Illinois driver handbook

Cited passages

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1. 14

   11 Driver’s License/State ID Card Fees * Driver’s License/Permit Instruction Permit .............................................................................................................. $20 Driver’s License, ages 18-20 ..............................................................................................

2. 16

   A vision screening and a written test are required for the issuance or renewal of all permits. You are allowed three attempts to pass each exam within one year from the date you paid your application fee.

3. 16

   Any applicant found cheating will fail the exam and be prohibited from retaking it for 30 days. Taking any part of the driver’s license exam for another person is a criminal offense punishable by a fine and a mandatory minimum seven days in jail.

4. 18

   Applicants needing interpreter service should request in advance of their visit to the facility by calling 312-814-5683 or 888-261-5238 (TTY, NexTalk). • Oral examinations (for the written test) can be requested in person at any Secretary of State driver’s license facility, Monday through Thursday.

5. 19

   The instruction permit is valid for 24 months and must be held for at least nine consecutive months before obtaining a driver’s license if you are age 15-17. If you are age 17 and 3 months or older, you may apply for an instruction permit without taking a driver education course.

6. 19

   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, in addition to the driver education training, before being eligible to obtain a driver’s license at age 16. A driving log to track the supervised practice hours is available at ilsos.gov or in the Parent- Teen Driving Guide.

7. 2

   Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 At the Secretary of State’s office, road safety is our top priority. Whether you’re getting your first driver’s license or renewing one, the Rules of the Road is your essential guide to Illinois traffic laws and safe driving practices.

8. 2

   Illinois Rules of the Road 2026 At the Secretary of State’s office, road safety is our top priority. Whether you’re getting your first driver’s license or renewing one, the Rules of the Road is your essential guide to Illinois traffic laws and safe driving practices. Knowledge saves lives.

9. 21

   Graduated Driver Licensing Program Illinois’ Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program requires drivers ages 15-20 to work their way toward full-driving privileges. There are three progressive stages, usually beginning at age 15, when most young drivers obtain their learner’s permit.

10. 21

    Permit Phase — Drivers Age 15 • Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m.

11. 21

    A traffic conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase may extend restrictions beyond age 18. • For the first 12 months of licensing, or until the driver turns 18, whichever occurs first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20, unless the passenger(s) is a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild of the driver.

12. 22

    • Any wireless/cellphone use while driving, including a hands-free device, is prohibited for a driver under age 19, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider or emergency services agency. For more information about the GDL program, please refer to the Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing Program brochure at ilsos.gov.

13. 27

    • Alleys — 15 mph. • School zones — 20 mph (on school days between 6:30 a.m.

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    • City/town areas — 30 mph. • Alleys — 15 mph.

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    The following speed limits apply, unless otherwise posted: • Interstates and tollways — 70 mph.

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    Signaling In a business or residential area, you must give a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning. In other areas, the signal must be given at least 200 feet before turning.

17. 38

    • In front of a public or private driveway. • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

18. 38

    Parking for Electric Vehicles Some parking areas may have spaces equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles. Only electric vehicles are allowed to park in these designated spaces.

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    • On a paved roadway or highway outside business or residential districts, when it is practical to stop or park off the roadway. In an emergency, drivers may stop their vehicle and park only if there is a clear view of 200 feet in each direction.

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    • After parking and before opening vehicle doors, a motorist should first check for bicyclists. Drivers should consider reaching with their right hand to open the vehicle door, as this gives them a better opportunity to check their surroundings for oncoming vehicles and bicyclists.

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    the edge of the vehicle’s side mirror. If there is not 3 feet of passing space, drivers must wait to pass until they can do so safely. If a driver passes too close to a bicyclist and it results in a crash, the driver may face criminal charges. • Crowding or threatening a bicyclist is prohibited. • When following bicyclists, a driver should give

22. 46

    • Crowding or threatening a bicyclist is prohibited. • When following bicyclists, a driver should give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly.

23. 46

    a crash, the driver may face criminal charges. • Crowding or threatening a bicyclist is prohibited. • When following bicyclists, a driver should give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly. Extra caution should be used during bad weather. • High beam lights should not be used at night when approaching an oncoming bicyclist. • When a motorist is turning left

24. 51

    It is illegal to drive if your BAC is .08% or more. However, you can be convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if your BAC is less than .08% but your driving ability is impaired.

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    Drivers Under Age 21 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. 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.

26. 6

    105-106 This edition of the Illinois Rules of the Road is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. The booklet contains information you must know to pass the written test on traffic laws and signs to obtain basic driving privileges.

27. 88

    85 Rain Illinois law requires you to use your headlights when operating your windshield wipers. When rain begins to fall lightly, water, dust, oil, and leaves cause the roadway to become slippery.