Right-of-way and traffic signals: Illinois SOS written test practice
7 free practice questions on right-of-way and traffic signals for the Illinois SOS written knowledge test, each with the correct answer and a short explanation. Study them here, then check yourself in the interactive quiz or the exam simulator.
1. Two cars approach a four-way stop sign at the same time. Which one goes first?
The car on the left
✓ The car on the right
A larger car
Who will honk first?
Why: If vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right of way.
2. 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.
3. You must yield to pedestrians:
Only at marked crosswalks
✓ At both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections
Only if they are children or the elderly
Only during daylight hours
Why: By law, every intersection constitutes a crosswalk, whether it is marked or not, and pedestrians have the right of way there.
4. A flashing red traffic light is equivalent to:
At a "Yield" sign—slow down and proceed with caution
✓ At a "Stop" sign—stop, then proceed when it is safe to do so
A faulty signal that can be ignored
Green light for cross traffic only
Why: A flashing red light should be treated the same way as a "Stop" sign: come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
5. At an intersection with no signs or traffic lights, two cars approach at roughly the same time. Who yields?
A slower car falls behind
✓ The driver must yield to the vehicle on the right
The driver going straight always has the right of way
No one is obligated to give in to anyone else
Why: The same rule applies as at an intersection with “Stop” signs in all directions: yield to vehicles approaching from the right.
6. When merging onto a freeway, who usually has the right of way?
A car that is changing lanes
✓ For vehicles already traveling on the highway
The one who drives faster
It depends on the size of the car
Why: Vehicles already traveling in the main lane have the right of way; drivers merging into the lane must adjust their speed and leave a safe following distance.
7. When approaching a roundabout, you should generally yield to:
Vehicles waiting to enter the roundabout
✓ Vehicles already circulating inside the roundabout
Whichever vehicle arrives first, regardless of position
Only pedestrians, never other vehicles
Why: Traffic already inside a roundabout has the right-of-way. Drivers entering must yield until there is a safe gap.