20 questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to Illinois law, when are you required to use your headlights?
Answer: When operating your windshield wipers. The handbook states that headlight usage is mandated whenever windshield wipers are in operation.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 92: “Illinois law requires you to use your headlights when operating your windshield wipers.”
2. What does a constantly lit red arrow indicate?
Answer: You cannot make the movement shown by the arrow until a green arrow appears. The handbook states that a steady red arrow prohibits the movement until the signal changes to a green arrow.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 85: “Red Arrow (constantly lit) — The constantly lit red arrow means you cannot make the movement shown by the arrow until a green arrow appears.”
3. According to the handbook, which vehicles are permitted to use the opening in a divided highway marked by a 'No U-Turn' sign?
Answer: Police cars, ambulances, snow plows, construction/maintenance equipment, and other emergency vehicles. The handbook lists authorized emergency and maintenance vehicles as the only ones permitted to use these specific openings.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 73: “These openings are only for authorized vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, snow plows, construction/ maintenance equipment, and other emergency vehicles.”
4. How should a driver behave when being passed by a motorcycle?
Answer: Maintain your lane position and speed. The instructions state that drivers should keep their current speed and lane position to allow the motorcycle to complete the pass safely.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 47: “When being passed by a motorcycle, you should maintain your lane position and speed.”
5. According to the handbook, in which direction does traffic travel around the central island in a rotary or roundabout?
Answer: Counter-clockwise. The handbook states that traffic moves in a counter-clockwise direction around the central island.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 38: “A rotary or roundabout is an intersection where traffic travels around a central island in a circular, counter-clockwise direction.”
6. What is the minimum required passing distance a motorist must leave when passing a bicyclist?
Answer: At least 3 feet from the edge of the vehicle’s side mirror. The handbook mandates a minimum of 3 feet of space from the side mirror when passing.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 49: “When passing a bicyclist, motorists must do so slowly and leave at least 3 feet of passing space from the edge of the vehicle’s side mirror.”
7. What is the required action when facing a constantly lit orange upraised hand signal?
Answer: Do not enter the roadway. The handbook distinguishes between flashing and constantly lit hands, stating that for the constantly lit orange hand, drivers must not enter the roadway.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 85: “Don’t Walk (constantly lit orange upraised hand) — Do not enter the roadway.”
8. According to the index, which specific type of driving permit is associated with the 'Monitoring Device' requirement?
Answer: Monitoring Device Driving Permit. The index lists 'Monitoring Device Driving Permit' as a distinct category, differentiating it from Instruction, Occupational, or Temporary Registration permits.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 109: “Monitoring Device Driving Permit, 50, 61”
9. What is the recommended following distance when driving behind a motorcycle?
Answer: At least three to four seconds. The handbook specifies a three to four second gap to ensure the motorcyclist has adequate space for emergency maneuvers.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 48: “Allow at least three to four seconds following distance when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver in an emergency.”
10. What is the primary requirement for a driver aged 21 and over to obtain a Probationary License after suspension for three moving violations?
Answer: Completing a driver improvement course. The handbook specifies that the Probationary License is issued in conjunction with the completion of a driver improvement course for drivers aged 21 and older.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 68: “The permit is issued in conjunction with the completion of a driver improvement course.”
11. What does a round sign with a black crossbuck and the letters 'RR' indicate?
Answer: A railroad crossing ahead. The handbook identifies the round sign with the 'RR' crossbuck as an indicator for a railroad crossing.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 70: “This round sign indicates a RAILROAD CROSSING ahead.”
12. What action should you take if your vehicle begins to skid due to hydroplaning?
Answer: Release the accelerator and ride out the skid if control cannot be regained. The handbook advises releasing the accelerator and riding out the skid if immediate control recovery is not possible.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 92: “If your vehicle skids while hydroplaning, try to regain control of the vehicle. If that is not possible, release the accelerator and ride out the skid.”
13. What color are construction and maintenance warning signs?
Answer: Orange. The handbook states that while most warning signs are yellow, construction and maintenance signs are specifically orange.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 75: “Construction and maintenance warning signs are orange.”
14. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure when encountering a handheld STOP sign?
Answer: Stop until an authorized person, such as a school guard or construction zone flagger, signals that it is safe to proceed. The handbook specifies that for handheld signs, drivers must wait for a signal from an authorized person rather than just stopping at the line or yielding to right-of-way rules.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 70: “If the STOP sign is handheld, stop until an authorized person, such as a school guard or construction zone flagger, signals that it is safe to proceed.”
15. When approaching an intersection with an eight-sided stop sign, where must you stop if there is no stop line?
Answer: Before entering the crosswalk. The handbook specifies that in the absence of a stop line, the driver must stop before entering the crosswalk.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 72: “If there is no stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk.”
16. What does an orange sign typically indicate to a driver?
Answer: It is a warning sign found in construction or maintenance zones. Orange signs are designated for warning drivers about dangers in construction or maintenance zones.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 71: “ORANGE is used for warning signs, usually found in construction or maintenance zones along streets and highways.”
17. What is the consequence of refusing chemical testing after being arrested for DUI in Illinois?
Answer: Suspension of the driver's license. The handbook lists refusal of chemical testing as an offense for which a driver's license may be suspended.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 65: “Drug/Alcohol Test Refusal — Refusal of chemical testing for drugs or alcohol after being arrested for DUI in Illinois or another state.”
18. Which of the following is permitted for bicyclists riding on the roadway?
Answer: Riding side by side as long as traffic movement is not impeded. The handbook allows side-by-side riding provided it does not hinder traffic, while prohibiting sidewalk use and requiring travel in the same direction.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 49: “Bicyclists may ride side by side on the roadway as long as the normal and reasonable movement of traffic is not impeded.”
19. What is the specific restriction regarding the use of wireless devices in a posted school speed zone?
Answer: Use is prohibited while driving. The handbook states that using wireless devices is prohibited while driving in these zones, without listing exceptions for stopped vehicles or specific tasks.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 76: “The use of wireless/cellphones is prohibited while driving in a posted school speed zone.”
20. When driving in foggy conditions, how should you adjust your headlights?
Answer: Drive with headlights set on dim or use fog lights. The handbook advises using dim headlights or fog lights specifically for foggy conditions.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 91: “Drive with your headlights set on dim or use fog lights.”