20 questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How should a driver approach a vehicle displaying a slow-moving vehicle sign?
Answer: Slow down and only pass when safe and legal to do so. The handbook instructs drivers to slow down and pass only when it is safe and legal when encountering slow-moving vehicles.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 83: “A driver approaching a vehicle with a slow-moving vehicle sign should slow down and only pass when safe and legal to do so.”
2. When a motorist is turning left and a bicyclist enters the intersection from the opposite direction, what action should the driver take?
Answer: Wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn. The handbook states that drivers must yield to bicyclists entering from the opposite direction when turning left.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 49: “When a motorist is turning left and a bicyclist enters the intersection from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn.”
3. According to the handbook, what shape is the Yield sign?
Answer: Three-sided. The handbook identifies the Yield sign as a three-sided triangle.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 72: “The three-sided (triangle) sign tells you to give the right of way to all vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding.”
4. How should a driver position their head while backing the vehicle approximately 50 feet at a slow speed?
Answer: Turn your head to the right and watch to the rear. The instructions state to turn the head to the right and look to the rear while backing up.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 21: “When performing this manuever, turn your head to the right and watch to the rear when performing this maneuver.”
5. Where does a NO PASSING ZONE sign appear on a two-lane, two-way roadway?
Answer: On the left side. The handbook instructs that the NO PASSING ZONE sign is located on the left side of the roadway at the start of the no-passing area.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 71: “The sign will appear on the left side of a two-lane, two-way roadway at the beginning of the area where “no passing” pavement markings are also used.”
6. Under what condition must a driver file a crash report if any vehicle involved in the crash is uninsured?
Answer: If property damage is more than $500. The handbook sets a lower threshold of $500 for filing a report when an uninsured vehicle is involved, compared to the standard $1,500.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 60: “If any vehicle involved in the crash is uninsured, a report must be filed if property damage is more than $500 or more.”
7. At what minimum distance from a vehicle being driven on a highway is it prohibited to operate a sound system at a volume that can be heard?
Answer: 75 feet. Illinois law prohibits operating a sound system at a volume audible from 75 feet or more away from the vehicle.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 42: “Operate or permit to be operated any sound system (radio, tape player or disc player) at a volume that can be heard 75 feet or more from a vehicle being driven on a highway.”
8. Which of the following entities is listed as eligible to obtain Persons with Disabilities License Plates?
Answer: School districts. The handbook specifically lists school districts among the entities allowed to obtain these plates, whereas other options are either too broad or not mentioned as eligible.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 106: “Corporations, school districts, limited liability companies, nursing homes, convalescent homes and special education cooperatives transporting eligible persons may obtain these plates as well.”
9. When making a left turn, how should the vehicle's wheels be positioned until starting to make the turn?
Answer: Pointed straight ahead. The instructions for left turns state that wheels should point straight ahead until the turn begins.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 37: “Point the wheels straight ahead until starting to make the turn.”
10. What is the maximum fine a driver may face for failing to report a vehicle crash?
Answer: $2,500. The handbook sets the upper limit for fines related to failure to report a crash at $2,500.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 61: “Drivers who fail to report a vehicle crash may be fined up to $2,500 and given a jail sentence of up to one year.”
11. According to Illinois law, which of the following is permitted while operating a motor vehicle?
Answer: Using a hands-free device or Bluetooth technology if age 19 or older. The handbook permits hands-free devices or Bluetooth for drivers aged 19 and older, while listing other options as violations.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 28: “Hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology is allowed for persons age 19 and older.”
12. What does a yellow 'X' lane signal indicate to a driver?
Answer: The lane signal is going to change to red, so leave the lane safely. The yellow X serves as a warning that the lane will soon close, prompting drivers to exit safely before the red X appears.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 85: “Yellow “X” — This indicates the lane signal is going to change to red. Leave this lane safely before the red “X” appears.”
13. When is a vehicle NOT required to stop for a stopped school bus?
Answer: When both vehicles are on a four-lane roadway and the bus is stopped in the opposite direction. The handbook specifies that stopping is not required only when on a four-lane roadway with the bus in the opposite direction; other listed scenarios require stopping.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 38: “A vehicle is not required to stop for a school bus when both vehicles are on a four-lane roadway and the bus is stopped in the opposite direction from which a driver is traveling.”
14. When exiting a roundabout, which turn signal should you use to indicate your intention to other drivers?
Answer: Right turn signal. The handbook instructs drivers to use the right turn signal when exiting a roundabout.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 38: “Use your vehicle’s right turn signal to let other drivers know you are exiting the roundabout.”
15. What color light is required for a projecting load extending 4 feet or more to the rear of a vehicle during the day?
Answer: Red. The handbook states that a red flag is required for loads extending 4 feet or more to the rear during the day.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 100: “Loads extending 4 feet or more to the rear of a vehicle must be marked with a red flag during the day.”
16. When is a vehicle permitted to stop or park on a paved roadway or highway outside business or residential districts?
Answer: Only when it is an emergency and there is a clear view of 200 feet in each direction. The handbook specifies that stopping outside business or residential districts is allowed only in emergencies and requires a specific visibility distance of 200 feet.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 42: “In an emergency, drivers may stop their vehicle and park only if there is a clear view of 200 feet in each direction.”
17. When is it permissible for drivers on a one-way street to turn left at a red light onto another one-way street?
Answer: After making a proper stop and yielding to traffic or pedestrians within the intersection. The handbook specifies that the driver must first stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians before making the left turn onto the other one-way street.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 42: “After making a proper stop and yielding to traffic or pedestrians within the intersection, it is permissible for drivers on a one-way street to turn left at a red light onto another one-way street that moves traffic to the left.”
18. Under what condition is a driver's license suspended due to Automated Traffic Violations?
Answer: Failure to pay five or more unpaid automated traffic violations for violating a red-light signal or speeding or a combination thereof in a municipality. The handbook specifies that suspension occurs after failing to pay five or more unpaid automated violations for red-light or speeding offenses in a municipality.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 65: “Automated Traffic Violations — Failure to pay five or more unpaid automated traffic violations for violating a red-light signal or speeding or a combination thereof in a municipality.”
19. What is the posted speed limit for city or town areas unless otherwise indicated?
Answer: 30 mph. The handbook lists 30 mph as the standard speed limit for city and town areas, distinct from the lower limits for alleys and school zones.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 30: “City/town areas — 30 mph.”
20. Which disability parking placard exempts the holder from parking meter fees and time limitations?
Answer: Meter-Exempt Permanent. Only the Meter-Exempt Permanent placard is described as exempting the holder from meter fees and time limits; the others state they do not.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 106: “It exempts the holder from parking meter fees and time limitations at meters exceeding a 30-minute time limit.”