Free Illinois permit practice tests with 1001 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official Illinois driver handbook. The official Illinois written knowledge test has 35 questions and requires 80% to pass.
About the Illinois written test
Knowledge (written) test: 35 questions from the *Illinois Rules of the Road* manual — about 20 on traffic laws (multiple-choice/true-false) and 15 on traffic-sign identification (shape, color, symbol). Passing score 80% (28 of 35 correct).
Vision screening: Required at application (standard ~20/40 with corrective lenses if needed).
Road (skills) test: In-person at an SOS Driver Services facility (no online option). Demonstrates control, signaling, turns, backing, parking, lane use, intersections, and obeying signs/signals.
Getting licensed in Illinois
Phase 1 — Instruction Permit: Available at 15 *only if enrolled in an approved driver education course*. Applicant passes the vision and written knowledge tests. The permit must be held at least 9 months, with no traffic convictions during the 9-month phase (a conviction restarts the clock). A licensed adult age 21+ must occupy the front passenger seat at all times while the permit holder drives.
Driver education (teens): State-approved course = 30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel with an instructor.
Supervised practice: Minimum 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, supervised by a parent/guardian or adult 21+ with a valid license. Logged on the GDL parent/teen certification form (the parent/guardian must certify completion before the teen is licensed).
Phase 2 — Initial (Provisional) License: Available at 16 (16–17) after completing the permit phase, driver ed, and required practice hours, and passing the road test. Restrictions:
Illinois written-test FAQ
What is the minimum age to obtain an Illinois instruction permit?
15, and only if enrolled in an approved driver education course.
How long must the instruction permit be held before licensing?
At least 9 months, with no traffic convictions during that period.
How many hours of supervised practice are required, and how many at night?
50 hours total, including 10 at night.
What is the minimum age of the supervising adult during the permit phase?
21, with a valid license, seated in the front passenger seat.
How many hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel does teen driver education require?
30 classroom + 6 behind-the-wheel.
How many questions are on the written test and what score passes?
35 questions; 80% (28 correct).
The written test's 35 questions split into what two parts?
About 20 traffic-law questions and 15 road-sign questions.
What is the nighttime driving restriction for a provisional licensee on a Friday night?
No driving 11 p.m.–6 a.m. (Sun–Thurs it is 10 p.m.–6 a.m.).