20 questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What shape is used for signs that warn drivers of possible hazards?
Answer: Diamond-shaped. The handbook specifies that diamond-shaped signs are used to warn drivers of hazards.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 83: “A diamond-shaped sign warns drivers of possible hazards.”
2. If a driver is arrested and refuses to submit to testing, how long will their driving privileges be suspended?
Answer: Three months. The handbook specifies a three-month suspension period for refusing testing upon arrest.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 59: “If a driver is arrested and refuses to submit to testing, driving privileges will be suspended for three months.”
3. What is the maximum speed limit for low-speed electric or gas bicycles?
Answer: 20 mph. The handbook clearly states that these bicycles must not exceed 20 mph.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 49: “Low-speed electric and gas bicycles may only be driven on streets and may not exceed 20 mph.”
4. Which of the following vehicles is required by law to stop at most railroad crossings?
Answer: School buses. The handbook lists school buses as one of the specific vehicle types required to stop at railroad crossings.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 39: “Vehicles required by law to stop at most all railroad crossings are vehicles carrying people for hire, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.”
5. Why is it important to slow down when coming upon wet pavement?
Answer: Because it takes longer to stop. The handbook explains that wet pavement increases stopping distance, necessitating a reduction in speed.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 77: “Slow down when coming upon wet pavement because it takes longer to stop.”
6. Under what condition may a child weighing more than 40 pounds be transported in the back seat without a booster seat?
Answer: If the back seat is not equipped with lap/shoulder type safety belts. The rule specifies that the absence of lap/shoulder belts in the rear seat allows for the use of a lap belt only for children over 40 pounds.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 29: “If the back seat of the vehicle is not equipped with lap/shoulder type safety belts, a child weighing more than 40 pounds may be transported in the back seat without a booster seat, secured with a lap belt only.”
7. How far ahead must a motorcycle's headlight be able to show objects?
Answer: 500 feet. The handbook states that motorcycle headlights must show objects up to 500 feet ahead.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 99: “Motorcycles and mopeds require a headlight, which must show objects 500 feet ahead and be turned on whenever the vehicle is driven.”
8. Which of the following vehicle types is exempt from the rule prohibiting drinking alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle?
Answer: A limousine. The handbook lists limousines as one of the specific vehicle types exempt from the open container prohibition, while standard cars and trucks are not listed as exceptions.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 57: “Passengers on chartered buses used for nonschool purposes, motor homes, mini motor homes, and limousines are exempt.”
9. What is the minimum distance at which a rearview mirror must allow the driver to see behind the vehicle?
Answer: 200 feet. The handbook requires a rearview mirror that allows visibility of at least 200 feet behind the car.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 99: “Mirrors — One rearview mirror is required so you can see at least 200 feet behind your car.”
10. What should a driver do if they cannot identify an unmarked vehicle as law enforcement?
Answer: Drive slowly and carefully below the speed limit. The handbook advises driving slowly and carefully below the speed limit when unsure if an unmarked vehicle is official law enforcement.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 27: “If you cannot identify an unmarked police vehicle and/or the driver as law enforcement, drive slowly and carefully below the speed limit”
11. When is it illegal for pedestrians to stand on the roadway?
Answer: To ask for a ride (hitchhiking). The handbook states that standing on the roadway to hitchhike is illegal.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 46: “Standing on the roadway to ask for a ride (hitchhiking) is illegal.”
12. According to the handbook, what is the minimum blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) at which it is illegal to drive?
Answer: .08%. The handbook states that driving is illegal if the blood-alcohol concentration is .08% or higher.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 54: “It is illegal to drive if your BAC is .08% or more.”
13. Under what condition are additional documents NOT required to verify identity when applying for a REAL ID?
Answer: If you have a valid passport with your current legal name. The handbook specifies that holding a valid passport with the current legal name eliminates the need for additional identity verification documents.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 6: “If you have a valid passport with your current legal name, additional documents are NOT required.”
14. Where is the number for the railroad Emergency Notification System located?
Answer: On the blue sign affixed to the railroad crossing post near the tracks. The handbook specifies that the emergency notification number is found on the blue sign attached to the crossing post.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 40: “This number is located on the blue sign affixed to the railroad crossing post near the tracks.”
15. What is the mandatory fine amount for a conviction of passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights and the stop arm extended?
Answer: $300. The handbook clearly states the mandatory fine is $300 for this specific violation.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 39: “If convicted of this violation, you will be subject to a mandatory fine of $300 and community service in an amount set by the court.”
16. In a business or residential area, what is the minimum distance required for giving a continuous turn signal before making a turn?
Answer: At least 100 feet. The handbook states that in business or residential areas, the signal must be given for at least 100 feet.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 36: “In a business or residential area, you must give a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning.”
17. If a highway does not have a sidewalk but has a shoulder, where should pedestrians walk?
Answer: On the shoulder as far from the roadway as possible. The handbook directs pedestrians to use the shoulder and stay as far away from the main roadway as possible when no sidewalk exists.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 46: “If a highway does not have a sidewalk but has a shoulder, pedestrians should always walk on the shoulder as far from the roadway as possible.”
18. What must a driver do when a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk?
Answer: Come to a complete stop and yield. The handbook mandates a complete stop and yield when a pedestrian is present in a marked crosswalk.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 33: “When a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk.”
19. Which class of driver's license is required for a single motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 16,000 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds?
Answer: Class C. Class C is defined for vehicles with a GVWR between 16,000 and 26,001 pounds, distinguishing it from the heavier Class B and lighter Class D vehicles.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 111: “Class C — Any motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 16,000 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds, or any vehicle towing another with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less or any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or hazardous materials that require placarding.”
20. Under what visibility condition is it permissible to make a U-turn on curves and hills?
Answer: When you can see for at least 500 feet in all directions. The handbook requires a visibility range of at least 500 feet to legally perform a U-turn on curves and hills.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 38: “You must not turn around on curves and hills unless you can see for at least 500 feet in all directions.”