The Chicago Written Test: Format and Content

The Chicago written test is a multiple-choice exam administered by the Illinois Secretary of State. You will answer 35 questions on a computer at a Driver Services facility. Each question has four answer choices, and you need to score at least 28 correct answers (80 percent) to pass.

The test covers three main areas: traffic laws and signs, safe driving practices, and road hazards. Questions come from the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which the Secretary of State publishes free online and in print at any Driver Services office. The test is not timed, so you can take as long as you need to read and answer each question.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test read aloud or in large print, you can request accommodations when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the facility.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chicago written test has 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
  • All test content comes from the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which you can read free from the Secretary of State website or pick up at any Driver Services office.
  • You take the test on a computer at a Driver Services facility in Chicago, and there is no time limit.
  • You can request the test in Spanish or ask for accommodations like a reader or large-print version when you book your appointment.

Where to Take the Test in Chicago

The main Chicago Driver Services facility is located at 121 North LaSalle Street, Suite S-500, in the Loop. This is the busiest location and typically has the shortest wait for appointments. You can schedule a test appointment online through the Secretary of State website or by calling 217-782-6900.

There are also satellite Driver Services locations on the North Side and South Side of Chicago. The North Side facility is at 9901 South Cottage Grove Avenue, and the South Side facility is at 3721 South Kedzie Avenue. All three locations offer the written test, though appointment availability varies by location and time of day.

You must bring a valid form of identification—such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID—and proof of your Social Security number. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian present with a valid ID.

How to Study for the Chicago Test

Start by reading the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook cover to cover. Pay close attention to sections on right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what different traffic signs mean. These topics appear on nearly every test.

The Secretary of State website offers a free practice test that mimics the real exam. Taking the practice test multiple times helps you get used to the computer format and identify which topics you need to review more carefully. Many people find it helpful to take the practice test, review the handbook sections they missed, and then take the practice test again.

Common trouble spots for Chicago test-takers include understanding when you must yield to pedestrians, the rules for turning at red lights, and what to do at four-way stops. If any of these topics confuse you after reading the handbook, ask a Driver Services staff member or search for that specific topic on the Secretary of State website.

What Happens on Test Day

Arrive at your scheduled appointment time with your identification and proof of Social Security number. A staff member will check your documents, take your photo, and walk you to a computer terminal. You will be seated in a quiet area where you can focus on the test.

Read each question carefully before selecting your answer. You can review your answers before you submit the test, so take advantage of that time to double-check any questions you were unsure about. Once you submit, the computer will when ready tell you whether you passed or failed and show you your score.

If you pass, you will receive a receipt that day. You can then schedule your road test appointment. If you do not pass, you can retake the written test. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee again.

Test Fees and Retakes

The written test fee is part of the overall learner's permit or driver license fee set by the state of Illinois. The total cost varies depending on which type of license you are seeking and how long it is valid. Check the Secretary of State website for the current fee schedule, as costs change periodically.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test at any Driver Services location. You do not have to return to the same facility where you took it the first time. Each retake requires paying the test fee again.

Most people pass the written test on their first or second attempt if they study the handbook and take the practice test beforehand. Rushing through your study or skipping the practice test is the most common reason people fail.

After You Pass the Written Test

Once you pass, you will receive a learner's permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. In Illinois, you must hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 30 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you should practice driving in different conditions—residential streets, highways, rain, and night driving—to build your skills.

You will schedule your road test through the same Secretary of State system where you booked your written test. The road test is administered by a state examiner and takes about 30 minutes. You will drive your own vehicle (or a vehicle provided by the testing facility) on public roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is not reading the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook before taking the test. The handbook is free and covers everything on the exam. Skipping this step and relying only on the practice test leaves gaps in your knowledge.

Another common error is misreading questions. Some questions ask what you should do, while others ask what you should not do. Read the full question before you answer. If you are unsure, flag the question and come back to it after you finish the rest of the test.

Do not guess randomly on questions you do not know. Instead, use logic: eliminate answers that are clearly wrong, and choose the safest option. Safe driving is the theme of most questions, so if you are torn between two answers, pick the one that prioritizes safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Chicago written test online from home?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a Driver Services facility in Illinois. You cannot take it remotely or at a third-party testing center. You must schedule an appointment and go to one of the three Chicago locations or another facility in the state.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready or schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will need to pay the test fee again for each retake. Most people pass on their second attempt if they review the handbook and take the practice test again.

How long is the written test?

There is no time limit. You can spend as much time as you need on each question. Most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes, but you can take longer if you want to review your answers carefully.

Do I need to bring the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook to the test?

No. You cannot bring the handbook or any study materials into the testing area. You must study beforehand and rely on what you have learned. The test is closed-book.

What if I do not speak English well?

You can take the test in Spanish by requesting it when you schedule your appointment. If you need the test read aloud in English or Spanish, or if you need large-print materials, contact the Driver Services facility ahead of time to arrange accommodations.