20 questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When encountering a solid double white line separating lanes moving in the same direction, what is the rule for crossing it?
Answer: Crossing is prohibited. The handbook specifies that while single solid white lines discourage crossing, crossing a double solid white line is strictly prohibited.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 86: “Crossing a double solid white line is prohibited.”
2. Under which condition is it permissible to pass on the right on a two-lane roadway?
Answer: When the vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn. Passing on the right is allowed on two-lane roads specifically when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is sufficient room.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 34: “When you have enough room on a two-lane roadway, and when the vehicle you are passing is making or is about to make a left turn.”
3. What is the recommended action if your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor?
Answer: Pump the pedal to build pressure. The handbook states that pumping the brake pedal is the first step to build pressure when it sinks to the floor.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 96: “If the brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor, pump it to build pressure.”
4. What does the 'Slower Traffic Keep Right' sign instruct drivers to do on multilane highways?
Answer: Drive in the right lane if driving slower than the normal speed of traffic. The sign specifically directs drivers who are traveling slower than the normal flow of traffic to stay in the right lane.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 74: “It tells the slow driver to drive in the right lane.”
5. When must a driver slow down for a school zone?
Answer: On school days between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., when children are present and signs are posted. The rule applies specifically on school days during those hours when children are present and signage is visible.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 44: “On school days between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., when children are present and signs are posted.”
6. What is the minimum suspension period for driving privileges for individuals convicted of mandatory insurance violations?
Answer: Three months. The handbook states that the minimum loss of driving privileges for this violation is three months.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 61: “Individuals convicted of mandatory insurance violations will lose their driving privileges for a minimum of three months and be required to pay a $100 reinstatement fee, with no driving permit available.”
7. When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop intersection at the same time, which vehicle must yield?
Answer: The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. The handbook states that in this specific simultaneous arrival scenario, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 32: “When two vehicles on different roadways arrive at a four-way stop intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.”
8. How should a driver treat a railroad crossbuck sign?
Answer: As a yield sign requiring yielding to trains. The handbook defines the railroad crossbuck sign as functioning like a yield sign, requiring drivers to yield right of way to trains.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 88: “Railroad Crossbuck Sign — If a railroad crossing has more than one track, the number of tracks is on the sign below the crossbuck. This is considered a yield sign, and you must yield the right of way to any oncoming trains and railroad equipment.”
9. What is the required minimum peripheral vision for a driver's license applicant?
Answer: 140 degrees. The vision requirements section states that applicants must have at least 140 degrees of peripheral vision.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 19: “At least 140 degree peripheral vision (the ability to see to the side) with or without corrective lenses.”
10. What consequence results from failing to carry the required insurance?
Answer: Fines, inability to renew vehicle registration, suspension of driving privileges, and suspension of vehicle registration. The handbook lists these specific penalties for failing to carry required insurance.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 105: “Failure to carry the required insurance will result in fines, the inability to renew the vehicle registration, suspension of driving privileges, and suspension of the vehicle registration until proof of insurance is obtained.”
11. What is the minimum age requirement for an individual to be issued a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP)?
Answer: Age 16 and over. The handbook states that individuals under age 16 are ineligible for an RDP, implying the minimum age is 16.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 67: “An RDP cannot be issued to a person under age 16.”
12. When towing one vehicle with another, what is the recommended maximum distance between the two cars?
Answer: 15 feet. The handbook sets a specific limit of 15 feet for the distance between vehicles during towing in most cases.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 51: “In most cases, the distance between the two cars should not exceed 15 feet.”
13. What is the maximum number of lights allowed to be burning on a vehicle?
Answer: Four. The handbook limits the number of burning lights on a vehicle to a maximum of four.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 100: “A vehicle may not have more than four 300 candlepower lights burning.”
14. What information is provided on an Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at a highway-rail grade crossing?
Answer: Critical emergency contact information. The handbook defines the purpose of the ENS sign as providing critical emergency contact information to the public.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 88: “ENS sign gives the public critical emergency contact information at every highway-rail grade crossing.”
15. What is the maximum speed allowed for a low-speed vehicle?
Answer: 25 mph. The handbook states that the maximum speed for these vehicles is 25 mph, while 30 mph is the minimum posted speed limit for streets they may use.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 52: “Low-speed vehicles can have a maximum speed of 25 mph.”
16. According to the handbook, what does a flashing yellow arrow indicate for lane usage?
Answer: The lane may be used for approaching and making a left turn. The handbook states that a flashing yellow arrow allows the lane to be used for approaching and making a left turn.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 85: “Flashing Yellow “Arrow” — This indicates the lane may be used for approaching and making a left turn.”
17. According to the handbook, what should you do if your steering wheel suddenly loses control?
Answer: Ease off the gas pedal, turn on emergency flashers, and allow the vehicle to come to a slow stop. The handbook instructs the driver to ease off the gas, activate flashers, and stop slowly when steering fails.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 96: “If you suddenly have no control of the steering wheel, ease off the gas pedal, turn on your vehicle’s emergency flashers, and allow your vehicle to come to a slow stop.”
18. What is the minimum distance a vehicle must be from a STOP sign when standing or parking?
Answer: Within 30 feet. The handbook states that standing or parking is prohibited within 30 feet of a STOP sign.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 42: “Within 30 feet of a STOP sign, YIELD sign, or traffic control signal.”
19. What should you do if you become stranded in your vehicle during winter conditions?
Answer: Remain in your vehicle. The instructions for winter driving state that drivers should stay inside the vehicle if stranded.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 92: “If you do become stranded, remain in your vehicle.”
20. How should you approach bridges, shaded spots, and overpasses during winter driving?
Answer: Approach them slowly because they may remain icy after other areas are clear. The handbook specifies slowing down for these areas because they tend to stay icy longer than the surrounding roadway.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 92: “Approach bridges, shaded spots, overpasses and turns slowly. They may remain icy after the rest of the roadway is clear and dry.”