Updated for 2026

Illinois SOS (Illinois Secretary of State)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$30 (Basic License) / $20 (Instruction Permit)

Testing System

touchscreen computer

Critical Failure Factors

The most common 'automatic fail' in Illinois is the 'Rolling Stop'—failing to come to a complete cessation of movement at a stop sign behind the white limit line. Additionally, many applicants fail due to a violation of the 'Right-of-Way' rules at 4-way stops or by touching the curb during the parking maneuver.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Illinois traffic laws are strictly enforced by the Secretary of State and local police, with a heavy emphasis on safety for emergency personnel and children. One of the most critical statutes is 'Scott's Law' (The Move Over Law, 625 ILCS 5/11-907). Named after a fallen firefighter, this law mandates that when approaching ANY stationary vehicle with flashing lights (including police, fire, maintenance, and civilian vehicles with hazard lights), drivers must change lanes away from the stopped vehicle if possible. If a lane change is unsafe, the driver must significantly reduce speed. Violating Scott's Law results in severe fines starting at $250 and a mandatory court appearance. Another strictly enforced area is School Bus Safety. On a two-lane roadway, traffic in BOTH directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. You must remain stopped until the arm is retracted. The only exception is on a 4-lane highway where traffic flowing in the opposite direction does not need to stop. A first conviction for passing a stopped school bus results in a mandatory 3-month driver's license suspension and a minimum $150 fine. Illinois also has a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. For the 'Initial Licensing Phase' (drivers ages 16-17), there is a strict nighttime driving curfew: driving is prohibited Sunday-Thursday from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and Friday-Saturday from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Additionally, for the first 12 months of licensing (or until age 18), the driver is limited to one passenger under age 20, unless the passenger is a sibling. Regarding cannabis, although recreational use is legal, transport laws are strict: cannabis in a vehicle must be in a sealed, odor-proof, child-resistant container and must be inaccessible during transport (e.g., in the trunk). It is illegal to use cannabis in a motor vehicle or drive with any detectable amount of THC in your system (5 nanograms limit). Finally, Illinois promotes the 'Dutch Reach' method in its manual: drivers are encouraged to open their car door with their right hand to force a body turn, ensuring they check for cyclists before exiting.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Illinois, particularly in the diverse conditions ranging from Chicago's urban grid to downstate rural highways, presents specific challenges. A major statistical hazard in Illinois is deer collisions. The state consistently ranks in the medium-to-high risk category for deer-vehicle accidents, with the peak danger period occurring during the mating season in October, November, and December. Drivers are taught to scan the roadside for 'eyeshine' at dusk and dawn. Another crucial environmental factor is winter driving. Illinois experiences severe winter storms that can create 'Black Ice'—a transparent coating of ice on the roadway that is nearly invisible. The manual explicitly states that bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the road, and drivers should disengage cruise control immediately when driving on slippery surfaces. Regarding the test itself, the Illinois written exam consists of 35 questions. To pass, you must answer 28 correctly (80%). The test is unique in that it effectively checks two knowledge bases: 15-20 questions may focus purely on road signs (identification by shape/color), while the rest cover traffic laws. Failing to identify basic signs like 'Yield' or 'Do Not Enter' is often an immediate failure trigger in the examiner's mind, even if the total score is borderline. Another interesting fact involves the validity of the license: for drivers between ages 21 and 80, an Illinois driver's license is valid for four years and expires on the driver's birthday. However, for drivers aged 81-86, it is valid for only two years, and for those 87 and older, it requires annual renewal to ensure capability. Illinois also has a strict ban on handheld electronic devices. Using a phone to talk or text is a moving violation that counts against your license points. For drivers under 19, even hands-free technology is prohibited unless it is an emergency. Finally, drivers should be aware of the 'Zipper Merge' concept which is increasingly promoted by IDOT in construction zones; utilizing both lanes until the merge point is actually more efficient than merging early, contrary to popular polite driving habits.