Illinois permit test: vehicle equipment
Required and restricted equipment. 13 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key vehicle equipment rulesShow the rules
- Dim bright lights 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle and 300 feet before passing a vehicle you are following. (p. 95)
- Vehicles must have a horn that can be heard from 200 feet; sirens are only for emergency vehicles. (p. 95)
- Tinting is not allowed on the front windshield, except for a 6-inch strip along the entire top edge. (p. 95)
- When following and about to pass another vehicle, dim your high beams at least 300 feet before passing it. (p. 95)
- Headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise, whenever conditions require your wipers, and when you can't see objects 1,000 feet away. (p. 95)
- Illinois requires one rearview mirror that lets you see at least 200 feet behind your car. (p. 95)
- A muffler is required, and cutouts, bypasses and noise-increasing changes are illegal. (p. 95)
- Illinois requires a foot brake that stops a car from 20 mph within 30 feet, and an emergency brake that stops it within 55 feet. (p. 95)
- Backup lights must give white or amber light without glare and may not be on while the vehicle moves forward. (p. 96)
- Televisions or video monitors visible from the driver's seat are prohibited while the vehicle moves. (p. 96)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample vehicle equipment questions
1.Which of these is NOT allowed on a private passenger car in Illinois?
- AHazard warning flashers
- BFront and rear bumpers
- CRed lights visible from the front
- DOne spotlight
Show the answer
✓ C. Red lights visible from the front
Red lights visible from the front and other flashing lights besides turn signals and hazards are only for police or designated emergency vehicles.
2.You have your high beams on and a car is coming toward you. When must you dim them?
- AAt least 300 feet before meeting it
- BAt least 200 feet before meeting it
- COnly when it flashes its lights
- DAt least 500 feet before meeting it
Show the answer
✓ D. At least 500 feet before meeting it
Dim bright lights 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle and 300 feet before passing a vehicle you are following.
3.From 20 mph, within what distance must an Illinois car's foot brake be able to stop it?
- A25 feet
- B30 feet
- C55 feet
- D100 feet
Show the answer
✓ B. 30 feet
Illinois requires a foot brake that stops a car from 20 mph within 30 feet, and an emergency brake that stops it within 55 feet.
4.Your load sticks out 5 feet past the rear of your pickup at night. What must you display?
- AA red light visible for 500 feet
- BTwo orange reflectors
- CA white light visible for 200 feet
- DA red flag 12 inches square
Show the answer
✓ A. A red light visible for 500 feet
Loads extending 4 feet or more past the rear need a red flag in daytime, and at night or in poor visibility a red light visible for 500 feet.