Illinois permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 63 Illinois numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

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  • Alcohol & drugs

    In Illinois, it is illegal for an adult to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of:

    .08% or more

    It is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08% or more. You can still be convicted of DUI below .08% if your driving is impaired, so the only safe choice is not to drink and drive.

    2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 51

  • Fines, points & penalties

    What are Illinois' minimum liability insurance limits?

    $25,000 per person injured, $50,000 per crash, $20,000 property damage

    Every vehicle in Illinois must carry liability insurance of at least $25,000 for one person's injury or death, $50,000 for more than one person, and $20,000 for property damage.

    2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 101

  • Speed limits

    Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit on Illinois interstates and tollways?

    70 mph

    Unless signs say otherwise, Illinois interstates and tollways are 70 mph.

    2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 27

Every Illinois number, by topic

Official test facts and Illinois laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversilga.gov
Quote
the alcohol concentration in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or breath is 0.08 or more based on the definition of blood and breath units in Section 11-501.2
0%BAC limit for underage driversilga.gov
Quote
if the person submits to the test or tests provided in paragraph (a) of this Section and the alcohol concentration in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or breath is greater than 0.00 and less than 0.08, a suspension of the person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehicleilga.gov
Quote
Operating a commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration of the person's blood, breath, other bodily substance, or urine is at least 0.04
one yearDrunk driving (DUI)Conviction brings mandatory license revocation, with no reinstatement application for at least one yearilga.gov
Quote
the person may make application for a license (A) after the expiration of one year from the effective date of the revocation
6-monthDrunk driving (DUI)Failing a chemical test (0.08+) as a first offender also brings a 6-month statutory summary suspensionilga.gov
Quote
six months from the effective date of the statutory summary suspension imposed following the person's submission to a chemical test which disclosed an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more
12 monthsDrunk driving (DUI)Refusing a chemical test brings an automatic statutory summary suspension of 12 months for a first offenderilga.gov
Quote
twelve months from the effective date of the statutory summary suspension for a refusal or failure to complete a test or tests to determine the alcohol, other drug, or intoxicating compound concentration under Section 11-501.1
.08%In Illinois, it is illegal for an adult to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of:Answer: .08% or more2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 51
Quote
It is illegal to drive if your BAC is .08% or more.
One yearA first-time offender arrested for DUI in Illinois refuses chemical testing. How long is the statutory summary suspension?Answer: One year2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 52
Quote
If you refuse to submit to chemical testing, your driving privileges will be suspended for one year.
Six monthsA first-time offender's chemical test shows a BAC of .08% or more. How long is the Illinois statutory summary suspension?Answer: Six months2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 52
Quote
your driving privileges will be suspended for six months
one yearWhat is the minimum penalty for a first DUI conviction in Illinois?Answer: Revocation of driving privileges for at least one year2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 53
Quote
A first conviction results in a minimum one-year revocation.
Two yearsA driver under 21 is convicted of DUI for the first time in Illinois. What is the minimum revocation?Answer: Two years2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 55
Quote
If you are under age 21 and convicted of DUI, you face the revocation of your driving privileges for a minimum of two years for a first conviction.
three monthsUnder Illinois' zero-tolerance law, what happens to a driver under 21 found with any trace of alcohol while driving?Answer: Driving privileges are suspended for at least three months2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 55
Quote
If you are under age 21 and found to have any trace of alcohol in your system while operating a motor vehicle, you will have your driving privileges suspended for a minimum of three months.

Fines, points & penalties

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$75 · $100 second · $125 · $150Phone useMaximum fines: $75 first offense, $100 second, $125 third, $150 fourth or laterilga.gov
Quote
A violation of this Section is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. A person who violates this Section shall be fined a maximum of $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense
$25Seat beltsFine up to $25 (petty offense)ilga.gov
Quote
A violation of this Section shall be a petty offense and subject to a fine not to exceed $25.
$250 to $10,000Move Over lawScott's Law fine: $250 to $10,000 for a first violationilga.gov
Quote
A person who violates subsection (c) of this Section commits a business offense punishable by a fine of not less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first violation
$25,000 · $50,000 · $20,000What are Illinois' minimum liability insurance limits?Answer: $25,000 per person injured, $50,000 per crash, $20,000 property damage2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 101
Quote
$25,000 for injury or death of one person in a crash. • $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in a crash. • $20,000 for damage to property of another person.
three months · $100What is the penalty for a conviction for driving without the required insurance in Illinois?Answer: Loss of driving privileges for at least three months and a $100 reinstatement fee2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 58
Quote
Individuals convicted of mandatory insurance violations will lose their driving privileges for a minimum of three months and be required to pay a $100 reinstatement fee, with no driving permit available.
$300What is the penalty for a first conviction of passing a stopped Illinois school bus with its lights flashing and stop arm out?Answer: License suspension, a $300 mandatory fine and community service2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 36
Quote
you will be subject to a mandatory fine of $300 and community service in an amount set by the court
$1,500 · $500You are in a crash in Illinois and no police officer is at the scene. Besides any crash that injures or kills someone, you must notify police right away if property damage is more than:Answer: $1,500 (or $500 if any vehicle is uninsured)Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department website
Quote
results in damage to the property of any person, including the driver, in excess of $1,500 (or $500 if any of the vehicles involved in the accident is subject to Section 7-601 but is not covered by a liability insurance policy)

