Illinois offers the written knowledge test in Russian, but only at certain locations and with advance notice
The Illinois Secretary of State's office provides the written knowledge test in Russian at select Driver Services facilities. You cannot walk in and request a Russian-language test on the same day — you must call ahead to confirm that your local facility offers testing in Russian and to schedule your appointment. Not all facilities provide this service, so your location options are limited.
The test itself is identical to the English version: 35 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The Russian-language test is administered on a computer at the facility, just like the English version.
Key Takeaways
- You must call your local Driver Services facility in advance to request a Russian-language test; same-day requests are not accepted.
- Only certain Driver Services locations offer Russian-language testing, so you may need to travel to a facility outside your when ready area.
- The test content is the same as the English version: 35 questions, 28 correct answers needed to pass, covering signs and traffic laws.
- Bring the same documents you would for an English-language test, including proof of residency, identity, and Social Security number.
- You can study using the official Illinois Driver's Manual, which is available in English only, so you may want to use a Russian-language study resource or translator alongside it.
Which Driver Services facilities offer Russian-language testing
The Secretary of State's office does not publish a complete list of facilities that offer Russian-language testing. Your best approach is to call the Driver Services facility nearest to you and ask directly whether they can administer the test in Russian. If they cannot, ask them which facility in your region does offer it.
Larger facilities in cities with significant Russian-speaking populations — such as Chicago — are more likely to have Russian-language capacity than smaller rural offices. However, you should not assume any facility offers it without calling first. The availability can also change based on staffing, so even if a facility offered Russian testing in the past, confirm it is still available before making the trip.
To find the phone number for your nearest Driver Services facility, visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and use their facility locator tool. Have your ZIP code ready when you call.
How to schedule your Russian-language test appointment
Call the Driver Services facility at least several days in advance. Tell the staff member you need to take the written knowledge test in Russian and ask whether they can accommodate that request. If they say yes, they will schedule you for a specific date and time. If they say no, ask for the name and phone number of a facility that does offer Russian testing.
When you schedule, confirm the following: the exact date and time of your appointment, what documents you need to bring, and whether there are any additional fees for Russian-language testing (there should not be — the test fee is the same regardless of language). Write down the name of the staff member you spoke with and the confirmation details in case you need to reschedule.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early on the day of your test. Bring all required documents, including a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will also need to bring your learner's permit or current driver license if you have one.
What the Russian-language test covers
The Russian version tests the same material as the English version. You will see 35 multiple-choice questions on topics including road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and safe driving practices. Each question has four possible answers, and you select your answer on the computer screen.
The test covers Illinois-specific traffic laws, not general driving knowledge. For example, you may be asked about Illinois's rules for school bus stops, the state's distracted driving law, or how to handle a four-way stop. You have up to 30 minutes to complete the test, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes.
You must score at least 80 percent — that is, 28 out of 35 questions correct — to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. Each retake requires paying the test fee again.
Preparing for the test when studying in Russian
The official Illinois Driver's Manual is published in English only. You can read it in English and use a translation tool if needed, or you can search online for Russian-language driver education resources that cover Illinois traffic laws. Some websites and YouTube channels offer Russian-language driving instruction, though you should verify that the content applies to Illinois specifically, not another state or country.
A practical approach is to study the English manual and use Google Translate or another translation app to understand sections you find difficult. Pay special attention to road signs, as the signs themselves are the same in Russian and English — only the question text will be in Russian. Knowing what each sign looks like and what it means is more important than memorizing English terminology.
Consider taking practice tests online if you can find Russian-language versions. Some third-party websites offer practice tests in multiple languages, though you should verify they are based on current Illinois law. The official Illinois Secretary of State website does not offer a practice test in Russian, only in English.
What happens after you pass the Russian-language test
Once you pass, you will receive a receipt showing your passing score. This receipt is your proof that you have completed the written knowledge test requirement for a driver license. You can then proceed to schedule your road test (also called the driving test) at a Driver Services facility.
The road test itself is conducted by an examiner who speaks English. If you need an interpreter for the road test, you must request one in advance when you schedule the appointment. Not all facilities can provide interpreters, so ask when you call to book your road test whether an interpreter is available and what language they speak.
Keep your test receipt in a safe place. You will need to show it when you arrive for your road test appointment, and you may need it if you explore for your license at a later date.
Common mistakes to avoid when taking the test in Russian
Do not assume that because you speak Russian fluently, you will automatically pass the test. The test requires knowledge of Illinois traffic laws, not just language ability. Some test-takers who are fluent in Russian still fail because they are unfamiliar with how traffic laws work in Illinois. Study the material thoroughly, even if you are a native Russian speaker.
Do not wait until the day of your test to call and request Russian-language testing. Facilities need advance notice, and if they cannot accommodate you on short notice, you may have to reschedule or travel to a different location. Call at least one week ahead if possible.
Do not bring an interpreter or translator with you to the test facility unless the facility has explicitly approved it in advance. Illinois Driver Services facilities do not allow outside interpreters in the testing room. The test is administered by the facility's staff or computer system, and only approved facility interpreters (if available) are permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring someone to translate for me during the test?
No. You cannot bring a personal interpreter or translator into the testing room. If the facility offers Russian-language testing, the test itself will be in Russian and no additional interpreter is needed. If you need help understanding the questions, you must request an approved facility interpreter when you schedule your appointment, though not all facilities have interpreters available.
What if the nearest facility that offers Russian testing is far away?
You will need to travel to that facility for your appointment. Illinois does not offer remote or online testing for the written knowledge test. If the distance is a hardship, ask the facility staff whether they know of any closer locations that offer Russian testing, or whether they can refer you to a different facility in your region.
Is the Russian-language test harder than the English version?
No. The test content, number of questions, and passing score are identical regardless of language. The only difference is the language in which the questions are written. If you understand Illinois traffic laws and can read Russian, you should be able to pass at the same rate as an English-language test-taker.
Do I need to pass the written test in Russian, or can I take it in English instead?
You can choose whichever language you prefer. There is no requirement to take the test in Russian just because you speak Russian. If you feel more confident taking the test in English, you can do so at any Driver Services facility without advance scheduling.
What if I fail the Russian-language test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. You will need to pay the test fee again and schedule another appointment at a facility that offers Russian testing. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt requires paying the fee and scheduling in advance.