20 questions from the Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How should a driver use hand and arm signals to indicate a right turn?
Answer: Extend the left arm straight up. The handbook specifies that for a right turn, the hand and arm are extended straight up.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 36: “For a right turn, the hand and arm are extended straight up.”
2. After a train has passed a railroad crossing, what must you do before proceeding?
Answer: Look for a second train on another track. The handbook states that drivers must look for a second train on another track before proceeding after the first train passes.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 40: “Once a train has passed, always look for a second train on another track before proceeding.”
3. Which of the following is an accepted form of proof of financial responsibility according to the Financial Responsibility Law?
Answer: A certificate of insurance (SR-22). The handbook lists the SR-22 certificate as one of the valid forms of proof, while the other options are not mentioned as valid proofs.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 62: “Proof of financial responsibility may include a certificate of insurance (SR-22), a bond, or a deposit of securities (such as stock certificates).”
4. Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor that affects your reaction to alcohol?
Answer: The time of day you are driving. The handbook lists food, tolerance, and other drugs as factors, but does not mention the time of day.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 54: “Other factors affect your reaction to alcohol, including the food you have recently eaten, your tolerance of alcohol, and any drugs you may have consumed.”
5. Which passengers are required by Illinois law to wear safety belts?
Answer: All drivers and passengers age 8 and older. The law mandates safety belt use for all drivers and passengers aged 8 and older, regardless of airbag presence.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 29: “Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers (front and back seat) age 8 and older to wear safety belts even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags.”
6. In an all-way stop scenario, which driver proceeds first?
Answer: The first driver to stop. The rule for all-way stops states that priority is given to the driver who stops first.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 72: “The first driver to stop is the first driver to go.”
7. What is the minimum duration for revocation of driving privileges following a second DUI conviction within a 20-year period?
Answer: Five years. The handbook specifies that a second conviction within the specified timeframe leads to a minimum revocation period of five years.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 56: “A second conviction within 20 years results in a minimum five-year revocation.”
8. Which driver's license classification is issued to a driver seeking a basic license to operate a standard car in Illinois?
Answer: Class D. The handbook states that a basic license for operating a car in Illinois is classified as Class D.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 111: “A driver seeking a basic license to operate a car in Illinois is issued a Class D license.”
9. What is the rule regarding passing in construction zones in Illinois?
Answer: All construction zones are no passing zones. The handbook clearly states that all construction zones in Illinois are designated as no passing zones.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 35: “All construction zones in Illinois are no passing zones.”
10. What is the status of Temporary Visitors Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs) effective July 1, 2024?
Answer: They will no longer be issued, and eligible individuals must apply for a standard driver’s license. The handbook states that TVDLs cease issuance on this date, directing eligible applicants to obtain a standard license instead.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 10: “Effective July 1, 2024, Temporary Visitors Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs) will no longer be issued. If you were eligible for a TVDL, you can apply for a standard driver’s license.”
11. If you are stopped by police at night, what action regarding interior lighting is considered acceptable?
Answer: Turn on your vehicle’s interior light. The handbook states that turning on the interior light is an acceptable action when being stopped at night.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 27: “If you are being stopped at night, it is acceptable to turn on your vehicle’s interior light.”
12. What is required for a driver under age 18 who is required to appear in court for a traffic violation?
Answer: They must have a parent or legal guardian present. The handbook mandates that minors under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them to court appearances.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 60: “If you are under age 18 and are required to appear in court, you must have a parent/legal guardian present at the court appearance.”
13. When meeting or passing a horseback rider on a public roadway, how should a driver proceed?
Answer: Do so with caution and be prepared to stop. The handbook instructs drivers to proceed with caution and be prepared to stop when interacting with horseback riders.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 53: “When meeting or passing a horseback rider, do so with caution and be prepared to stop.”
14. What is the recommended action if the fog becomes too dense while driving?
Answer: Pull off the roadway and stop. The handbook instructs drivers to pull off the road and stop when visibility is severely reduced by dense fog.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 91: “If the fog is too dense, pull off the roadway and stop. Do not drive at 5-10 mph.”
15. Within what distance of an intersection or railroad crossing is passing not allowed on a two-lane, two-way roadway?
Answer: 100 feet. The handbook specifies that passing is prohibited within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 35: “Within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing.”
16. What does the Two-Way Roadway sign inform drivers about?
Answer: That they are leaving a divided roadway and approaching a two-way highway. The handbook defines the purpose of this sign as notifying drivers of the transition from divided to two-way traffic.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 79: “This sign informs you that you are leaving a divided roadway and approaching a two-way highway.”
17. What is the maximum allowable variation for the horizontal line from the front to the rear of a vehicle?
Answer: 3 inches. The handbook states that the horizontal line variation cannot exceed 3 inches.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 100: “The horizontal line from the front to the rear may not vary over 3 inches.”
18. What action must a driver take before proceeding across railroad tracks after the gate rises and lights stop flashing?
Answer: Visually check all the tracks for additional oncoming trains. The handbook requires a visual check of all tracks for additional trains before proceeding, even after signals cease.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 39: “Visually check all the tracks for additional oncoming trains or railroad equipment before proceeding.”
19. Under the Implied Consent Law, who is permitted to administer additional tests at the driver's own expense?
Answer: A qualified person of your choice. The handbook states that a qualified person chosen by the driver may administer additional tests at the driver's expense.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 55: “You may have a qualified person of your choice administer additional tests at your own expense.”
20. What is the minimum distance recommended between a driver and the air bag?
Answer: 10-12 inches. The handbook specifies that a distance of 10 to 12 inches is desirable for safety.
Illinois Rules of the Road (DSD A 112), page 29: “A distance of 10-12 inches between the driver and the air bag is desirable, especially for short, elderly, or pregnant drivers.”