Illinois Driver's Permit

Default speed limit on interstates and tollways?

70 mph unless posted otherwise.

Default speed limit on four-lane highways?

65 mph unless posted otherwise.

Default speed limit on other highways and rural areas?

55 mph unless posted otherwise.

Default speed limit in city or town areas?

30 mph unless posted otherwise.

Default speed limit in alleys?

15 mph.

School zone speed limit?

20 mph on school days from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. when children are present and signs are posted.

Turn signal distance in business or residential areas?

At least 100 feet before turning.

Turn signal distance outside business or residential areas?

At least 200 feet before turning.

When must high beams be dimmed for oncoming traffic?

Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

When must high beams be dimmed when following or passing?

Within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead.

When must you be back in your lane after passing?

Before coming within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

When is it safe to return to the right lane after passing?

When the entire passed vehicle is visible in your rearview mirror.

Passing near intersections or railroad crossings?

Not allowed within 100 feet of either on a two-lane road.

Passing near bridges or viaducts or tunnels?

Not allowed within 100 feet when the view is blocked.

Can you pass in a construction zone?

No; all Illinois construction zones are no-passing zones.

Can you pass by driving on the shoulder?

No; leaving the pavement to pass is illegal.

When may you pass on the right?

When the vehicle ahead is turning left or on roads with two or more clear lanes in your direction.

Minimum space when passing a bicyclist or pedestrian?

3 feet.

Is flashing your turn signals as a courtesy pass signal legal?

No; it is against the law.

U-turn visibility requirement on curves or hills?

You must be able to see 500 feet in all directions.

How close to the curb when parallel parking?

Within 12 inches.

Minimum parking distance from a fire hydrant?

15 feet.

Minimum parking distance from an intersection crosswalk or fire station driveway?

20 feet.

Minimum parking distance from a stop sign or yield sign or traffic signal?

30 feet.

Minimum parking distance from a railroad crossing?

50 feet from the nearest rail.

Parking downhill with a curb?

Turn the front wheels toward the curb.

Parking uphill with a curb?

Turn the front wheels away from the curb.

Parking on a hill with no curb?

Turn the wheels toward the side of the road you are parked on.

Can you park in the striped area beside a disability space?

No; not even with a placard or disability plates.

Where must you stop at a railroad crossing?

Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.

Railroad crossing with only a crossbuck?

Slow down and look and listen both ways before crossing.

How should a crossbuck sign be treated?

Like a yield sign.

Can you stop on railroad tracks in slow traffic?

No; only cross if there is room on the other side.

Vehicle stalls on railroad tracks?

Get everyone out and move away at a 45-degree angle toward the train.

After a train passes a crossing?

Check for a second train and wait for the lights to stop before proceeding.

How far ahead can the round railroad warning sign be?

Up to 750 feet before the crossing.

Manual transmission at railroad tracks?

Downshift before the tracks and do not shift while crossing.

Who goes first at a four-way stop?

The first vehicle to come to a stop.

Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time?

The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.

Two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time?

The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.

T-intersection with no signs or signals?

The vehicle on the ending road yields to traffic on the through road.

Making a left turn across oncoming traffic?

Yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

Light turns red while you wait in the intersection to turn left?

Yield to oncoming traffic and then complete the turn.

Can you go immediately when the light turns green?

No; first yield to vehicles and pedestrians still in the intersection.

Is a right turn on red allowed?

Yes after a complete stop and yielding unless a sign prohibits it.

When is a left turn on red allowed?

Only from a one-way street onto a one-way street moving left after a complete stop.

Traffic signal not working?

Treat the intersection as an all-way stop.

Flashing red light?

Stop and yield then proceed when safe.

Flashing yellow light?

Proceed with caution.

Flashing yellow arrow?

Turn after yielding to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

Steady yellow arrow?

The protected turn is ending.

Steady red arrow?

Do not make that movement until a green arrow appears except permitted turns after a full stop.

Red light with a green arrow?

You may go in the direction of the arrow after yielding.

Leaving an alley or driveway in an urban area?

Stop completely before the sidewalk even if the road is clear.

Stop sign with no stop line or crosswalk?

Stop where you can see approaching traffic before entering the intersection.

Meaning of a merge sign?

Be ready to change lanes or let other traffic merge into your lane.

What is a zipper merge?

In congestion use both lanes up to the merge point and take turns merging.

Emergency vehicle approaching with lights and siren?

Pull to the right edge and stop if needed until it passes.

Stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

Change lanes away from it if possible or slow down and proceed with caution.

Phone use near an emergency scene?

Phone use and photography are banned within 500 feet.

Can you drive over fire hoses?

Only if the fire official in command permits it.

Encountering a funeral procession?

Yield to it and never drive between its vehicles.

Approaching a construction zone?

Slow down and stop phone use and yield to workers.

When does a construction zone speed limit apply?

24 hours a day 7 days a week whether or not workers are present.

When must you stop for a stopped school bus?

Always unless you are on a four-lane road going the opposite direction.

Penalty for passing a stopped school bus?

License suspension plus a $300 fine and community service.

How far ahead does a school bus signal a stop?

100 feet in urban areas and 200 feet in rural areas.

When can you use a handheld phone while driving?

Only for emergencies or when parked on the shoulder or stopped in park or neutral in blocked traffic.

Minimum age to use a hands-free phone while driving?

19.

Holding your phone on speaker while driving?

Illegal because it is not hands-free.

Are headsets allowed while driving?

Only a single-sided headset or earpiece.

Who must wear seat belts?

All drivers and passengers age 8 and older in every seat.

Children under age 8?

Must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system.

Rear-facing car seat requirement?

Until age 2 unless the child is over 40 pounds or 40 inches.

Recommended distance from the steering wheel airbag?

10 to 12 inches.

Who is responsible for passengers obeying seat belt laws?

The driver.

Pulled over by police?

Pull to the right shoulder and stay in the car with hands on the wheel.

Need insurance papers from the glove box during a stop?

Tell the officer first and follow their directions.

Should you exit your car to approach the officer?

No; stay inside unless told otherwise.

Should you sign a traffic ticket?

Yes; signing is not an admission of guilt.

Unmarked police car trying to stop you?

Drive slowly to a well-lit populated place or police station or call 911.

Legal blood-alcohol limit?

0.08 percent.

Failing a chemical test after a DUI arrest?

6-month suspension for a first offender.

Refusing a chemical test after a DUI arrest?

1-year suspension for a first offender.

Driver under 21 with any trace of alcohol?

At least a 3-month suspension.

DUI conviction under age 21?

Minimum 2-year revocation.

First DUI conviction?

Minimum 1-year revocation.

Second DUI conviction within 20 years?

Minimum 5-year revocation.

Third DUI conviction?

Minimum 10-year revocation.

Fourth DUI conviction?

Lifetime revocation.

Legal THC limit for driving?

5 ng per mL of whole blood or 10 ng per mL of other bodily substance.

How must cannabis be transported in a vehicle?

In a sealed and odor-proof and child-resistant container.

What removes alcohol from your body?

Only time.

Open alcohol container in the passenger area?

Illegal.

What is the implied consent law?

Driving in Illinois means you consent to chemical testing.

How long can you drive after a DUI arrest before suspension?

45 days; the suspension starts on day 46.

When is a crash report required?

Death or injury or over $1500 in damage ($500 if any vehicle is uninsured).

How long do you have to report a crash?

30 minutes after it occurs.

Penalty for failing to report a crash?

Up to a $2500 fine and 1 year in jail.

You hit an unattended vehicle?

Leave your contact and plate information on it and notify police.