About the Illinois Driving Exam
Enrolling in and attending a 30-hour classroom course is your first step in satisfying the requirements needed to pass the Illinois driving exam. Teenage drivers have the highest crash risk per mile traveled, compared to other drivers in older age groups. Young drivers tend to overestimate their driving abilities and underestimate the many dangers on the road. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws reduce this risk by making sure teens gradually build up driving experience under lower-risk conditions as they mature and develop skills. That means limiting nighttime driving, restricting teen passengers and making sure teens get lots of supervised practice. Graduated licensing has reduced teen crashes 10-30 percent on average.
When is the Final Exam?
The final Illinois driving exam is given on the last day of class and consists of 50 questions.
- True/False
- Multiple Choice
- Matching
What is the Minimum Grade Required to Pass the Illinois Driving Exam?
All students must earn 75% to pass the course, this is a state requirement. Since our course is accredited by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, our final exam is the Written Driver’s License Exam. Students will only be required to complete Road Test at time of Licensure. If the student requires any test modifications please inform the instructor ahead of time, so arrangements can be made.
Students Must Be In Good Standing at School
The Illinois Secretary of State requires that all students enrolled in a Driver Education program show proof that they are in good standing with their high school or home school program. To show proof, a signed Driver Education Verification Form is required, OR a copy of the student’s Report Card from the last two completed semesters.
The report card must also include:
- Students Name
- School Name
- School Year
Acceptable proof of grades include:
- Grade Verification Form
- Report Cards
- Transcripts
Illinois In-Vehicle Training Information
Parents or guardians can begin scheduling as soon as a student receives a driving permit. To receive the driving permit, students must visit the DMV and bring:
- Permit Application
- Proof of Residency
- Original Birth Certificate
- $20 application fee (cash or check)
Top Driver will provide students with a permit application in class to take home. Once signed, completed and a given to the DMV, in-vehicle training can be scheduled. We accept appointments online, by phone and at our education centers.
Top Driver Scheduling Recommendations
- Schedule 1 or 2 lessons per month
- Scheduling lessons during varied days and times
- Give us 24-hour notice for canceling or rescheduling lessons
Have your teen take the ultimate pledge by having them sign our teen driving contract. Interested in learning more about Top Driver teen programs? View our offerings in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. You can also contact Top Driver with any additional questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of the final Illinois driving exam at Top Driver?
The final exam is given on the last day of the 30-hour classroom course and consists of 50 questions in true/false, multiple choice, and matching formats. Because Top Driver's program is accredited by the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, this final serves as the Written Driver's License Exam. That means students only need to complete the Road Test at the time of licensure, not a separate written test at the DMV. If a student needs any test modifications, let the instructor know ahead of time so arrangements can be made.
What grade do I need to pass Illinois driver education?
Every student must earn at least 75% to pass the course. This minimum is set by the State of Illinois, not by Top Driver, so it applies across all accredited Illinois driver education programs. Pairing the classroom 30-hour requirement with the 75% grade requirement and good standing at school is how the Secretary of State confirms a teen is ready to move forward in the licensing process.
How does Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing reduce teen crash risk?
Teen drivers have the highest crash risk per mile traveled of any age group, partly because they tend to overestimate their skills and underestimate road hazards. Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) builds experience in lower-risk conditions first by limiting nighttime driving, restricting the number of teen passengers, and requiring lots of supervised practice. On average, GDL programs have cut teen crashes by 10 to 30 percent.
What proof of school standing do I need for Illinois driver ed?
The Illinois Secretary of State requires every driver education student to show they are in good standing with their high school or home school program. Acceptable documentation includes a signed Driver Education Verification Form, a Grade Verification Form, transcripts, or report cards from the last two completed semesters. The report card must list the student's name, the school's name, and the school year. Without this paperwork on file, you cannot move forward in the course.
What do I need to bring to the Illinois DMV to get my learner's permit?
Bring the permit application (Top Driver provides one in class to take home), proof of residency, your original birth certificate, and the $20 application fee in cash or check. Once the application is signed, completed, and submitted to the DMV, you can start scheduling in-vehicle training lessons with Top Driver online, by phone, or at any education center. Parents or guardians can begin scheduling as soon as the permit is issued.
How should I space out my Top Driver in-vehicle lessons?
We recommend scheduling one or two lessons per month and varying the days and times so the teen experiences different traffic, weather, and lighting conditions. Spread-out practice gives the new driver time to absorb feedback between lessons rather than cramming. If you need to cancel or reschedule, give us at least 24 hours' notice. Having your teen sign the Top Driver teen driving contract is also a strong way to reinforce the habits we teach in the car.
