Illinois Driver's Handbook Summary (2026): Key Rules by Section

The 13 handbook sections the Illinois knowledge test draws from, summarized in our own words. Each rule links to its page in the official handbook.

1. Section 1: Illinois Driver's License · 4 key rules
   Who needs an Illinois license, age rules, documents, address and name changes, renewal and license duration.
2. Section 2: Driver's License Exams · 3 key rules
   Vision screening, the written exam and the driving exam.
3. Section 3: Drivers Under Age 21 · 4 key rules
   The instruction permit, supervised practice, the Graduated Driver Licensing program and penalties for young drivers.
4. Section 4: Traffic Laws · 9 key rules
   Police stops, distracted driving, seat belts and child seats, speed limits, work and school zones, right-of-way, passing, lanes, turns, school buses, railroad crossings and parking.
5. Section 5: Sharing the Road · 3 key rules
   Pedestrians, children, motorcycles, bicycles and e-bikes, scooters, large and slow-moving vehicles, and horseback riders.
6. Section 6: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) · 4 key rules
   BAC and drug limits, cannabis, implied consent, statutory summary suspension, DUI penalties and drivers under 21.
7. Section 7: Traffic Violations/Crashes · 3 key rules
   What to do in a crash, court appearances, crash reports, leaving the scene, and the safety and financial responsibility laws.
8. Section 8: Revocation, Suspension, Denial and Cancellation · 2 key rules
   The difference between revocation, suspension, cancellation and denial, the offenses that cause them and special driving permits.
9. Section 9: Roadway Signs · 2 key rules
   Sign shapes and colors, regulatory, warning, construction, special and guide signs.
10. Section 10: Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings · 3 key rules
    Steady and flashing lights, arrows, pedestrian and lane signals, pavement markings and railroad crossings.
11. Section 11: Safe Driving Tips · 4 key rules
    Following distance, speed, drowsiness, weather, expressways, night driving, emergencies, aggressive drivers and stranded motorists.
12. Section 12: Equipment for Safe Driving · 2 key rules
    Required equipment such as brakes, lights, mirrors, windows and horn, and restricted equipment.
13. Section 13: Owning a Vehicle · 2 key rules
    Buying a vehicle, title and registration, license plates, mandatory insurance and emissions testing.