What the Chicago written test covers and how it works
The Chicago written test is a 35-question multiple-choice exam administered by the Illinois Secretary of State. You need to score at least 28 correct answers (80 percent) to pass. The test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies on the road.
You take the test at a Secretary of State facility in Chicago. The exam is offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Polish, and others — you select your language when you arrive. You sit at a computer terminal in a testing booth, answer the questions, and receive your score when ready after you finish.
The test itself takes most people 20 to 30 minutes to complete. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing area. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most Chicago locations, though you may have to wait and pay the testing fee again.
Key Takeaways
- You must score 28 out of 35 questions correct (80 percent) to pass the Chicago written test.
- The test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and emergency procedures from the official Illinois Driver Handbook.
- The free Illinois Driver Handbook is available online at cyberdriveillinois.com and in print at any Secretary of State office — this is your main study source.
- You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you pay the testing fee each time.
- The test is offered in multiple languages at Chicago Secretary of State locations.
Where to get the official study material
The Illinois Secretary of State publishes the official Illinois Driver Handbook, which contains all the information tested on the written exam. This handbook is free and is the only study material you need. You can read it as a PDF from cyberdriveillinois.com, or pick up a printed copy at any Secretary of State office in Chicago.
The handbook covers traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits and traffic laws, parking rules, what to do at red lights and stop signs, how to handle emergency vehicles, and safe driving practices for different road conditions. Every question on the test comes from information in this handbook.
Many people study the handbook by reading it straight through, but a more effective approach is to read one section, then cover the section and write down what you remember. This forces your brain to retrieve the information rather than just recognize it when you see it on the test.
How to prepare for the test in the weeks before
Start studying at least one week before your test date. Read through the Illinois Driver Handbook section by section, spending 15 to 20 minutes per session. Focus on the sections that cover signs, right-of-way, and traffic laws — these make up the bulk of the test questions.
After you finish reading the handbook once, go back and reread the sections you found confusing. Pay special attention to right-of-way rules at intersections, what different colored and shaped signs mean, and what you must do when you see a school bus with its lights flashing.
Many Secretary of State offices in Chicago offer free practice tests on computers at the office itself. Call ahead to ask whether your local office has this option. Taking a practice test under the same conditions as the real test — sitting at a computer, timed, multiple choice — helps you get comfortable with the format and shows you which topics you need to study more.
What to bring and expect on test day
Bring a valid form of identification to the Secretary of State office. Acceptable IDs include a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or a document from a government agency with your name and date of birth. You also need proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time. The office will check your ID and address proof, take your photo, and collect the testing fee (which varies but is typically under $20). You will then be directed to a testing booth where you sit at a computer and take the exam.
You cannot bring study materials, notes, phones, or any electronic devices into the testing area. The testing room is monitored, and staff watch for cheating. If you finish early, you can submit your test and leave — there is no penalty for finishing quickly.
Common mistakes that cause people to fail
The most common mistake is not studying the handbook thoroughly enough. People often rely on what they think they know from driving experience, but the test asks about specific rules and sign meanings that you must memorize from the handbook. For example, a diamond-shaped yellow sign means "warning" — if you have not studied the handbook, you might guess wrong.
Another frequent error is misreading questions. The test includes questions with "not" or "except" in them — for example, "Which of the following is NOT a reason to use your headlights?" Read the entire question carefully before you answer. If you are unsure, read it a second time.
People also sometimes fail because they rush through the test. You have plenty of time to answer 35 questions carefully. If a question confuses you, mark it mentally and come back to it after you finish the others. This way you do not waste time stuck on one question when you could be answering the ones you know.
What happens if you fail and need to retake it
If you score below 28 correct answers, you fail the test. You will see your score when ready on the computer screen. You can retake the test the same day at most Chicago Secretary of State offices, but you must pay the testing fee again and wait for an available testing booth.
Before you retake the test, spend 30 minutes to an hour reviewing the sections of the handbook that cover the topics you struggled with. Ask the office staff which topics appeared most on the test you just took, if they can tell you. Focus your second study session on those areas.
If you fail a second time, take a longer break before trying again. Go home, study the handbook more thoroughly, and come back in a few days. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the handbook carefully between tries.
Chicago Secretary of State office locations and hours
Chicago has multiple Secretary of State offices where you can take the written test. The main downtown office is located at 100 West Randolph Street. There are also offices on the North Side, South Side, and West Side. You can find the full list of locations and hours on cyberdriveillinois.com.
Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours change seasonally and some offices close for holidays. Many offices allow you to schedule a test appointment online, which can save you wait time.
If you cannot reach a Chicago office, you can take the test at any Secretary of State office in Illinois. The test is the same everywhere, and your results transfer to any office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone or notes during the test?
No. You cannot bring any study materials, notes, phones, or electronic devices into the testing area. The testing room is monitored, and using unauthorized materials will result in an automatic failure and may prevent you from retaking the test for a period of time.
How many times can I retake the test if I keep failing?
Illinois does not set a limit on the number of times you can retake the written test. However, if you fail multiple times, the Secretary of State may require you to wait a certain period before your next attempt or may ask you to complete a driver training course. Contact your local Chicago office for details about your specific situation.
Is the test the same if I take it in a different language?
Yes. The test covers the same 35 questions and requires the same 80 percent score regardless of which language you choose. The questions are translated directly from the English version, so the content and difficulty are identical.
What if I pass the written test but fail the road test later?
Your written test score remains valid for a set period (typically one year in Illinois). You can retake the road test without retaking the written test during that time. Check with the Secretary of State office about the exact expiration date of your written test score.
Do I need to study if I already have a driver license from another state?
Yes. Even if you hold a valid driver license from another state, Illinois requires you to pass the written test to get an Illinois license. Illinois traffic laws and road signs are the same as other states in most cases, but the test focuses specifically on Illinois rules, so study the Illinois Driver Handbook.