20 questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When is the 20 mph speed limit applicable in school zones?
Answer: Only when children are present and signs are posted on school days between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The handbook details specific times and conditions (school days, children present, signs posted) for the school zone speed limit.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 30: “School zones — 20 mph (on school days between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. when children are present and signs are posted).”
2. In rural areas, how far before a railroad crossing might the advance warning sign be placed?
Answer: Up to 750 feet. The handbook specifies that in rural areas, the railroad crossing warning sign can be placed up to 750 feet ahead of the tracks.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 70: “In rural areas, the sign may be up to 750 feet before the railroad crossing.”
3. What is the specific consequence of committing a second violation for failing to obey a railroad-crossing signal?
Answer: Suspension of the driver's license. This item is listed under offenses for which a driver's license may be suspended, indicating that a second violation leads to suspension.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 65: “Failure to Obey a Railroad-Crossing Signal — Conviction of a second violation for failure to obey a railroad-crossing signal.”
4. According to Illinois law, how long may a disabled vehicle remain unattended on an interstate or expressway before law enforcement may request it be towed?
Answer: Two hours. The handbook specifies a two-hour limit for interstates and expressways, distinct from the longer limits for urban and non-urban highways.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 51: “Interstate, expressway, or toll highway – after two hours.”
5. When approaching an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals, where must a motorist pull over?
Answer: To the right side of the road. Drivers are required to move to the right side to allow the emergency vehicle to pass safely.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 31: “Illinois law requires motorists to immediately pull to the right side of the road and allow the emergency vehicle to pass.”
6. According to the handbook, what is the minimum period a driver must wait before being eligible to reapply for a license after a revocation, unless otherwise noted?
Answer: One year. The handbook states that the minimum waiting period to reapply after a revocation is one year.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 64: “To regain your driving privileges, you may be eligible to reapply for a license after a minimum of one year unless otherwise noted.”
7. Under the Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing Program, what is the minimum duration a driver aged 15 must hold their learner's permit before advancing?
Answer: Nine months. The handbook states that the permit phase requires holding the permit for at least nine months.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 24: “Permit must be held for a minimum of nine months.”
8. What does the 'Workers Ahead' sign instruct drivers to do regarding their speed?
Answer: Adjust vehicle speed to the posted construction zone speed limit. Drivers are required to adjust their speed to match the specific limit posted in the construction zone.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 79: “Follow the signs and adjust your vehicle speed to the posted construction zone speed limit, stay alert, and keep a safe distance between your vehicle and all traffic barriers.”
9. Under what specific circumstance is a driver permitted to use a handheld cellphone while operating a vehicle?
Answer: When stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park. The handbook lists specific exceptions for handheld use, including being stopped in traffic with the vehicle in neutral or park.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 28: “While stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.”
10. What does the shape of the arrow on a turn or curve sign indicate to the driver?
Answer: What to expect regarding the direction of the turn or curve. The handbook specifies that the arrow shape provides information about the upcoming turn or curve direction.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 77: “The shape of the arrow tells you what to expect.”
11. According to the handbook, how should a driver treat an intersection when traffic control signals are not working?
Answer: Treat it as an all-way stop by coming to a complete stop, unless directed otherwise by law enforcement. The handbook states that non-working signals require treating the intersection as an all-way stop with a complete stop.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 84: “When traffic control signals are not working, you must always treat the intersection as an all-way stop by coming to a complete stop, unless directed otherwise by law enforcement.”
12. What does a sign with a red circle and a red slash from the upper left to the lower right indicate?
Answer: A particular action is not allowed. The handbook defines this specific symbol combination as indicating that a particular action is prohibited.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 73: “Signs with a red circle and a red slash from the upper left to the lower right mean a particular action is not allowed.”
13. What is the maximum distance a round Advance Warning Sign may be placed before a railroad crossing?
Answer: 750 feet. The handbook specifies that the round Advance Warning Sign can be positioned up to 750 feet in advance of the crossing.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 88: “The sign may be placed up to 750 feet before of the railroad crossing.”
14. What is the primary function of guide signs?
Answer: To tell drivers where they are, what road they are on, and how to get to a specific location. The handbook describes guide signs as informational tools for location and route identification.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 81: “Guide signs tell you where you are, what road you are on, and how to get to a specific location.”
15. When should a driver sound their horn when approaching a horseback rider?
Answer: Never sound a horn when near a horse or other livestock. The handbook instructs drivers to avoid sounding horns near horses to prevent frightening them and causing accidents.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 53: “Never sound a horn when near a horse or other livestock, as the sound may frighten it and cause a crash.”
16. Which lane is designated for slower traffic on an expressway?
Answer: The right lane. The handbook specifies that the right lane is intended for slower traffic while the left is for passing.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 93: “The right lane is for slower traffic. The left lane is for faster traffic and passing.”
17. How should you react if you hear a thumping sound indicating a tire blowout?
Answer: Ease your foot off the gas pedal and keep a firm grasp on the steering wheel. The handbook specifies easing off the gas and holding the wheel firmly, while advising against sudden braking.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 95: “If this happens, ease your foot off the gas pedal and keep a firm grasp on the steering wheel.”
18. Who must sign an Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive if a parent or guardian cannot accompany a minor to the facility?
Answer: A legal guardian or a responsible adult over age 21. The rule specifies that in the absence of the parent/guardian, the affidavit requires a signature from either a legal guardian or a responsible adult older than 21.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 11: “If a parent or guardian cannot accompany a minor to the facility, an Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive must be signed by a legal guardian or a responsible adult over age 21.”
19. Who is allowed to park in spaces equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles?
Answer: Only electric vehicles. The handbook clearly restricts parking in charging station spaces exclusively to electric vehicles.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 41: “Only electric vehicles are allowed to park in these designated spaces.”
20. What is the required visibility distance for a vehicle's license plate light?
Answer: 50 feet. The handbook specifies that the license plate light must make the plate readable from 50 feet away.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 99: “License plate light — Vehicles must have a white light making the license plate readable from 50 feet away and must be on when headlights are on.”