State Guide
Illinois Permit Test 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your Illinois instruction permit — from enrolling in driver's education to walking out of the Secretary of State facility with your permit in hand. This guide covers the GDL system, eligibility, required documents, fees, the written test, and how to prepare. Ready to start practicing? Take a free Illinois permit practice test.
Who Can Get an Instruction Permit
To apply for an instruction permit in Illinois, you must be at least 15 years old. However, there are additional requirements based on your age:
Under 17 years, 3 months
You must be enrolled in or within 30 days of starting an approved driver education course. Driver's ed is mandatory for this age group.
17 years, 3 months or older
Driver's education is not required. You can apply for a permit and take the written test without completing a driver's ed course.
If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application to give consent. They'll need to accompany you to the Secretary of State facility or provide notarized consent.
Residency: You must be an Illinois resident. You'll need to provide documents proving your identity and Illinois address.
Driver's Education Requirements
In Illinois, driver's education is required if you are under 17 years and 3 months old. This is not optional — you cannot get a permit without being enrolled in an approved course.
Illinois driver's education courses include:
Classroom Instruction
30 hours
Covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and Illinois-specific rules from the Rules of the Road.
Behind-the-Wheel Training
6 hours
Practical driving instruction with a certified instructor in a dual-control vehicle.
Driver's education courses are offered through high schools and private driving schools. Online driver's education is not accepted in Illinois — you must complete an in-person course.
When can you get your permit? You can apply for an instruction permit once you are enrolled in driver's ed or within 30 days of starting the course. You don't need to complete the course before getting your permit.
Fees and What You Pay For
The Illinois instruction permit costs $20. This fee covers:
Processing your application
The written knowledge test
Issuing your permit
If you fail the written test, you can retake it. There may be a small fee for retests — check with your local Secretary of State facility.
Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card at most facilities.
Documents You Need
You'll need to bring documents that prove your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and Illinois residency:
1. Proof of identity and date of birth
Original or certified copy of: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other acceptable identity document. Photocopies are not accepted.
2. Proof of Social Security number
Your Social Security card, W-2, or a pay stub with your full SSN.
3. Proof of Illinois residency
Two documents showing your Illinois address: utility bills, bank statements, school records, insurance documents, or other official mail.
4. Proof of signature (if under 18)
Parent or legal guardian must sign the application. They may need to be present or provide notarized consent.
If under 17 years, 3 months: Bring proof of enrollment in an approved driver's education course. This could be a letter from your school or driving school confirming your enrollment.
For a complete list of acceptable documents, visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.
What Happens at the Secretary of State Facility
Here's what a typical visit looks like, in order:
1. Check in
When you arrive, take a number or check in at the information desk. Let them know you're there to apply for an instruction permit.
2. Submit documents
You'll hand over your identity, residency, and driver's ed enrollment documents. The clerk will verify them and confirm your eligibility.
3. Pay the fee
Pay the $20 application fee. Keep your receipt.
4. Vision test
You'll take a basic vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, keep them on.
5. Written test
You'll take the 35-question written test. This covers traffic signs, signals, and rules from the Illinois Rules of the Road.
6. Photo and permit
If you pass, your photo will be taken and your instruction permit will be issued.
The whole process typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how busy the facility is.
The Vision Test
The vision screening happens at the service counter. You'll look into a viewing device and read letters or identify symbols.
Illinois requires a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, keep them on during the test.
If you pass the vision test with corrective lenses, your permit will have a restriction indicating that you must wear them while driving.
Your Photo
Your photo is taken after you pass the written test. This photo will appear on your instruction permit and eventually on your driver's license. You'll be asked to remove glasses, hats, and head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons).
The Written Knowledge Test
The Illinois written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. All questions are based on the Illinois Rules of the Road.
The test includes questions on:
Traffic sign identification (shape, color, meaning)
Traffic signals and pavement markings
Right-of-way rules
Speed limits and safe following distances
Passing, turning, and lane changes
Alcohol and drug laws
Emergency situations
Illinois-specific traffic laws
The test is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and Korean.
Test Format
The Illinois permit test consists of 35 questions broken into two parts:
Sign Identification
15 questions
You'll be shown traffic signs and asked to identify their meaning based on shape, color, or symbols.
Rules of the Road
20 questions
Multiple-choice and true/false questions covering traffic laws, safe driving practices, and Illinois-specific rules.
The test is typically taken on a computer touchscreen. There is no time limit, so take your time to read each question carefully.
Passing Score and Results
To pass the Illinois permit test, you must answer at least 28 out of 35 questions correctly. That's an 80% passing threshold — you can miss up to 7 questions and still pass.
Passing Requirement
28 of 35 correct
80% passing score — you can miss up to 7 questions
When the test ends, you'll see whether you passed or failed. If you passed, proceed to have your photo taken and receive your instruction permit.
