The Illinois permit test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass
The written permit test in Illinois is administered by the Secretary of State's office and covers road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. All test-takers answer the same number of questions regardless of age or driving experience. The test is offered at driver services facilities across the state, and you can take it on a computer at the testing station.
The passing score is 80 percent, which means you must get 28 out of 35 questions right. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test, though there may be a waiting period between attempts depending on your location.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois permit test contains exactly 35 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving.
- You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass and move forward with your permit.
- The test is taken on a computer at a Secretary of State driver services facility, not online from home.
- If you do not pass, you can retake the test after a waiting period, which varies by location.
What the test covers
The 35 questions draw from Illinois traffic laws and the rules of the road. You will see questions about right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and what to do at traffic signals and stop signs. The test also includes questions about road signs — what they mean, what shape they are, and when you need to follow them.
Questions also cover safe driving practices, such as how to handle skids, what to do if your brakes fail, and the dangers of distracted driving. Some questions ask about vehicle maintenance and when you should have your car inspected. The test does not require you to memorize specific numbers or dates, but it does require you to understand the reasoning behind the rules.
How the test is administered
You take the permit test at a Secretary of State driver services facility in your county or a nearby county. The test is given on a computer, and you sit at a station with a monitor and keyboard. A staff member will check your identification and walk you through how to use the testing system before you begin.
You have a set amount of time to complete the test — typically 30 minutes, though the exact time limit may vary by location. You can review your answers before you submit the test. Once you submit, the computer scores it when ready and tells you whether you passed or failed.
Retaking the test if you do not pass
If you score below 28 correct answers, you do not receive your permit. You will be told your score and which topics gave you the most trouble. You can retake the test, but there is usually a waiting period — often a few days to a week — before you can test again at the same facility.
Some facilities allow you to retake the test the same day if you fail, while others require you to wait and schedule another appointment. Call the driver services facility where you plan to test to find out their specific retesting policy. Bring the same documents you brought the first time, including your identification and proof of residency.
Preparing for the test
The Illinois Secretary of State publishes a study guide called the Illinois Rules of the Road, which covers all the material on the permit test. This guide is free and available online on the Secretary of State website, and you can also pick up a printed copy at any driver services facility. Reading through it once or twice before you test will help you recognize the concepts and rules the test asks about.
Many people also use practice tests to get used to the format and the types of questions asked. Practice tests show you what a multiple-choice question on the permit test looks like and help you build confidence before the real test. The more familiar you are with the material and the testing format, the more likely you are to pass on your first attempt.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the written test, you receive a permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. In Illinois, this is called a Learner's Permit. You will need to hold this permit for a certain amount of time and log a certain number of supervised driving hours before you can take the road test for your license.
The permit itself is valid for a set period — usually several years — so you do not need to retake the written test if you do not pass the road test on your first try. You only need to retake the written test if your permit expires before you pass the road test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test online from home?
No. The Illinois permit test must be taken in person at a Secretary of State driver services facility. You cannot take it online or by mail. You will need to schedule an appointment or walk in during hours when testing is offered at your local facility.
What if I fail the test by just a few points?
If you score 27 or lower, you do not pass, regardless of how close you came to 28. You will need to retake the test after the waiting period. Use the feedback about which topics you missed to study those areas more carefully before your next attempt.
Do I need to bring anything to the test besides my ID?
You need a valid ID and proof of residency, just as you did when you applied for the permit. Bring the same documents you brought to your initial appointment. The facility will check these again before you sit down to test.
How long does it take to get results?
You get your score when ready after you finish the test. The computer tells you right away whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you walk out with your permit the same day.