Passing Your Illinois Road Test – The Ultimate Guide

by Zutobi · Updated Nov 18, 2024

Ready to start driving without supervision? All of your work and practice up until now culminates in the Illinois Driving Test (or DRT). The process doesn’t have to be nearly as stressful as it seems.

What Is the Illinois Road Test?

The Illinois Driving Road Test is designed to test your competence in driving on the road. The test focuses on driving laws and safety regulations featured in your Illinois Rules of the Road Handbook.

How Does the Illinois Driving Test Work?

The road test consists of two phases: First, you demonstrate that your test vehicle is in working order along with your knowledge of its parts. Then you have the 10-20 minute drive, where your examiner will observe you driving, parking, and how you handle various driving situations. For example:

If you come to a complete stop at stop signs
If you recognise and follow road signs and lane markings
If you practice safe driving tactics when changing lanes and merging with traffic
And more.

Before Your Road Test

Depending on your age, you have certain criteria to complete before you can take your Illinois road test.

If You Are Under 18

If you can’t bring a parent or guardian with you, you’ll need their signature on the ‘Consent to Drive’ form. When you apply for your license and driving exam, you should bring the following:

Your Instruction Permit
Consent to Drive Form signed by a parent or guardian. It must be notarized if not signed at the testing site.
Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate
50-hour driving log signed by your supervising licensed driver.
A licensed driver to take you to and from the site, and an insured and registered vehicle for the test.

If You Are Over 18

If you are 18 to 20 years old, you do not need a signed form or 50 hours of practice. However, you do need to complete a state-certified Driver’s Ed course before you’re allowed to take your test if you did not take Driver’s education prior to turning 18.If you are over 21, you will not need to take a Driver’s education course. However, it is still a good idea to do so. It will give you the critical knowledge you need to be a safe driver and pass your exams.

How to Prepare for the Illinois Driving Road Test

Study the Manual
Collect Your Paperwork
Make Sure Your Car Functions
Bring Proof of Insurance
Practice Driving at the SOS Site

1. Study the Manual

One of the most effective things you can do is study the Illinois manual thoroughly, especially the parts about signs and signals and their meanings. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to master all the concepts before taking the road test.

Cramming or skimming the material is a good way to forget vital details on the road! Make sure to take advantage of online practice tests and programs made to ensure you mastered the material.

2. Collect Your Paperwork

In addition to the qualifiers we listed earlier, you will need to bring proof of name, birthdate, social security number, and residency. You can bring the items below. Everything must be original. No photocopies.

Part 1: Proof of Signature
- A Canceled Check
- Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate
- Social Security Card
Part 2: Proof of Social Security Number
- Social Security Card
- Illinois State ID
- Pay Stub
Part 3: Proof of Date of Birth
- Original Birth Certificate
- Adoption Records
- State ID
Part 4: Proof of Residency
- Bank Statement
- Certified School Transcript
- State ID

3. Make Sure Your Car Functions

Make sure all these things are fully functioning. Any of these things failing to work will invalidate the vehicle for the driving test. It also needs to be clean, and with no cracks or obstructions in your windshield or mirrors.

Brakes
Headlights
Taillights
Turn Signals
License Plate Light (White)
Parking Lights
Safety Belts
Mirrors
Windows
Wipers
Horn
Muffler
Bumper

4. Bring Proof of Insurance

You will have to bring proof of ownership and proof of insurance for the vehicle that you intend on taking the driving test in. If you bring a rental car, make sure the contract lists that you are approved to take a road test in it.

5. Practice Driving at the SOS Site

Illinois is one of the few states that lets you practice in their testing area ahead of time. When you can, take a few minutes to explore and get a feel for the driving environment. Practice driving, if you have the appropriate permit, so you will be ready for the real thing!

On the Day of the Driving Test

You can only take your road test at designated Secretary of State facilities, also known as SOS sites. You should aim to get to one early and choose one that’s convenient for you. Unfortunately, you can’t schedule a driving test in advance. Make sure to plan for lines and processing times accordingly.

What Will Be Tested on the Illinois Road Test?

The driving exam tests multiple aspects of a driver’s capability to perform standard maneuvers, such as checking all the instruments and making any necessary adjustments before driving.

You will also be expected to complete the following maneuvers:

Back the vehicle straight and slow for at least 50 feet. Turn your head to look behind you. Don’t use the mirrors alone!
Perform a turnabout. Make sure you signal and stay on your side of the road.
Merge with traffic
Park uphill and downhill on the side of the road.
Start uphill and downhill from a parked position.
Control the vehicle and obey all signals, signs, and markings.

What Happens After the Exam?

Once you pass the driving road test, you will be issued a temporary paper license. You will get your Illinois driver’s license in the mail in about 15 days! If you fail, you can try again as early as the next day, but we recommend taking some time to study first. Be careful, you can only fail three times before you have to start the process over again, including any paid fees and fines.Eager to make sure you pass on your first try? Take advantage of Zutobi’s Driver Practice Exams! Our course and practice tests are created by education specialists to help you memorize everything you’ll see on the road.