The Illinois written test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass
The Illinois Secretary of State written knowledge test contains 35 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four possible answers. You must score at least 80 percent — which means 28 correct answers out of 35 — to pass and move forward in the licensing process.
The test covers the rules of the road, road signs, safe driving practices, and traffic laws specific to Illinois. The questions come from the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which is the official study material. You can read it online for free on the Secretary of State website, or pick up a printed copy at any Driver Services facility.
You have one hour to complete the test. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Polish, and others, depending on the facility. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one business day before trying again.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois written test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
- All questions are multiple-choice with four answer options each, and the test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
- You have one hour to complete the test, and it is offered in multiple languages at Driver Services locations.
- If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one business day.
What topics the 35 questions cover
The questions on the Illinois written test are drawn from the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook. They test your knowledge of traffic signs and their meanings, speed limits and when they explore, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what to do in different driving situations.
You will also see questions about vehicle equipment — things like headlights, turn signals, and windshield wipers — and when you are required to use them. Questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belt laws are common. The test also includes questions about what to do if you are stopped by police, how to handle an accident, and your responsibilities as a driver.
Because the test draws from the official handbook, studying that handbook is the most direct way to prepare. The handbook is available free online at cyberdriveillinois.com, or you can request a printed copy by mail or pick one up in person at a Driver Services facility.
How the test is scored and what happens if you fail
Your score is calculated when ready after you finish the test. You need 80 percent to pass, which is 28 out of 35 questions correct. If you score 27 or fewer correct answers, you do not pass.
If you fail, you will receive a score report showing which topics gave you trouble. You are allowed to retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will need to pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after spending more time with the handbook.
Preparing for the 35-question test
The best preparation is to read the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook from start to finish. It is written in plain language and covers everything the test will ask about. Many people find it helpful to read it once all the way through, then go back and focus on sections where they feel less confident.
Some Driver Services facilities offer practice tests on computers at their locations. These are not the official test, but they give you a sense of the format and the kinds of questions you will see. You can also find practice questions online through the Secretary of State website.
Study the road signs section carefully — the test always includes questions about what different signs mean and when you must obey them. Also pay close attention to right-of-way rules, because these questions appear frequently and many people find them tricky.
When and where you take the written test
You take the written test at a Driver Services facility in Illinois. You must bring your learner's permit (or the receipt showing you applied for one) and a valid form of identification. The test is offered during the facility's regular business hours, and you do not need an appointment at most locations, though some facilities now use an online reservation system.
The test is administered on a computer at the facility. You sit at a terminal, read each question, select your answer, and move to the next question. You cannot go back to change an earlier answer once you have moved forward, so read each question carefully before you select your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a calculator or take notes during the test?
No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing area except your identification and permit. You are not allowed to use a phone, calculator, notes, or any other reference material. The test is designed to measure what you know from studying the handbook.
What happens if I run out of time before answering all 35 questions?
You have one hour to complete the test. If you do not finish within that time, the test ends and you are scored on the questions you answered. Unanswered questions count as incorrect. Most people finish well before the hour is up, so time is rarely a problem.
Is the test the same every time I take it?
No. The test questions are drawn from a larger pool, so each time you take it, you will see different questions. However, they all cover the same topics and come from the same handbook, so studying the handbook prepares you for any version of the test.
Do I have to pass the written test before I can take the road test?
Yes. You must pass the written knowledge test before you are allowed to schedule a road test. Once you pass the written test, you can book your road test appointment at a Driver Services facility.
What if I fail the written test three times?
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test in Illinois. You can keep trying as long as you need to, though you will pay the test fee each time. Between attempts, spend more time studying the handbook, focusing on the topics where you struggled.