Speed limits

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 mphSpeed limits: Business & residence districts30 mph (urban district)ilga.gov
Quote
Unless some other speed restriction is established under this Chapter, the maximum speed limit in an urban district for all vehicles is: 1. 30 miles per hour; and 2. 15 miles per hour in an alley.
70 mphUnless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit on Illinois interstates and tollways?Answer: 70 mph2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 27
Quote
Interstates and tollways — 70 mph.
30 mphUnless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in Illinois city and town areas?Answer: 30 mph2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 27
Quote
City/town areas — 30 mph.
15 mphWhat is the Illinois speed limit in an alley unless otherwise posted?Answer: 15 mph2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 27
Quote
City/town areas — 30 mph. • Alleys — 15 mph.

Distances & following gaps

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
500 feetYou drive past a crash where a stopped ambulance has its lights flashing. Illinois law bans taking photos and using a phone, except in certain circumstances, within how many feet of an emergency scene like this?Answer: 500 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 28
Quote
Illinois law prohibits photography and the use of wireless/cellphones within 500 feet of an emergency scene, except in certain circumstances.
100 feetIn an Illinois business or residential district, how far before a turn must you start a continuous turn signal?Answer: At least 100 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 33
Quote
In a business or residential area, you must give a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning.
200 feetYou are on a rural Illinois highway outside any business or residential area. How far ahead must you signal a turn?Answer: At least 200 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 33
Quote
In other areas, the signal must be given at least 200 feet before turning.
500 feetIn Illinois, when may you make a U-turn on a curve or hill?Answer: Only if you can see at least 500 feet in all directions2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 35
Quote
You must not turn around on curves and hills unless you can see for at least 500 feet in all directions.
200 feetWhen passing on a two-lane Illinois highway, you must return to your lane before coming within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?Answer: 200 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 31
Quote
You must return to your lane before getting within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
100 feetOn a two-lane, two-way Illinois road, passing is not allowed within how many feet of an intersection or railroad crossing?Answer: 100 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 32
Quote
Within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing.
three-secondWhat rule does the Illinois handbook recommend for keeping a safe following distance in good conditions?Answer: The three-second rule2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 86
Quote
Use the three-second rule to determine a safe following distance.
three to four secondsHow much following distance does the Illinois handbook say to leave behind a motorcycle?Answer: At least three to four seconds2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 45
Quote
Allow at least three to four seconds following distance when behind a motorcycle
3 feetWhen passing a bicyclist in Illinois, how much space must you leave?Answer: At least 3 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 46
Quote
When passing a bicyclist, motorists must do so slowly and leave at least 3 feet of passing space from the edge of the vehicle’s side mirror.
15 and 50 feetThe lights are flashing at a railroad crossing. How far from the tracks must you stop in Illinois?Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 36
Quote
When approaching a railroad crossing, you must stop within 15-50 feet if there is a posted stop sign, if the electric signal is flashing, or if the crossing gate is lowered.
1,000 feetBesides sunset to sunrise and when wipers are needed, when do Illinois rules say headlights should be on?Answer: When you cannot see objects 1,000 feet away2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 95
Quote
They should also be used when objects 1,000 feet away cannot be seen.
50 feetAfter a crash, power lines fall on your car and fire forces you to leave. How should you get away?Answer: Jump clear without touching car and ground together, then hop or shuffle 50 feet away2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 91
Quote
land on both feet and hop or shuffle while keeping your arms close to your body for a distance of 50 feet away from the vehicle.
4 feetIn an urban area, a white stop line is usually painted how far before the crosswalk?Answer: About 4 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 83
Quote
The line is usually 4 feet before the crosswalk in an urban area.

Parking

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetIn Illinois, you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?Answer: 15 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 38
Quote
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
20 feetIllinois law prohibits parking within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?Answer: 20 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 39
Quote
Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway or crosswalk at an intersection.
30 feetHow close to a STOP sign, YIELD sign or traffic signal may you park in Illinois?Answer: No closer than 30 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 39
Quote
Within 30 feet of a STOP sign, YIELD sign, or traffic control signal.
50 feetIn Illinois, you may not park within how many feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing?Answer: 50 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 39
Quote
Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.

