Practice test 1 of 10 — Illinois permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: B. Get ready to slow down to a lower limit

   This sign means a lower speed limit is coming up. Get ready to slow down to the new limit.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

2. Question 2: D. At least 3 feet

   Pass slowly and "leave at least 3 feet of passing space from the edge of the vehicle's side mirror."

   Handbook: Chapter 5: Sharing the Road — Bicycles

3. Question 3: B. The car going straight

   A driver turning left yields to an oncoming car going straight, so let it go first.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

4. Question 4: D. Stop, call 911, and help if you can

   Stop, call 911, and give help you are able to give. Do not move injured people unless they are in danger.

   Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Crashes

5. Question 5: C. Traffic will soon come toward you on this road

   The two-way traffic sign warns that oncoming traffic will soon use the same road as you.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

6. Question 6: C. Near schools, parks, and playgrounds

   Children near schools, parks and playgrounds may run into the road without looking.

   Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Pedestrians

7. Question 7: A. Wait until they have crossed

   People who are still in the crosswalk when your light turns green have the right-of-way. Wait for them to cross.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

8. Question 8: C. Stop fully, then go when it is safe

   Treat a flashing red light like a stop sign. Stop fully, then go when it is safe.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

9. Question 9: C. The seconds left to finish crossing

   A countdown signal shows how many seconds are left for people to finish crossing before the signal changes.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

10. Question 10: A. No closer than 15 feet

    Standing or parking is prohibited "Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant" in Illinois.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Prohibited Stopping, Standing or Parking

11. Question 11: D. Pull off the road and turn on hazards

    Pull off the road as far as you can and turn on your hazard lights so others can see you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Breakdowns

12. Question 12: A. In the exit lane, after leaving the main lanes

    Keep your speed in the main lanes and slow down once you are in the exit lane.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Highway driving

13. Question 13: B. The road curves to the right ahead

    This curve sign means the road bends to the right ahead. Slow down before you reach the curve.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

14. Question 14: B. You cannot see what is over the top

    You cannot see past the top of a hill, so slow down in case a car or object is stopped on the other side.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

15. Question 15: A. Get out and walk away at an angle toward the train

    Get out at once and walk away from the tracks at an angle toward the train, so debris thrown forward in the crash will not hit you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Railroad emergencies

16. Question 16: B. It is a slow-moving vehicle

    An orange triangle with a red border marks a slow-moving vehicle, such as a tractor.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Slow-moving vehicles

17. Question 17: D. No, no vehicle may park there

    The striped area is part of the reserved space, and vehicles "may not use this striped area for parking, even if they have a parking placard."

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Parking

18. Question 18: A. No closer than 20 feet

    Standing or parking is prohibited "Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway or crosswalk at an intersection."

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Prohibited Stopping, Standing or Parking

19. Question 19: D. Directions, exits and distances

    Green guide signs show directions, exits and how far it is to places ahead.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

20. Question 20: A. All construction zones are no-passing zones

    Passing is not allowed in a construction zone: "All construction zones in Illinois are no passing zones."

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Passing

21. Question 21: C. The lane is reserved, such as for carpools

    A white diamond marks a reserved lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane, that only some vehicles may use.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

22. Question 22: B. Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas

    Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas and let the car slow down before you brake gently.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Tire failure

23. Question 23: B. You cannot see as far or as clearly

    At night you cannot see as far or as clearly, so it is harder to spot hazards in time.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

24. Question 24: A. After a full stop, unless a sign forbids it

    Generally you may turn right on red after a full stop if no sign forbids it and you yield to people and traffic.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

25. Question 25: C. 200 feet

    Signal for at least 100 feet in a business or residential area; "In other areas, the signal must be given at least 200 feet before turning."

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Signaling

26. Question 26: A. Yes, there is usually an unmarked crosswalk

    At most intersections there is an unmarked crosswalk even with no painted lines, and you must yield to people using it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

27. Question 27: A. Your side vision narrows

    The faster you go, the more your field of view narrows, so you may miss hazards to the side.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

28. Question 28: C. 243 feet

    At 55 mph a car travels about 81 feet each second, so the table gives "243 feet back" for three seconds.

    Handbook: Chapter 11: Safe Driving Tips — Following Distances

29. Question 29: C. It needs much more distance to stop

    A loaded truck needs much more distance to stop than a car, so it may not be able to stop for you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Large trucks and buses

30. Question 30: D. About 4 feet

    A white stop line "is usually 4 feet before the crosswalk in an urban area" and shows where you must stop.

    Handbook: Chapter 10: Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings — Pavement Markings

31. Question 31: C. Away from the curb

    Facing uphill with a curb, turn the wheels away from the curb so the tire rests against it if the car rolls back.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Parking on hills

32. Question 32: C. As an all-way stop

    When traffic signals are not working, "you must always treat the intersection as an all-way stop by coming to a complete stop."

    Handbook: Chapter 10: Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings — Traffic Signals

33. Question 33: D. Your tires cannot push water away fast enough

    At higher speed, tires cannot clear the water fast enough and can ride up on a thin layer of it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

34. Question 34: D. You may take more risks

    Strong feelings make you take more risks and pay less attention, so wait until you are calm before you drive.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

35. Question 35: C. The lower limit applies while lights flash

    With a "when flashing" plaque, the lower school speed limit applies while the yellow lights are flashing.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs