DMV Practice Lab · Car practice sample
Illinois printable driving practice
20 questions · Choose one answer for each question. Check your choices against the answer key after you finish.
A short sample of car driving questions. Read the handbook to cover the other topics you need.
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Practice questions
1. At a steady red light, a marked stop line lies before the crosswalk. Where should the front of your car be when you make the required stop?
- Behind the stop line
- In the crosswalk, where visibility is better
- At the signal pole beyond the crosswalk
- Just inside the intersection
My answer:
2. Every lamp facing you at an ordinary traffic-light intersection is dark. This is not a pedestrian hybrid beacon, and no officer is directing traffic. What must you do?
- Continue because a dark signal gives no instruction
- Yield only if a vehicle is already crossing
- Stop and follow the rules for a stop-sign intersection
- Use the posted speed limit as your only guide
My answer:
3. You plan a turn in a business district. What is the minimum distance before the turn for a continuous turn signal under Illinois law?
- 100 feet
- 50 feet
- 150 feet
- 200 feet
My answer:
4. Two same-direction lanes are separated by double solid white lines. What do those lines tell you?
- Cross whenever you are passing a slower vehicle
- Cross only if you keep your signal on
- Do not cross them to change lanes
- They separate opposing directions of traffic
My answer:
5. You are overtaking a bicyclist. Another same-direction lane is available, and changing into it is safe, practicable, and legal. What must you do?
- Change lanes and maintain at least 3 feet of safe passing clearance
- Remain in the current lane whenever 3 feet might fit
- Change lanes only if the bicyclist gives a hand signal
- Pass in the current lane with 2 feet of clearance
My answer:
6. Under the ordinary Illinois parallel-parking rule on a two-way street, what is the maximum permitted distance between your right-hand wheels and the curb?
- Within 6 inches
- Within 12 inches
- Within 18 inches
- Within 24 inches
My answer:
7. A road has four lanes, with two lanes in each direction and no physical median. A school bus with its red signals operating is stopped in the opposite direction. What does Illinois's opposing-traffic exception provide?
- You must stop because there is no physical barrier
- You may proceed only after the bus driver waves you through
- You are not required to stop solely for that opposing bus
- The exception applies only on roads with six or more lanes
My answer:
8. Your road ends at a T intersection with another highway. There are no signs, signals, or different controlling rules. What must you do before entering the continuing highway?
- Yield only to traffic approaching from your right, without a required stop
- Enter first because you must turn
- Stop only if the continuing road has a higher speed limit
- Stop, yield to hazardous or already-entering traffic on the continuing highway, then enter when safe
My answer:
9. Traffic is flowing at the limit, but visibility and traction have worsened. How should you choose your speed?
- Use a slower speed suited to the conditions
- Keep the limit because it is the recommended speed in every situation
- Match the fastest nearby vehicle
- Use cruise control to prevent any speed change
My answer:
10. Which adjustment helps reduce hydroplaning risk as water accumulates on the road?
- Reduce speed before traction is lost
- Accelerate so the tires cross the water faster
- Apply the parking brake lightly while cruising
- Steer repeatedly from side to side to find grip
My answer:
11. What is the purpose of the speed-change lane at an expressway entrance?
- To adjust speed and find a safe opening before merging
- To require every entering driver to stop at its end
- To let entering traffic force its way into the main lane
- To serve as a parking area while choosing a route
My answer:
12. A sharp curve is approaching on a slick road. When is the best time to make the main speed reduction?
- Before entering the curve
- Only after the tires begin sliding
- At the sharpest point with a sudden brake application
- After crossing the center line for a wider path
My answer:
13. A tire fails suddenly while you are traveling at road speed. What should you prioritize?
- Maintain steering control and ease off the accelerator without sudden braking
- Slam on the brakes before holding the wheel
- Turn sharply onto the shoulder at once
- Accelerate to keep the damaged tire rolling
My answer:
14. A motorcycle is passing your car. What should you do during the maneuver?
- Maintain a steady speed and lane position
- Increase speed to shorten the time beside it
- Move toward the motorcycle to make yourself visible
- Brake abruptly before it clears your front bumper
My answer:
15. You are following a tractor past fields with unmarked access points. What movement should you anticipate?
- A wide turn into an entrance that is not obvious from behind
- Only turns at signed public intersections
- A guarantee it will stay on the shoulder
- A need for the tractor to stop before any steering change
My answer:
16. At this red sign, what action is required even if no other traffic is visible?
- Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe
- Slow down without stopping if the road looks clear
- Stop only when another road user is present
- Continue because cross traffic must yield
My answer:
17. What approaching traffic pattern is represented by this warning symbol?
- Traffic will join the roadway from the right
- The right lane will become a separate exit
- A new right lane will continue without merging
- Opposing traffic will begin in the right lane
My answer:
18. What pavement hazard is represented by the car-and-curved-tracks symbol?
- The road can become unusually slippery when wet
- Loose gravel is certain to cover the entire road
- Vehicles must weave between obstacles
- The roadway has a permanent series of sharp curves
My answer:
19. A 17-year-old who needs parental consent is applying for an Illinois license, but the parent cannot attend the DMV visit. What can the parent provide instead?
- A completed and notarized Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive.
- A text message authorizing the DMV to issue the license.
