20 questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Who is permitted to supervise a driver holding an instruction permit during practice driving?
Answer: A parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult age 21 or older with a valid license and at least one year of driving experience. The supervisor must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid license, and have at least one year of driving experience.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 22: “It also allows you to drive with a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult who is age 21 or older, has a valid license, and has at least one year of driving experience.”
2. How long does a denial for a Serious Moving Violation last for an individual under age 18?
Answer: Nine months or until their 18th birthday, whichever is shorter. The handbook specifies that the denial period for this violation ends at the earlier of nine months or the driver turning 18.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 67: “The length of this type of denial is either nine months or until the person’s 18th birthday, whichever is shorter.”
3. What information do portable changeable message signs provide to motorists?
Answer: Real-time information about road conditions and guidance. The handbook defines these signs as providing real-time updates on road conditions and guidance.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 80: “Portable changeable message signs provide real-time information to help communicate with users about road conditions and to provide guidance.”
4. When passing a pedestrian who is walking on the road or shoulder of the roadway, what is the minimum distance you must keep between your vehicle and the pedestrian?
Answer: 3 feet. The handbook states that a minimum distance of 3 feet must be maintained when passing pedestrians.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 34: “When passing a pedestrian who is walking on the road or shoulder of the roadway, keep a minimum of 3 feet between your vehicle and the pedestrian.”
5. What is the consequence of refusing to submit to chemical testing when operating a vehicle in Illinois?
Answer: Your driving privileges will be suspended for one year. The handbook states that a refusal to submit to chemical testing results in a one-year suspension of driving privileges.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 55: “If you refuse to submit to chemical testing, your driving privileges will be suspended for one year.”
6. Under what circumstance may the Secretary of State’s office deny issuing or renewing a driver’s license according to the section on Denial?
Answer: If the driver is charged with an offense due to a crash resulting in serious injury or death. The handbook lists a crash involving bodily harm or death as a specific reason for denial, distinct from other reasons like medical issues or fraud which are categorized under Cancellation.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 67: “Crash Involving Bodily Harm or Death — The Secretary of State’s office may deny issuing or renewing a driver’s license if the driver has been charged with an offense due to a crash resulting in serious injury or death of another.”
7. Under what condition is a driver suspended for speeding in a construction zone?
Answer: A second violation within two years of the previous violation when workers are present. The rule specifies that suspension occurs upon a second violation within two years, provided workers were present.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 66: “Speeding in a Construction Zone — A second violation within two years of the previous violation of speeding in a construction zone when workers are present.”
8. Who must be notified of a crash if it occurs in a rural area?
Answer: The county sheriff or Illinois State Police. The handbook specifies that in rural areas, notification goes to the county sheriff or Illinois State Police.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 61: “If in a rural area, the county sheriff or Illinois State Police must be notified.”
9. How far must the headlight of a low-speed vehicle be visible from the front?
Answer: 500 feet. The handbook requires the headlight to be visible for 500 feet, whereas the taillight requirement is only 100 feet.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 52: “Headlight – visible for 500 feet from the front.”
10. If your vehicle sinks into water, where should you move to find an air pocket?
Answer: The back seat area. The handbook advises moving to the back seat area specifically because an air pocket usually forms there.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 95: “If your vehicle does sink, move to the back seat area where an air pocket usually forms.”
11. If power lines fall on your vehicle after a crash, what should you do regarding exiting the vehicle?
Answer: Remain in the vehicle until help arrives. The handbook states that occupants should remain inside the vehicle until help arrives when power lines are involved.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 95: “You and your passengers should remain in the vehicle until help arrives.”
12. How far away from your vehicle should you move after jumping clear due to fallen power lines?
Answer: 50 feet. The handbook specifies a distance of 50 feet to ensure safety from electrical shock when exiting a vehicle with fallen power lines.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 95: “When jumping from the vehicle, land on both feet and hop or shuffle while keeping your arms close to your body for a distance of 50 feet away from the vehicle.”
13. If an Illinois driver has suspended privileges due to a DUI conviction, in which states are they allowed to drive?
Answer: Nowhere; they are not allowed to drive in ANY state. The handbook specifies that drivers with suspended privileges for these offenses cannot drive in any state, not just Illinois.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 58: “An Illinois driver whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked due to a conviction for DUI, reckless homicide, or leaving the scene of a fatal or personal injury crash is not allowed to drive a motor vehicle in ANY state.”
14. What is the minimum distance from an emergency scene within which photography and wireless/cellphone use are prohibited?
Answer: 500 feet. The handbook specifies a 500-foot radius around an emergency scene where these distractions are prohibited.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 31: “Illinois law prohibits photography and the use of wireless/cellphones within 500 feet of an emergency scene, except in certain circumstances.”
15. In the Initial Licensing Phase, what is the restriction on passengers for the first 12 months of licensing or until the driver turns 18?
Answer: Limited to one person under age 20, unless they are a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild. The rule limits passengers to one person under age 20 during this period, with specific exceptions for family members.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 24: “For the first 12 months of licensing, or until the driver turns 18, whichever occurs first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20, unless the passenger(s) is a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild of the driver.”
16. How many traffic violation convictions within a 12-month period result in a driver's license suspension for a driver who is age 21 or older?
Answer: Three convictions. The handbook states that three convictions in a 12-month period trigger suspension for drivers aged 21 and older.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 66: “Traffic Violations — Three traffic violation convictions during a 12-month period.”
17. What action is required when encountering a flashing yellow arrow?
Answer: Turn in the direction pointed after yielding the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles. The handbook defines the flashing yellow arrow as permission to turn after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 85: “Yellow Arrow (flashing) — The flashing yellow arrow means you may turn in the direction the arrow is pointed after yielding the right of way to any pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection or crosswalk.”
18. What is the required stopping distance range from a railroad crossing when a stop sign is posted or signals are active?
Answer: Within 15-50 feet. The handbook specifies that drivers must stop within a range of 15 to 50 feet at railroad crossings under specified conditions.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 39: “When approaching a railroad crossing, you must stop within 15-50 feet if there is a posted stop sign, if the electric signal is flashing, or if the crossing gate is lowered.”
19. According to the handbook, when does the statutory summary suspension begin after an officer provides a notice date?
Answer: On the 46th day from the notice date. The handbook states that the suspension period starts on the 46th day following the date noted by the officer.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 56: “The statutory summary suspension begins on the 46th day from the notice date provided by the police officer.”
20. What is the minimum THC level in whole blood that triggers a statutory summary suspension?
Answer: 5 nanograms or more per milliliter. The handbook specifies that a THC level of 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of whole blood results in a suspension.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 55: “If a chemical test discloses a BAC of .08% or more or a THC level of either 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of whole blood or 10 nanograms or more per milliliter of other bodily substance, your driving privileges will be suspended for six months.”