What to Know About Illinois Road Test Requirements
New drivers in Illinois are required to take a road test exam in a vehicle that matches the size and weight classification of the driver’s license they’re applying for. To ensure a successful road test experience, let’s dive into what is on the Illinois road test and how to prepare.
How to Prepare for Illinois Road Test
Before taking your Illinois road test, it’s crucial to feel confident behind the wheel and have a solid understanding of traffic laws and regulations. Teen drivers in Illinois are required to complete a Driver’s Education course, which includes both classroom instruction and in-car training with a certified instructor. The Illinois Secretary of State outlines the specific requirements to become eligible for your road test, including any necessary driving hours and age restrictions.
Click here to learn more about Drivers Ed with Top Driver
Once you have achieved the Illinois state requirements, you’re eligible to schedule your road test.
What documents do you need to bring to your road test?
Drivers age 16 and 17 will need to bring the following with them to their Illinois Road Test:
- Valid ID
- Instruction Permit Number (Visit www.ilsos.gov/deccheck to confirm eligibility)
- Learner’s permit
- 50 Hours practice driving log
- Proof of vehicle registration and insurance
- Parent or legal guardian (If minors are not accompanied by a parent/guardian they will need to bring a notarized Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive form)
To learn more about acceptable forms of identification and paperwork requirements for adult drivers (18+), please visit: www.ilsos.gov/services/newresidentschecklist.html
Vehicle Requirements for Illinois Road Test
To take a driving exam in Illinois, the vehicle you provide must:
- Be a properly licensed vehicle equipped for the driver’s license classification you are seeking.
- Comply with Secretary of State vehicle condition standards.
- Be properly insured. Proof of insurance must be provided prior to the exam.
- Display valid front and rear Illinois license plates and a valid registration sticker. If
the vehicle is registered outside of Illinois, it must meet the registration requirements of the respective state. - Be driven to the facility by a driver who has a valid driver’s license/permit.
During the Illinois driving exam, the driver and the examiner must wear safety belts, as required by law. You will automatically fail the exam if you violate any traffic law or commit any dangerous activities while taking the exam.
What maneuvers are required on a driving exam?
You will be graded on your ability to perform the following driving tasks and maneuvers:
- Start the vehicle by checking the vehicle controls, including the parking brake and mirrors.
- Make all adjustments to seats, safety belts, mirrors, and other equipment before you move your vehicle.
- Back the vehicle approximately 50 feet at a slow speed, straight and smoothly.
- Turn your head to the right and watch to the rear as you back.
- Turn-about using an alley on the left side of the street. Turn your left signal on before turning into the alley. Back the car out of the alley and stay on your side of the street.
- Park uphill on the side of the road.
- Start uphill from a parked position.
- Park downhill on the side of the road.
- Start downhill from a parked position.
- Control your vehicle by obeying all traffic signs, controls devices, right-of-ways, lane markings and proper use of turn signals.
Intersections are where many road test points are lost, so review who has the right of way at a 4-way stop before your test.
Need more practice before taking the Illinois Road Test? Top Driver can help!
Top Driver offers in-vehicle lessons with expert instructors to prepare you for your road test! Our goal is to help you feel safe and confident on the road. Each behind the wheel lesson plan is designed to be flexible based on your comfort and skill level. Whether you are in the market to select a reputable driving school for your teen or are looking for online adult driving school options, Top Driver has something for everyone! Interested in learning more from Top Driver? Find a classroom near you in Illinois and Michigan!
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to bring to the Illinois road test?
Drivers ages 16 and 17 need to bring a valid form of ID, their Instruction Permit, their learner's permit confirmation (you can verify eligibility at ilsos.gov/deccheck), their 50-hour practice driving log, proof of vehicle registration and insurance, and a parent or legal guardian. If a minor cannot be accompanied by a parent or guardian in person, they need a notarized Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive form. Adult drivers ages 18 and over have a different paperwork list at ilsos.gov; check it before you go.
What are the vehicle requirements for the Illinois road test?
The vehicle you bring must be properly licensed for the class of license you're seeking and comply with Illinois Secretary of State vehicle condition standards. It must be properly insured, and you must provide proof of insurance before the exam. The car needs valid front and rear Illinois license plates plus a current registration sticker. If the vehicle is registered in another state, it must meet that state's registration requirements. Whoever drives the vehicle to the testing facility must have a valid driver's license or permit. Both you and the examiner must wear safety belts during the test.
What maneuvers are tested on the Illinois driving exam?
You'll be graded on starting the vehicle correctly, including checking the parking brake and mirrors and adjusting seats and safety belts before moving. The exam covers backing the vehicle approximately 50 feet at a slow speed in a straight line while turning your head to watch behind you. You'll perform a turn-about using an alley on the left side of the street, signaling before turning in and backing out on your side of the street. You'll park uphill and downhill on the side of the road and start from each parked position. Throughout, you must obey all traffic signs, control devices, right-of-way rules, lane markings, and use turn signals properly.
What will automatically fail me on the Illinois road test?
You will automatically fail the exam if you violate any traffic law during the test or commit any dangerous activity. That includes running a stop sign or red light, speeding, failing to yield right of way, hitting a curb hard enough to constitute loss of control, or any maneuver the examiner judges unsafe. Forgetting to buckle your seat belt before moving is another common automatic fail. The good news is that examiners want you to pass, so as long as you stay calm, follow instructions, and drive the way you practiced, automatic fails are avoidable.
How can I prepare for the Illinois road test?
Build confidence behind the wheel and get a solid grasp of Illinois traffic laws before you schedule the test. Teen drivers must complete an approved Driver's Education course with both classroom instruction and in-car training with a certified instructor. Check the Illinois Secretary of State website for current eligibility requirements, including driving hours and age restrictions. Once you've met those, schedule your test. If you want extra practice, Top Driver offers in-vehicle lessons with expert instructors specifically designed around the road test. Each lesson plan is tailored to your current comfort and skill level.
Where can I take in-vehicle lessons to prepare for the Illinois road test?
Top Driver offers behind-the-wheel lessons across Illinois and Michigan, with expert instructors who prepare students for the state road test. Lessons are flexible based on your current skill level, so a student who needs more parallel parking work gets that, while a student who needs highway practice spends time on the interstate. With more than 40 locations across the Midwest, Top Driver has trained over 320,000 students. Find the classroom closest to you on the Top Driver website, or call 1-800-374-8373 to schedule lessons.
