Illinois DMV · FAQ 2026
Illinois DMV Permit Test FAQ
Common questions about the Illinois DMV knowledge test, learner's permit, GDL program, and driver's license requirements.
How many questions are on the Illinois DMV knowledge test? ▼
The Illinois DMV knowledge test has 35 questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need 80% — 28 correct — to pass.
What is the passing score for the Illinois written test? ▼
You must score at least 80%, which is 28 correct out of 35 questions — so you can miss no more than 7.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test? ▼
If you fail, you can retake the test — three attempts are allowed within one year of paying the $20 permit fee, and many facilities let you retake the same day during business hours.
What is the minimum age for a Illinois learner license? ▼
You can apply at age 15 if enrolled in an approved driver education course (16 without driver's ed before 18). Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the application.
What are the GDL restrictions in Illinois? ▼
Provisional license restrictions include a night curfew (10 PM Sun-Thu, 11 PM Fri-Sat), only one passenger under age 20 for the first 12 months (unless family), and no wireless devices for drivers under 19.
What is Illinois's Zero Tolerance law for minors? ▼
Illinois has Zero Tolerance: any trace of alcohol for a driver under 21 brings a 3-month license suspension (6 months for a test refusal), even though it is below the adult .08% limit.
What is the legal BAC limit in Illinois? ▼
The BAC limit is .08% for drivers 21 and older, .04% for commercial drivers, and any amount (Zero Tolerance) under 21. A DUI conviction means license revocation, fines, and possible jail.
What is the speed limit in a Illinois urban/residential area? ▼
Default limits are 30 mph in urban and residential districts, 55 mph on rural highways, 65 mph on four-lane divided highways, and 70 mph on interstates and tollways. School zones are 20 mph when posted.
How close to a fire hydrant can I park in Illinois? ▼
Do not park within 15 ft of a fire hydrant, 20 ft of a crosswalk at an intersection, 30 ft of a stop sign or signal, or 50 ft of a railroad crossing. When parallel parking, finish within 12 inches of the curb.
What are the DUI penalties in Illinois? ▼
A first DUI is a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum 1-year revocation, a fine up to $2,500, and up to a year in jail. A second conviction brings a longer revocation and possible jail; a third is an aggravated (felony) DUI.
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Illinois? ▼
Illinois requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage.
Can I turn left on a red light in Illinois? ▼
In Illinois you may turn right on red after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. A left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping, unless a sign prohibits it. Always yield to pedestrians and cross traffic first.
How do I renew my Illinois driver's license? ▼
Illinois driver's licenses are generally valid for 4 years and expire on your birthday (older drivers renew more often). You can renew online, by mail, or in person, with a periodic vision screening and new photo. Report an address change to the Secretary of State within 10 days.