The Illinois written test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass

The Illinois Secretary of State administers a 35-question multiple-choice test for the Class D driver's license. Each question has four possible answers. You must score at least 80 percent — meaning 28 correct answers — to pass and move forward in the licensing process.

The test covers the rules of the road, road signs, safe driving practices, and Illinois traffic laws. You take it at a Driver Services facility, either on a computer or on paper depending on the location. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most facilities, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must answer at least 28 of 35 questions correctly to pass the Illinois written test.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and rules of the road specific to Illinois.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you will pay the test fee each time.
  • The Illinois Secretary of State publishes a free study guide that covers all topics on the test.

What topics the 35 questions cover

The questions are drawn from the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which the Secretary of State publishes free online and in print. Topics include right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, seat belt requirements, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

Road signs make up a significant portion of the test. You will see images of actual signs — stop signs, yield signs, warning signs, and informational signs — and answer what they mean or what you should do when you see them. The test also includes questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and the consequences of traffic violations in Illinois.

A smaller number of questions cover vehicle equipment, such as when headlights must be on, how to check your mirrors, and what to do if your brakes fail. Questions about sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and large trucks also appear on most tests.

How the test is scored and what happens if you fail

The test is scored when ready if you take it on a computer. If you take the paper version, results are usually available within a few days. You will receive a score report that shows how many questions you answered correctly and which topic areas you missed the most.

If you score below 28 correct answers, you have not passed. You can retake the test on the same day at most Driver Services facilities. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will have to pay the test fee again — currently $10 for the written test. Some people pass on the second or third attempt after reviewing the study guide more carefully.

If you fail multiple times, it may help to take a driver education course, which some high schools and private companies offer. These courses do not replace the test, but they can help you understand the material better before you try again.

How to study for the 35-question test

The Illinois Secretary of State publishes the Rules of the Road handbook free on its website and in print at any Driver Services facility. This handbook contains all the information tested on the written exam. Reading it cover to cover is the most direct way to study.

The Secretary of State also offers sample test questions online so you can practice the format and see what kinds of questions appear. Taking these practice tests helps you identify weak areas before you sit for the real test. Many people find that practicing with sample questions is more useful than reading the handbook alone, because it shows you how the rules are actually tested.

Some Driver Services facilities have computers where you can take practice tests for free before your appointment. If you have time before your test date, visiting a facility to use these computers can reduce test anxiety and improve your score.

When you can take the test and what to bring

You can take the written test at any Driver Services facility during business hours. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday, with some offering Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for the written test — you can walk in, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring a valid form of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your Illinois address, such as a utility bill or lease. The facility will verify this information before you take the test.

The test itself takes 10 to 20 minutes for most people. You will sit at a computer or receive a paper test and pencil. You cannot use notes, phones, or any study materials during the test. Once you finish, you will know your score when ready if you took the computer version.

Retaking the test if you do not pass on the first try

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most facilities. You will pay the $10 test fee again. Some people find it helpful to step outside, review the study guide for 15 or 20 minutes, and then retake the test. Others prefer to go home, study more thoroughly, and return another day.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test in Illinois. However, if you fail it more than three times, the Secretary of State may require you to complete a driver education course before you can test again. This requirement varies, so contact your local Driver Services facility if you have failed multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the study guide during the test?

No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing area, including the Rules of the Road handbook, notes, or your phone. You must answer the 35 questions from memory based on what you have studied beforehand.

What happens if I pass the written test but fail the driving test?

Your written test score remains valid for a set period while you schedule and take the driving test. You do not have to retake the written test if you fail the driving portion. However, if too much time passes without taking the driving test, you may have to retake the written test. Ask your Driver Services facility how long your written test score is valid.

Is the test the same every time I take it?

No. Each test draws 35 questions from a larger pool of questions maintained by the Secretary of State. This means you may see different questions if you retake the test, though the topics and difficulty level remain consistent.

Do I need to pass the written test before I can get a permit?

No. In Illinois, you can obtain a learner's permit without taking the written test. The written test is required only when you are ready to explore for your full driver's license after holding a permit and practicing with a licensed adult.