The official book the Illinois motorcycle knowledge test is based on — where to get it and how to study it.
The Illinois Secretary of State publishes the current motorcycle manual on its official site. Always study the latest edition.
Every question on the Illinois motorcycle knowledge test is drawn from the official motorcycle operator manual — a different book from the regular car driver handbook. Always study the most recent edition published by the Illinois Secretary of State, because rules and numbers change between revisions.
Read one chapter at a time, then test that chapter with the practice test before moving on. Pay extra attention to chapters on gear, the pre-ride inspection, hazard awareness (SEE), and emergency maneuvers — these are the most heavily tested sections. Score 12 of 15 correct (80%) to pass.
Source: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. The Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual does not publish a question count or passing score; it includes only 4 sample knowledge questions. The 15-question, 12-to-pass (80%) figure shown here is the format used for the motorcycle endorsement supplement; a full Class M applicant may also take a general-knowledge test.