In IL, you can get the learner’s or instruction permit when you turn 15 years old. Most people will take an instructional driving permit to operate their cars in some specific situation. When researching the process, some people might confuse and find it complicated. However, it’s not complex as it seems. This article will go through all the details about the Illinois instruction permit to help readers know exactly what to expect while obtaining one. 

 

dmv illinois instruction permit requirements and restrictions
DMV Illinois instruction permit requirements and restrictions

 

1. What are Illinois instruction permit requirements?

In order to get the DMV IL learner’s permit, you must meet all the requirements below: 

  • At least 15 years old (based on the birth certificate)
  • Must be enrolled or recently graduated from a state-approved Driver’s education course (no more than 30 days). Besides, if you are 17 years old and 3 months older, you are not required to participate in the driver education course to apply for your permit
  • Submit consent to drive of your parents or guardians (including the financial acceptance for you to start the application)

>>Read more: Illinois driver’s license guide

 

2. How to obtain the Illinois instruction permit? 

Commonly, there will be 6 steps to follow to achieve the Illinois instruction permit. You only can get the IL learners’ permit after completing the below process: 

 

Step 1: Take part in the driver’s education course 

You must be enrolled in, or within thirty days of finishing, a driver’s education course that has been authorized. 30 hours of classroom training and 6 hours of driving instruction make up these courses.

 

Step 2: Make an appointment at the IL DMV office

You are required to visit the local secretary of state facility to complete your application. You should schedule first to avoid problems. 

 

Step 3: Bring all the approved identity, residency, and lawful presence in the US documents

  • Certified Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • Medicare card
  • School transcripts
  • Bank statements
  • A cell phone bill in your name for residency

 

Step 4: Pass the vision exam 

The minimum score for the vision exam is 20/40. For those who are short-sighted, corrective lenses are allowed. In addition, a score of 20/40 or greater is limited to daytime driving only. You must also demonstrate a peripheral vision of 140 degrees.

 

Step 5: Pass the DMV Illinois written test

The DMV IL written test consists of 35 questions about identifying signs, signals, and regulations while driving your vehicle. You must get at least 28 correct questions to pass. The content of the test is mostly based on the DMV IL Handbook manual, which you can find it here to read, download and print out if you want to.

In addition, you can practice for your DMV written test by using the DMV Illinois practice test. We furnish users with more than 300 DMV questions, if you struggle with those, the detailed explanation will appear to help you. Over 60% of users said this is an effective learning method, which can help them improve their scores perfectly. 

Besides, the suggested methods below can help you with the learning process:

  • Flashcards
  • Video tutorials
  • Courses

 

Step 6: Pay the DMV Illinois instruction permit fee

 

illinois instruction permit
6 steps to obtain illinois instruction permit

 

3. What happens after getting the Illinois instruction permit?

You can start driving practice after you get your Illinois instruction permit! However, you must be aware of the rules before you sit in the driver’s seat:

  • No matter whether you are riding along with a driving instructor or a supervising driver, you must always have your permit on you when you are operating a vehicle.
  • At least 50 hours of practice under supervision are required, 10 of which must be at night.
  • Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old, have at least a year of driving experience, and have a valid license for the kind of vehicle you are operating.
  • You must retain your permit for at least 9 months before applying for an Illinois driver’s license. Your permit is good for 2 years.
  • If you are older than 18: your permit will be valid for 1 year
  • If you get your license before your instruction permit expires, there will be no additional fee

 

4. What are the restrictions of the Illinois instruction permit?

Holding the Illinois instruction permit means you may drive under some limits. It might be different in the place you live, however, the common rules apply for all IL are:

  • You must always have your permit with you while driving, as well as a parent, the guardian, or another driving supervisor who is at least 21 years old, has a current driver’s license, and has at least one year of driving experience.
  • You cannot use any cell phone or texting device, even one with hands-free functionality until you are 19 years old.
  • You must be 19 years old before using a cell phone or texting device, even one with hands-free capabilities.
  • Before you may submit an application for a driver’s license, you must have your learner’s permit for at least nine months. Additionally, you must complete at least 50 hours of practice driving, 10 of which must be at night.

 

5. Illinois instruction permit sample practice questions

Can you answer 10 sample questions here? To master your DMV IL written test, get at least 80% correct:

 

Question 1: When driving under snowy or icy conditions:

  1. Drive as you would under normal conditions
  2. It is safe to use your cruise control
  3. Make speed and directional changes more gradually than you would otherwise

 

Question 2: Which of these statements is true about changing lanes?

  1. Look over your right shoulder for a right lane change and your left shoulder for a left lane change
  2. Vehicles with two outside mirrors do not have blind spots
  3. You only need to turn and look over your right shoulder for lane changes to the right or left

 

Question 3: Which of the following factors affect an individual’s absorption of alcohol?

  1. Height
  2. Intelligence
  3. Weight

 

Question 4: You are on the freeway and traffic is merging into your lane. You should:

  1. Always maintain your position
  2. Assert your right-of-way by driving faster
  3. Make room for the merging traffic, if possible

 

Question 5: Using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle is considered a distraction because:

  1. It causes the driver to be concerned about the cost of the call
  2. It is an activity that draws the attention of other drivers
  3. It occupies the driver’s hands, eyes, and mind

 

dmv illinois instruction permit
10 sample questions for  Dmv Illinois instruction permit

 

Question 6: When you drive through a construction zone, you should:

  1. Decrease your following distance
  2. Pass the construction zone carefully and not “rubberneck.”
  3. Stop to watch the workers

 

Question 7: Drivers turning left must yield to:

  1. No one in particular
  2. Oncoming vehicles traveling straight or turning right
  3. Passing cars

 

Question 8: You want to make a right turn at the corner. A pedestrian with a guide dog is at the corner ready to cross the street in front of you. Before making your right turn, you should:

  1. Tell the pedestrian when to cross the street
  2. Turn off your engine until the person crosses the street
  3. Wait until the person crosses the street

 

Question 9: To know where traffic is behind you:

  1. Frequently check your rearview mirror
  2. Keep other vehicles out of your blind spots
  3. Turn and look out your back window

 

Question 10: You are crossing an intersection and an emergency vehicle is approaching while using its siren and flashing lights. You should:

  1. Continue through the intersection, pull to the right, and stop
  2. Pull to the right of the intersection and stop
  3. Stop immediately in the intersection until it passes

 

That’s all the information about the DMV Illinois instruction permit that you should know. We hope this article partly helps understand the process as well as find a helpful way to learn for the DMV IL written test. If you are not Illinois drivers, you still can find your state at DMV practice test to start revising your knowledge!