After You Pass
When you pass the written test, you'll have your photo taken and receive your instruction permit. You can start supervised driving practice immediately.
Supervision requirements: You must always be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. They must sit in the front passenger seat beside you.
Practice driving: Before you can get your driver's license, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. Keep a driving log signed by your supervising adult to document your hours.
Your permit is valid for two years. You must hold it for at least 9 months before you can apply for a driver's license.
If You Don't Pass
If you fail the written test, you can retake it. You'll typically need to wait until the next day and may need to pay a small retest fee.
There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. However, you'll need to study more thoroughly before each attempt.
The test questions come from a large pool, so you'll see different questions each time. Study the Illinois Rules of the Road carefully, paying special attention to traffic signs and right-of-way rules.
Instruction Permit Rules
Your instruction permit is valid for two years. During this time, you must follow these rules:
Supervision: Always drive with a licensed adult (21+) in the front passenger seat.
No solo driving: You cannot drive alone under any circumstances.
Carry your permit: Have your instruction permit with you whenever you drive.
Seat belts: All occupants must wear seat belts.
No cell phones: Cell phone use is prohibited for all drivers under 19, even with hands-free devices.
You must hold your permit for at least 9 months, complete your driver's education course (if required), and log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before applying for your driver's license.
Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing
Illinois uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system to help new drivers gain experience gradually while reducing crash risk. The system has three phases:
| Phase | Age | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Phase | 15+ | Supervised driving only, 9-month minimum |
| Initial License | 16-17 | Curfew & passenger restrictions apply |
| Full License | 18+ | Most restrictions removed (21 for no GDL) |
The GDL system has been highly effective. Illinois has seen significant reductions in teen driver crashes since implementing these graduated restrictions.
Initial Licensing Phase (Ages 16-17)
Once you pass the driving test and receive your driver's license at age 16 or 17, you enter the Initial Licensing Phase. This phase includes important restrictions:
Nighttime Curfew
Sunday-Thursday: No driving from 10 PM to 6 AM
Friday-Saturday: No driving from 11 PM to 6 AM
(Local curfews may differ — check your municipality)
Passenger Restriction
For the first 12 months (or until you turn 18, whichever comes first): maximum of one passenger under age 20, unless the passenger is a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild.
Cell Phone Ban
No cell phone use while driving, including hands-free devices. This applies to all drivers under 19 (except in emergencies).
Moving Violations
A moving violation conviction in the first 12 months extends the passenger restriction by 6 months.
After the first 12 months, passenger limits change: one passenger in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.
Full Licensing Phase
At age 18, you can move to the Full Licensing Phase — but only if you've maintained a conviction-free driving record for 6 months prior to turning 18.
Ages 18-20: Most age-related restrictions are removed, but:
Cell phone use while driving is still prohibited for drivers under 19.
Zero tolerance for alcohol — any measurable amount results in license suspension.
Age 21+: You are no longer in the GDL system. You have a full, unrestricted Illinois driver's license with no GDL-related restrictions.
Illinois Rules of the Road
The Illinois Rules of the Road is the official study guide for the written test. Every question on the exam is based on information in this handbook.
The handbook covers:
Illinois traffic laws and regulations
Traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings
Right-of-way rules
Safe driving practices
Alcohol and drug laws (DUI)
Special driving situations
Vehicle registration and insurance requirements
The handbook is available online as a free PDF. You can also pick up a printed copy at any Secretary of State facility. It's available in multiple languages.
Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare. They help you identify weak areas and get comfortable with the question format.
DMV Question Bank practice tests: For thorough preparation, take Illinois permit practice tests on DMV Question Bank. The question bank covers all topics from the Rules of the Road and simulates the real test experience. Practice until you're consistently scoring above 90%.
Study strategy: Read through the Rules of the Road, then take practice tests. Review the sections where you miss questions, then test again. Pay special attention to traffic signs — 15 of the 35 questions focus on sign identification.
Quick Reference
| Minimum permit age | 15 years old |
| Application fee | $20 |
| Written test questions | 35 (15 signs + 20 rules) |
| Passing score | 28 correct (80%) |
| Test format | Computer, multiple choice/true-false |
| Test languages | English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, +7 |
| Permit validity | 2 years |
| Min. holding period | 9 months |
| Supervised hours required | 50 total, 10 at night |
| Supervisor min. age | 21 years old |
| Driving log required | Yes |
| Driver's ed required | Yes (if under 17 yrs 3 mo) |
| Driver's ed hours | 30 classroom + 6 behind-the-wheel |
| Online driver's ed | Not accepted |
| Curfew (Sun-Thu) | 10pm-6am |
| Curfew (Fri-Sat) | 11pm-6am |
| Passenger limit | 1 under 20 (first 12 months) |
| Cell phone use | Prohibited (under 19) |
| Full license age | 18 (21 for no GDL restrictions) |
| Online test available | No (in-person only) |