Ages, permits & the test

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
35Questions on the testilga.gov
Quote
An applicant for a Class D license will be required to take a written test consisting of a minimum of 35 questions, of which 80% percent must be answered correctly in order to be eligible for a Class D license.
80%Passing scoreilga.gov
Quote
An applicant for a Class D license will be required to take a written test consisting of a minimum of 35 questions, of which 80% percent must be answered correctly in order to be eligible for a Class D license.
$20Feeilsos.gov
Quote
Instruction Permit (Class D) – Original *If you receive your license prior to the expiration of your instruction permit, you may not need to pay an additional fee. $20
under 19Phone useDrivers under 19 with a permit or graduated license may not use a phone at all, even hands-free, except in an emergencyilga.gov
Quote
A person under the age of 19 years who holds an instruction permit issued under Section 6-105 or 6-107.1, or a person under the age of 19 years who holds a graduated license issued under Section 6-107, may not drive a vehicle on a roadway while using a wireless phone.
50 hours · 10 hoursHow much supervised practice driving must an Illinois driver under 18 complete before getting a license?Answer: 50 hours, including 10 hours at night2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 19
Quote
Illinois law requires drivers under age 18 to have at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel supervised driving, including 10 hours of nighttime supervised driving
age 21 · one yearOutside of driver education, who may supervise an Illinois permit holder while they practise?Answer: A licensed parent, guardian or adult age 21 or older with at least one year of driving experience2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 19
Quote
legal guardian, or responsible adult who is age 21 or older, has a valid license, and has at least one year of driving experience
six-hourYou are 19 and have never had a license or taken driver education. What must you complete before getting an Illinois license?Answer: A six-hour Adult Driver Education Course from a state-certified provider2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 21
Quote
If you are age 18, 19, or 20 and have not previously been licensed or completed an approved driver education program, you must complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.
17 years · 3 monthsAt what age can an Illinois teen apply for an instruction permit without taking a driver education course?Answer: 17 years and 3 months or older2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 19
Quote
If you are age 17 and 3 months or older, you may apply for an instruction permit without taking a driver education course.
80% · at least 35Under Illinois rules, how is the Class D written test for a car license scored?Answer: At least 80% correct on a test of at least 35 questionsIllinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department website
Quote
An applicant for a Class D license will be required to take a written test consisting of a minimum of 35 questions, of which 80% percent must be answered correctly
90 daysYou move to Illinois with a valid license from another state. How long can you keep driving on it?Answer: 90 days, or until it expires if that comes first2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 8
Quote
You must obtain an Illinois license within 90 days or before your driver’s license expires, whichever comes first.
30 daysA 20-year-old is convicted of two moving violations within 24 months. What does Illinois law require?Answer: A driver's license suspension of at least 30 days2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 23
Quote
A driver under age 21 convicted of two or more moving violations within a 24-month period will face a minimum 30-day suspension of their driver’s license.
age 19Under Illinois law, which drivers may use a hands-free or Bluetooth phone while driving?Answer: Drivers age 19 and older2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 25
Quote
Hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology is allowed for persons age 19 and older.
age 8Who must wear a safety belt in Illinois?Answer: All drivers and passengers age 8 and older, front and back seats2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 26
Quote
Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers (front and back seats) age 8 and older to wear safety belts, even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags.
under age 8Under the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act, which children must ride in a child safety restraint system?Answer: All children under age 82026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 26
Quote
The Child Passenger Protection Act requires all children under age 8 to be properly secured in an appropriate child safety restraint system.

Time limits & deadlines

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,500 · $500CrashesCauses property damage over $1,500 (over $500 if any vehicle involved is uninsured)ilga.gov
Quote
results in damage to the property of any person, including the driver, in excess of $1,500 (or $500 if any of the vehicles involved in the accident is subject to Section 7-601 but is not covered by a liability insurance policy)
one-half hourCrashesA driver who failed to stop must report to police within one-half hourilga.gov
Quote
as soon as possible but in no case later than one-half hour after such motor vehicle crash
10 daysAfter you move, how soon must you notify the Illinois Secretary of State of your new address?Answer: Within 10 days2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 9
Quote
You must notify the Secretary of State’s office of an address change within 10 days of any move by:
24 hours · seven daysWhen must you obey a posted Illinois construction zone speed limit?Answer: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whether or not workers are present2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 28
Quote
Motorists must obey the posted construction zone speed limit 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of the presence of workers.
one-half hourA driver is involved in an Illinois crash that injures someone but fails to stop at the scene. By law, how soon must that driver report the crash at a police station or sheriff's office near the crash?Answer: No later than one-half hour after the crashIllinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department website
Quote
as soon as possible but in no case later than one-half hour after such motor vehicle crash

Seat belts, lights & equipment

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
40 lbSeat beltsA child over 40 lb may use a lap belt alone in a back seat with no shoulder beltilga.gov
Quote
he or she shall be responsible for properly securing the child in a rear-facing child restraint system, unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.
Age 2Under Illinois law, a child must ride in a rear-facing car seat until what age, unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are taller than 40 inches?Answer: Age 22026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 27
Quote
Illinois law requires children to be properly secured in a rear-facing child restraint system until age 2 unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are more than 40 inches tall.
6-inchHow much window tint does Illinois allow on the front windshield?Answer: Only a 6-inch strip along the top2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 95
Quote
Tinted windows are not allowed on the front windshield. A 6-inch strip of tinting is allowed along the entire length at the top of the front windshield.
200 feetUnder Illinois equipment rules, a car's horn must be loud enough to be heard from at least:Answer: 200 feet2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 95
Quote
Vehicles must have a horn that can be heard from 200 feet.

Memory tips

Straight from the handbook:

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Illinois permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 63 of them for Illinois, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the 2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, Illinois statutes or SOS pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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