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Illinois driver handbook guide

Illinois driver handbook guide.

Use this guide to navigate the 19 chapters in the handbook edition behind Roadwise’s Illinois course. Read the source, look up a rule in the study app, or work through 60 companion lessons.

Read the handbook in Roadwise Open source PDF
Handbook chapters
19
Source PDF pages
113
Companion lessons
60
Licensing agency
SOS

A way through the handbook

Start with the application and licensing material that applies to your age and license type. Then work through the driving rules, signs, and safe-driving chapters. A rule is easier to remember when you can explain what it asks you to do in a real road situation.

For a quick refresher, use the chapter list below. For a deeper study session, follow a companion lesson and its checkpoint questions. The page numbers refer to this course’s source edition and may differ from the newest agency edition.

Chapter list

  1. Welcome and REAL ID Source p. 2
  2. Table of Contents Source p. 4
  3. Chapter 1: Illinois Driver's License Source p. 7
  4. Chapter 2: Driver's License Exams Source p. 16
  5. Chapter 3: Drivers Under Age Twenty-One Source p. 19
  6. Chapter 4: Traffic Laws Source p. 24
  7. Chapter 5: Sharing the Road Source p. 43
  8. Chapter 6: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Source p. 51
  9. Chapter 7: Traffic Violations and Crashes Source p. 57
  10. Chapter 8: License Revocation, Suspension, Denial and Cancellation Source p. 61
  11. Chapter 9: Roadway Signs Source p. 66
  12. Chapter 10: Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings Source p. 80
  13. Chapter 11: Safe Driving Tips Source p. 86
  14. Chapter 12: Equipment for Safe Driving Source p. 95
  15. Chapter 13: Owning a Vehicle Source p. 98
  16. Answers to Study Questions Source p. 103
  17. Driver's License Classifications Source p. 107
  18. Acceptable Identification Documents Source p. 108
  19. Driver and Vehicle Online Services Source p. 110

What you will find in each chapter

Chapter 1 · source p. 2

Welcome and REAL ID

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Illinois Rules of the Road 2026
  • Yes
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 2 · source p. 4

Table of Contents

This chapter’s sections include:

  • REALID.ilsos.gov
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 3 · source p. 7

Chapter 1: Illinois Driver's License

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 1: Illinois Driver’s License
  • Age Restrictions — Drivers 16-21
  • Exemptions
  • Illinois Driver’s License/ID Card
  • Driver’s License/ID Card
  • First-time REAL ID-Compliant Driver’s License/ID Card Applicant
  • First-time Standard-Issued Illinois Driver’s License/ID Card Applicant
  • Duplicate/Corrected Driver’s License/ID Card
  • Driver’s License/ID Card Renewal
  • Standard Renewal
  • Penalties for Driver’s License/ID Card Fraud
  • Medical Report
  • Driving Records/Abstracts
  • Non-Driving Programs Related to the Driver’s License
  • Driver’s License/Permit
  • State ID Card
  • Duplicate/Corrected Driver’s License/Permit
  • Duplicate/Corrected State ID Card
  • Expanded Online Services
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 4 · source p. 16

Chapter 2: Driver's License Exams

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 2: Driver’s License Exams
  • Cheating and Bribery
  • Vision Screening
  • Written Exam
  • Driving Exam
  • Special Services
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 5 · source p. 19

Chapter 3: Drivers Under Age Twenty-One

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 3: Drivers Under Age 21
  • Obtaining an Instruction Permit
  • Applying for an Illinois Driver’s License
  • Cooperative Driver Testing Program
  • First-Time Drivers — Age 18-20
  • Graduated Driver Licensing Program
  • Permit Phase — Drivers Age 15
  • Initial Licensing Phase — Drivers Ages 16-17
  • Full Licensing Phase — Drivers Ages 18-20
  • Parental Responsibility
  • Related Laws
  • — Chapter 3 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 6 · source p. 24

Chapter 4: Traffic Laws

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Proper Action When Stopped by Law Enforcement
  • Distracted Driving
  • Safety Belt Law
  • Safety Belt Fitting
  • Air Bag Safety
  • Child Passenger Protection Act
  • Speed Limits
  • Construction Zones
  • Emergency/Maintenance Vehicles
  • School Zones
  • Funeral Processions
  • Right of Way
  • Pedestrian Right of Way
  • Figure B
  • Passing
  • Lane Usage
  • Signaling
  • Right Turns
  • Changing Lanes
  • U-Turns
  • Hazard Signal
  • Two-Way Left Turn Lane
  • Turns and Lane Changes in Construction Zones
  • Rotary and Roundabout
  • School Buses
  • Railroad Crossing
  • Alleys/Driveways
  • Hill Parking
  • Parallel Parking
  • Parking for Persons with Disabilities
  • Parking for Electric Vehicles
  • Prohibited Stopping, Standing, or Parking
  • Additional Laws
  • — Chapter 4 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 7 · source p. 43

