Illinois permit test 2026: questions, passing score and retakes
Updated October 2026
This page sums up how the Illinois SOS written knowledge test works, what it covers and how to prepare for it. The numbers below are the ones we use across Road Ready IL. Confirm them with the official source before your test.
A few state-specific questions from our free sets, with answers and explanations.
1. What is the maximum speed limit on most rural Illinois interstates and tollways?
55 mph
65 mph
✓ 70 mph
80 mph
Why: Illinois allows speeds up to 70 mph on most rural interstates and tollways, though posted limits can be lower in urban areas or construction zones.
2. Under Illinois' zero-tolerance law, what BAC standard applies to drivers under 21?
0.08% or higher, same as adult drivers
✓ Any detectable amount of alcohol can result in license suspension
0.05% or higher
There is no separate standard for drivers under 21
Why: Illinois' zero-tolerance law means a driver under 21 can have their license suspended for having any detectable amount of alcohol in their system, well below the 0.08% adult limit.
3. The minimum liability insurance requirements in Illinois are:
$15,000 / $30,000 / $5,000
✓ $25,000 / $50,000 / $20,000
$50,000 / $100,000 / $25,000
There is no minimum requirement
Why: Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage — often called '25/50/20' coverage.
4. In an Illinois school zone with posted signs, the speed limit during school hours when children are present is typically:
15 mph
✓ 20 mph
25 mph
30 mph
Why: Illinois law sets school zone speed limits at 20 mph, enforced on school days from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when children are present and signs are posted.
5. In Illinois, when is a right turn on red permitted?
Never; right turns on red are illegal statewide
✓ After coming to a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it
Only during daylight hours
Only if a police officer is directing traffic
Why: Unless a sign specifically prohibits it, drivers may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and any traffic already in the intersection.
6. Under Illinois' graduated licensing rules, drivers under 19 may:
Use a cell phone hands-free only
✓ Not use a cell phone or wireless device at all while driving, except to call 911
Use a cell phone freely once they hold a full license
Text but not call while driving
Why: Illinois bans drivers under 19 from using a cell phone or other wireless device in any way while driving, including hands-free, except to report an emergency.
How to prepare
Read the official Illinois driver handbook, available on the SOS site: ilsos.gov.
Work through practice mode one topic at a time and read the explanation for every question you miss.
Then use the exam simulator and keep going until you pass it consistently.
Document requirements, fees, age rules and appointment booking differ by situation and change over time. Check them on the official SOS site before you go: ilsos.gov.