advises applicants to use the current REAL ID checklist because acceptable documents and timing rules matter.

Fees

Illinois currently lists an original Class D instruction permit at $20. Driver-license fees vary by age, including $5 for ages 18–20 and $30 for ages 21–68.

See the full Illinois fee guide →

Illinois instruction permit for teens

Illinois teens can enter the permit phase at age 15 through approved driver education. The permit must be held at least nine months, and drivers under 18 need 50 supervised practice hours, including 10 at night.

Permit phase at age 15

A teen needs parent or guardian consent, enrollment in approved driver education, and passing vision and written tests. The permit phase lasts at least nine months before licensing.

50 supervised hours, including 10 at night

Illinois requires at least 50 hours of supervised practice for drivers under 18, including 10 nighttime hours. The supervising adult must meet the state's age, license and experience requirements.

Initial license at ages 16–17

Before an initial license, the teen must complete approved driver education, satisfy the practice requirement and meet the state's consent and testing rules. Graduated-license nighttime and passenger restrictions continue after licensing.

• Illinois road-test guide
• Illinois documents

First Illinois driver license for adults

Illinois has a special education rule for first-time applicants age 18, 19 or 20: if you have never been licensed and never completed qualifying driver education, you must complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course before getting the license.

Age 18, 19 or 20

If all three conditions apply — age 18–20, first Illinois driver license, and no prior qualifying driver education — Illinois requires a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course from a certified provider before the license can be issued.

Adult instruction permit

Applicants age 18 and older can receive an instruction permit valid for one year after meeting the permit requirements. The adult driver-education certificate is not required merely to apply for the instruction permit; it is required before the license when the age 18–20 rule applies.

Finish the license tests

A first-time adult applicant still needs the required identification and must complete the vision, written and road-testing steps that apply. Illinois says all new drivers must take a driving exam.

• Illinois written-test format
• Illinois road-test guide
• Illinois documents

Appointments and office visits

Illinois offers online DMV appointment scheduling, but services and walk-in availability differ by facility. Check the official appointment page and facility finder before traveling.

Open the appointment guide →

Illinois DMV facility locations

The Illinois Secretary of State publishes a statewide DMV facility list grouped by region. Each location shows its address and whether an appointment is required for driver services.

After the permit: prepare for the road test

All new Illinois drivers must take a driving exam unless a state-approved testing program or another specific rule applies. Bring a properly licensed, properly equipped vehicle and proof of liability insurance.

Bring the right vehicle

The Rules of the Road requires the test vehicle to be properly licensed and to have the required equipment for the license classification sought. The vehicle also must be brought to the facility legally by a qualified driver.

Proof of insurance is required

Illinois requires proof of vehicle liability insurance before the driving exam is administered. Facility pages also remind road-test customers to bring the insurance card.

The exam checks everyday driving control

The official review workbook describes maneuvers such as starting, backing, lane use, turning, parking on grades, speed control and general vehicle control. Practice normal observation and decision-making rather than memorizing a route.

• Illinois appointment guide
• Illinois requirements

Open the full road-test guide →

Practice for the Illinois knowledge test

Illinois practice missions are not live in Road to Permit yet. For now, use the official 2026 Rules of the Road, the state review workbook and the free Illinois guides on this site.

Open Illinois study guide →

What to study

Use the official handbook as the source of truth, then practice the same subjects in short sessions. These are the major study areas covered across the official guide and Road to Permit resources.

1. 1Use the handbook as the source of truth
2. 2What to study first
3. 3Use the official review workbook
4. 4Recognize signs by more than the words
5. 5Learn sign families and the required response
6. 6Connect the sign to a driving action
7. 7You need 80% to pass
8. 8Fifteen questions are sign identification
9. 9What the remaining questions cover

Illinois permit test: questions and answers

Complete Illinois driver guide

Open the exact part of the licensing process you need. Every page below is backed by official state sources.