20 questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the maximum engine displacement for a motor-driven cycle to qualify for a Class L license?
Answer: Less than 150cc. The handbook specifies that Class L applies to motor-driven cycles with less than 150cc displacement.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 111: “Class L — Any motor-driven cycle with less than 150cc displacement.”
2. What is the requirement for a driver under age 21 regarding traffic violations to avoid license suspension?
Answer: Two convictions within any 24-month period. The parenthetical note clarifies that drivers under age 21 face suspension after two violations within a 24-month period, differing from the standard rule.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 66: “(If you are under age 21 at the time of arrest, two traffic violations within any 24-month period.)”
3. Where should joggers and walkers select their route on public roads if jogging paths are not provided?
Answer: Wide roads with good shoulders. The handbook advises joggers and walkers to choose wide roads with good shoulders for safety when dedicated paths are unavailable.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 46: “On public roads, joggers/ walkers should try to select wide roads with good shoulders.”
4. Under what condition is it permissible for pedestrians ages 18 or older to skate on public roadways?
Answer: When the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less from sunrise to sunset. The handbook specifies that skating is allowed on roadways with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, specifically between sunrise and sunset.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 46: “Pedestrians ages 18 or older may skate on public roadways where the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less from sunrise to sunset as long as vehicular traffic is not impeded or obstructed.”
5. Under what circumstance is a person subject to enhanced penalties for a DUI conviction?
Answer: Having a BAC of .16% or more. Enhanced penalties apply if the driver has a blood alcohol concentration of .16% or higher or is transporting a child under age 16.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 56: “A person convicted of a DUI with a BAC of .16% or more or a DUI while transporting a child under age 16 may be subject to enhanced penalties.”
6. According to the Illinois Driver Handbook, how must cannabis be transported in a vehicle?
Answer: In a sealed, odor-proof, and child-resistant container. The handbook mandates that cannabis must be kept in a sealed, odor-proof, and child-resistant container while being transported.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 54: “Cannabis may only be transported in a vehicle in a sealed, odor-proof, and child-resistant container.”
7. When approaching a disabled vehicle using hazard lights on a four-lane highway, what does Illinois law require a driver to do if it is safe?
Answer: Change lanes away from the disabled vehicle. The handbook states that drivers must change lanes away from the hazard when safe, rather than increasing speed or stopping.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 51: “Illinois law requires drivers to change lanes away from the disabled vehicle if it is safe to do so.”
8. How should you correct your steering if your wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder?
Answer: Gently steer your vehicle back onto the pavement. The handbook advises gently steering back onto the pavement and warns against jerking the wheel.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 94: “After checking for traffic behind you, gently steer your vehicle back onto the pavement. Do not jerk the wheel to correct the steering.”
9. During times of congestion, what is the advised method for merging when lanes are reduced?
Answer: Use both lanes to advance to the lane reduction point and merge alternating turns (zipper merge). The handbook distinguishes between non-congested and congested scenarios, advising the 'zipper merge' technique specifically for congested conditions to optimize lane usage.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 78: “During times of congestion, it is advised that you use both lanes to advance to the lane reduction point and merge at that location, alternating turns. This is also known as the “zipper merge”, as two sides merge into one like a zipper.”
10. Under what condition is a driver permitted to drive over fire hoses?
Answer: When permitted by a fire official in command of the scene. The rule states that crossing fire hoses is only allowed if authorized by the official in charge of the scene.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 31: “A driver is prohibited from driving over fire hoses unless permitted by a fire official in command of the scene.”
11. If a driver is unable to make a crash report and there is a passenger present, who is responsible for making the report?
Answer: The passenger must make the report. The rule states that if the driver cannot report, the passenger assumes the responsibility.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 61: “If the driver is unable to make the report and there is a passenger, the passenger must make the report.”
12. Under what condition may a motorcyclist proceed through an intersection if the light remains red?
Answer: If the light fails to turn green after 120 seconds. The handbook sets a specific time limit of 120 seconds for a stuck red light before a motorcyclist is permitted to proceed with caution.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 47: “If a red light fails to turn green after 120 seconds, a motorcyclist may proceed through an intersection after yielding the right of way to oncoming traffic.”
13. Which of the following conditions allows a driver to receive a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP)?
Answer: Being a first-time DUI offender serving a statutory summary suspension. The handbook defines the MDDP specifically for first-time DUI offenders serving a statutory summary suspension, distinguishing it from other permits based on age or violation count.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 67: “Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) — Allows a first-time DUI offender serving a statutory summary suspension to operate a motor vehicle equipped with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID).”
14. If you are involved in a crash that damages an unattended vehicle and the owner is not present, what specific information must you leave on the vehicle?
Answer: Your name, address, phone number, and license plate number. The handbook lists these four specific pieces of information that must be left on the damaged vehicle.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 61: “Leave your name, address, phone number and license plate number on the vehicle or property if the owner cannot be found.”
15. Under which circumstance must a crash report be filed regardless of fault?
Answer: When the crash involves death, bodily injury, or property damage of more than $1,500. The handbook specifies that a report is mandatory for crashes involving death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,500, irrespective of who caused the accident.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 60: “Regardless of fault, a crash report must be filed by the driver of a vehicle if the crash involves death, bodily injury, or property damage of more than $1,500.”
16. Under what condition is it permissible to back up on a roadway that is not a controlled-access roadway?
Answer: Only if done safely and without interfering with other vehicles. The rule allows backing up on non-controlled-access roadways only if it is safe and does not interfere with other traffic.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 36: “You may not back up on other roadways unless it is done safely and does not interfere with other vehicles.”
17. When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights, what action does Illinois law require if a lane change is possible?
Answer: Change to a lane away from the emergency workers when possible. The handbook states that drivers should move to a lane away from workers if possible when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with active lights.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 31: “Illinois law requires motorists to yield, change to a lane away from the emergency workers when possible, and proceed with caution.”
18. In which specific location is a vehicle required to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading passengers?
Answer: Any parking lot located on school property. The handbook lists parking lots on school property as a specific location where stopping for a school bus is mandatory.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 39: “Any parking lot located on school property.”
19. When stopped by law enforcement, where should a driver keep their hands while waiting in the vehicle?
Answer: On the steering wheel. The handbook instructs drivers to keep both hands clearly visible on the steering wheel during a traffic stop.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 27: “Stay in the vehicle with both hands clearly in sight on the steering wheel.”
20. Why are Advance Warning signs (Stop Ahead, Yield Ahead, Signal Ahead) used in high-speed areas?
Answer: Because of the longer distance needed to slow down or stop. The handbook explains that these signs are placed earlier in high-speed zones specifically to provide sufficient distance for drivers to decelerate safely.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 76: “Advance warning Stop Ahead Yield Ahead Signal Ahead signs are also used in high-speed areas because of the longer distance needed to slow down or stop.”