Chapter 5: Sharing the Road

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Pedestrians
  • Pedestrians With Disabilities
  • Joggers/Walkers
  • Other Safety Concerns
  • Children
  • Motorcycles
  • Intersections
  • Stoplights
  • Lane Sharing
  • Passing
  • Following and Stopping Distance
  • Road Conditions In Case of a Crash
  • Autocycles
  • Manual, Gas or Electric Powered
  • Scooters and Mopeds
  • Large Vehicles
  • Disabled Vehicles
  • Low-Speed Vehicles
  • Slow-Moving Vehicles
  • Closing Speeds
  • Turns and Passing
  • Rear Light
  • Lane Usage
  • Snowmobiles
  • Horseback Riders
  • — Chapter 5 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 8 · source p. 51

Chapter 6: Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Blood-Alcohol Concentration (BAC)/Presence of Drugs
  • Medical and Recreational Cannabis (Marijuana)
  • Other Drugs
  • DUI Laws
  • Implied Consent Law
  • Statutory Summary Suspension/Revocation Law
  • DUI Conviction
  • Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID)
  • Aggravated DUI
  • Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverages/Open Container
  • Parental Responsibility
  • Contributing to a DUI
  • Drivers Under Age 21
  • — Chapter 6 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 9 · source p. 57

Chapter 7: Traffic Violations and Crashes

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 7: Traffic Violations/Crashes
  • Appearing in Court
  • Crash Reports
  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash
  • Unattended Vehicles
  • Safety Responsibility Law
  • Financial Responsibility Law
  • Crash Prevention Courses
  • — Chapter 7 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 10 · source p. 61

Chapter 8: License Revocation, Suspension, Denial and Cancellation

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Suspension, Denial and Cancellation
  • Revocation
  • Suspension
  • Cancellation
  • Denial
  • Special Driving Permits
  • — Chapter 8 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 11 · source p. 66

Chapter 9: Roadway Signs

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Shapes of Signs
  • Colors of Signs
  • Regulatory Signs
  • Stop
  • All-Way Stop
  • Yield
  • Do Not Enter
  • Speed Zone Ahead
  • Speed Limit
  • Wrong Way
  • No (Not Allowed)
  • No U-Turn
  • No Right/Left Turn
  • One-Way
  • Two-Way Left Turn Lanes
  • No Turn on Red
  • Approaching a Divided Highway
  • Keep Right
  • Slower Traffic Keep Right
  • Stop Here on Red
  • Road Closed
  • Do Not Pass
  • Pass with Care
  • Bike Lane
  • Warning Signs
  • Pedestrian Crosswalk
  • Other Special Crossings
  • School Signs
  • Stop Ahead/Yield Ahead/Signal Ahead
  • Intersections Ahead
  • Turns and Curves
  • Exit Ramp
  • Slippery Pavement
  • Downgrade
  • Narrow Bridge
  • Reduction in Lanes
  • Road Narrows
  • No Passing
  • Merging Lanes
  • Change in Direction
  • Divided Highway
  • Two-Way Roadway
  • Construction and Maintenance Signs
  • Workers Ahead
  • Warning Cones, Drums, and Barricades
  • Warning Lights and Arrow Boards
  • Flagger
  • Portable Changeable Message Signs
  • Slow-Moving Vehicle
  • Parking for Persons with Disabilities
  • Guide Signs
  • Route Markers
  • Hazardous Materials Signs
  • — Chapter 9 Study Questions — and the Public Safe and Pavement Markings
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 12 · source p. 80

Chapter 10: Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Traffic Signals
  • Steady Lights
  • Flashing Lights
  • Arrows
  • Pedestrian Traffic Signals, Walk Lights, and Crossings
  • Lane Signals
  • Edge Lines
  • White Lane Lines
  • Yellow Center Lines
  • Yellow No Passing Lines
  • Two-Way Left Turn Lanes
  • White Stop Line
  • White Crosswalk Lines
  • Other Markings
  • Railroad Crossings
  • X-Ing 836 597 H
  • — Chapter 10 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 13 · source p. 86

Chapter 11: Safe Driving Tips

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Drive Defensively
  • Following Distances
  • Three-Second Rule Distance
  • Vehicle Speed
  • Drowsy Driving
  • Weather Conditions
  • Fog
  • Rain
  • High Winds
  • Winter Driving
  • Expressway Driving
  • Night Driving
  • Rural Intersections
  • Curves
  • Head-on Approaches
  • Skidding
  • Driving Off the Pavement
  • Fire
  • Water Crashes
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  • Electricity
  • Explosive Fire Hazard
  • Equipment Failure
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Stranded Motorists’ Safety Protocols
  • — Chapter 11 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 14 · source p. 95

Chapter 12: Equipment for Safe Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 12: Equipment For Safe Driving
  • Required Equipment
  • Restricted Equipment
  • — Chapter 12 Study Questions —
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 15 · source p. 98

Chapter 13: Owning a Vehicle

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Purchasing a Vehicle
  • Purchasing from a Dealer
  • Purchasing from a Private Owner
  • Purchasing Out of State
  • Vehicle Registration and Title
  • License Plate Requirements
  • Temporary Registration Permit
  • License Plate Renewal
  • Registration Renewal for Veterans
  • Special License Plates
  • Reduced-fee License Plates
  • Mandatory Insurance
  • Emissions Testing
  • License Plates
  • Parking Placards
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 16 · source p. 103

Answers to Study Questions

Read this chapter in the study app to see its complete text, source page references, and any accompanying illustrations.

Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 17 · source p. 107

Driver's License Classifications

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Driver’s License Classifications
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 18 · source p. 108

Acceptable Identification Documents

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Photocopies Are Not Accepted
  • Group A—Written Signature
  • Group B—Date of Birth
  • Group C—Social Security Number
  • Group D—Residency
  • Unacceptable Documents
  • Illinois Secretary Of State ilsos.gov
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 19 · source p. 110

Driver and Vehicle Online Services

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Driver Services
  • Vehicle Services
  • ILSOS.gov
Open this handbook chapter

Turn the reading into a study routine

The Illinois course groups the source material into 12 units. Each lesson includes handbook page references, examples, and a checkpoint in the study app.

Unit 1 · 4 lessons

Your Driver's License

License classes, REAL ID, renewal

  1. Who needs a license, and which class
  2. REAL ID and the documents you need
  3. Renewal and expiration
  4. Changes, fraud, medical reports and records

Unit 2 · 7 lessons

Getting Licensed: Exams & Young Drivers

Written/driving exams, permits, GDL

  1. Vision screening and exam honesty
  2. The written and driving exams
  3. Instruction permits
  4. Getting your license before 21
  5. Graduated licensing: permit and initial phases
  6. Full licensing and parental responsibility
  7. Under-21 violations and penalties

Unit 3 · 6 lessons

Stops, Belts, Speed & Special Zones

Traffic stops, seatbelts, speed limits

  1. When you're stopped by police
  2. Distracted driving and cellphones
  3. Seat belts, air bags and child passengers
  4. Speed limits
  5. Construction zones and emergency vehicles
  6. School zones and funeral processions

Unit 4 · 4 lessons

Right of Way & Passing

Yielding rules, pedestrians, passing, lanes

  1. Right-of-way basics
  2. Pedestrian right-of-way
  3. Passing rules
  4. Lane usage

Unit 5 · 5 lessons

Turning, Parking & Special Stops

Signals, turns, roundabouts, railroads, parking

  1. Signaling, turning and lane changes
  2. Roundabouts and school buses
  3. Railroad crossings
  4. Parking on hills, at curbs and in reserved spaces
  5. No-parking zones and other road laws

Unit 6 · 5 lessons

Sharing the Road

Pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, large vehicles

  1. Pedestrians and children
  2. Motorcycles and autocycles
  3. Bicycles and e-bikes
  4. Scooters, mopeds and low-speed vehicles
  5. Large, disabled and slow-moving vehicles

Unit 7 · 4 lessons

DUI & Drug Laws

BAC limits, implied consent, penalties

  1. Alcohol, cannabis and other drugs
  2. Implied consent and summary suspension
  3. DUI convictions, interlock devices and aggravated DUI
  4. Open containers, under-21 rules and related offenses

Unit 8 · 5 lessons

Crashes & License Actions

Reporting crashes, insurance, suspension/revocation

  1. Crashes, reports and court appearances
  2. Insurance and financial responsibility
  3. Revocation and cancellation
  4. Suspension and denial
  5. Special driving permits

Unit 9 · 6 lessons

Roadway Signs

Shapes, colors, regulatory & warning signs

  1. Sign shapes and colors
  2. Regulatory signs: stop, yield and do not enter
  3. Regulatory signs: turns, lanes and passing
  4. Warning signs: crossings, schools and intersections
  5. Warning signs: curves, hills and lane changes
  6. Construction, guide and special signs

Unit 10 · 4 lessons

Signals & Pavement Markings

Traffic lights, lane lines, railroad devices

  1. Traffic lights and arrows
  2. Pedestrian signals and lane-use signals
  3. Pavement markings
  4. Railroad crossing signs and signals

Unit 11 · 6 lessons

Safe Driving Tips

Following distance, weather, emergencies

  1. Defensive driving, following distance and speed
  2. Driving in fog, rain, wind and winter
  3. Expressways, night driving and rural roads
  4. Skids, fire, water and other emergencies
  5. Equipment failures and aggressive drivers
  6. When your vehicle is stranded

Unit 12 · 4 lessons

Vehicle Equipment & Ownership

Required equipment, restricted gear, insurance

  1. Required equipment
  2. Restricted equipment
  3. Buying, titling and registering a vehicle
  4. Renewals, insurance and emissions