Illinois road signs for the written test

Recognize signs by more than the words

The Illinois written exam requires drivers to identify signs by shape, color or symbol. Study those visual cues so you can recognize the sign before reading every word.

Learn sign families and the required response

• Regulatory signs: what you must or must not do.
• Warning signs: hazards and changing road conditions.
• Work-zone signs: temporary construction and maintenance controls.
• Guide and service signs: routes, destinations and services.
• Railroad, school and pedestrian signs: special conflict areas.

Connect the sign to a driving action

For each sign, ask what action it requires: stop, yield, reduce speed, change position, watch for a hazard or follow a route. That is more useful than memorizing only the sign name.

• Illinois Rules of the Road study guide
• Illinois written-test format