- An unsigned consent form with a copy of the parent's identification.
- A note signed by the teen on the parent's behalf.
My answer:
20. An applicant plans to use a relative's car for the Illinois driving exam. Besides meeting the vehicle's other requirements, what must the applicant provide?
- Proof that the vehicle has the required insurance.
- Only the relative's verbal assurance that it is insured.
- An expired insurance card because the trip is only a test.
- A promise to insure the car after passing the exam.
My answer:
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Answer key & explanations
Finish the questions first. The answer key is always included after the questions when you print.
Illinois · 20-question sample · Mark one correct answer for each question.
1. A — Behind the stop line
Stop at the marked line. If there is no line, stop before the near crosswalk; if neither exists, stop before entering the intersection.
2. C — Stop and follow the rules for a stop-sign intersection
An ordinary traffic signal with no illuminated light facing the driver requires a stop. The statute specifically excepts pedestrian hybrid beacons from this dark-signal rule.
3. A — 100 feet
Signal continuously for at least the last 100 feet in a business or residence district. Outside those districts, the minimum is 200 feet; the distinction is location.
4. C — Do not cross them to change lanes
The Illinois handbook distinguishes a single solid white line, where lane changes are discouraged, from double solid white lines, which prohibit crossing.
5. A — Change lanes and maintain at least 3 feet of safe passing clearance
Current Illinois law calls for the available, safe, practicable, lawful lane change before overtaking a bicycle. It separately requires a safe passing distance of at least 3 feet, maintained until safely past.
6. B — Within 12 inches
The ordinary Illinois rule on a two-way street is parallel parking with the right-hand wheels within 12 inches of the right curb. Different rules may apply where authorized angle parking is provided.
7. C — You are not required to stop solely for that opposing bus
The exception covers a highway with at least four lanes permitting at least two lanes of opposing-direction traffic when you meet the bus traveling in the opposite direction. A physical divider is not a requirement; continue cautiously for children and other hazards.
8. D — Stop, yield to hazardous or already-entering traffic on the continuing highway, then enter when safe
Illinois's specific uncontrolled-T rule requires the driver on the terminating road to stop and yield. The general simultaneous-arrival rule does not cancel this special rule.
9. A — Use a slower speed suited to the conditions
A posted limit does not guarantee that speed is safe in the conditions.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, July 2026, DSD A112.47; Vehicle Speed; printed 84 (physical PDF page 87) · page 87
10. A — Reduce speed before traction is lost
Lower speed helps tires maintain contact with the road; abrupt control inputs add risk.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, July 2026, DSD A112.47; Weather Conditions — Rain; printed 85 (physical PDF page 88) · page 88
11. A — To adjust speed and find a safe opening before merging
Signal, observe traffic and use the lane to prepare a safe merge.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, July 2026, DSD A112.47; Special Driving Situations and Hazards — Expressway Driving; printed 86 (physical PDF page 89) · page 89
12. A — Before entering the curve
Slow before the curve and avoid abrupt braking that can upset traction.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, July 2026, DSD A112.47; Curves; printed 87 (physical PDF page 90) · page 90
13. A — Maintain steering control and ease off the accelerator without sudden braking
Keep a firm grip and reduce speed in a controlled way before pulling off safely.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, July 2026, DSD A112.47; Equipment Failure — Blowouts; printed 88 (physical PDF page 91) · page 91
14. A — Maintain a steady speed and lane position
A predictable course lets the passing rider complete the maneuver safely.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, July 2026, DSD A112.47; Motorcycles — Passing; printed 41 (physical PDF page 44) · page 44
15. A — A wide turn into an entrance that is not obvious from behind
Slow-moving equipment may turn into unmarked entrances; leave room and pass only when safe.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, July 2026, DSD A112.47; Slow-Moving Vehicles — Turns and Passing; printed 46 (physical PDF page 49) · page 49
16. A — Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe
This sign requires a full stop. Where present, stop at the stop line before proceeding when safe.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (July 2026, DSD A 112.47), Chapter 9 > Stop; printed page 65 / physical PDF page 68 · page 68
Image credit: FHWA MUTCD 2009, fig2b_01; official U.S. government sign illustration.
17. A — Traffic will join the roadway from the right
The symbol shows traffic joining from the right. Watch for the merging movement and adjust speed and position safely.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (July 2026, DSD A 112.47), Chapter 9 > Merging Lanes; printed page 72 / physical PDF page 75 · page 75
Image credit: FHWA MUTCD 2009, fig2c_08; official U.S. government sign illustration.
18. A — The road can become unusually slippery when wet
The symbol warns that wet pavement can cause loss of control. Slow down and allow for a longer stop.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 (July 2026, DSD A 112.47), Chapter 9 > Slippery Pavement; printed page 70 / physical PDF page 73 · page 73
Image credit: FHWA MUTCD 2009, fig2c_06; official U.S. government sign illustration.
19. A — A completed and notarized Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive.
The GDL service allows the parent or legal guardian to accompany the teen and provide written consent, or to complete and notarize the specified affidavit. Informal messages do not replace that process.
20. A — Proof that the vehicle has the required insurance.
The test vehicle must be properly insured, and proof of insurance must be provided for the driving exam. Borrowing the vehicle does not remove this requirement.
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