Illinois DMV Test Day: What to Expect

80

Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.80(b): "a minimum of 35 questions, of which 80% percent must be answered correctly in order to be eligible for a Class D license."

Illinois rule sets a floor rather than a fixed length: the Class D written exam must have at least 35 questions, of which 80 percent must be answered correctly. The Secretary of State does not publish an exact count.

Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1030.80(b) (Driver's License Testing/Written Test, as amended eff. July 1, 2026): "a written test consisting of a minimum of 35 questions, of which 80% percent must be answered correctly"

No waiting period is published. The handbook, the licensing agency and the state code are all silent on how long you wait to retake the knowledge test, so ask at the counter before you leave; in practice the office decides.

No per-section minimum

Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 2: Written Exam, p. 14

$20

Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 1: Driver's License/State ID Card Fees, p. 11

$0 (no separate fee)

Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 1: Driver's License/State ID Card Fees, pp. 11-12

$0 (no separate fee)

Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 1: Driver's License/State ID Card Fees, pp. 11-12

The Illinois Secretary of State fee schedule sets the Class D license at $30 for ages 21 to 68 and $5 for ages 18 to 20, so a first license issued before age 21 costs $5.

Source: Illinois Secretary of State, Fees ("Driver's License or Renewal - Persons ages 18 to 20 $5"; "Driver's License - Persons ages 21 to 68 $30")

$30 (ages 21-68)

Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 1: Driver's License/State ID Card Fees, p. 11

$20 (ages 18-64)

Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 1: Driver's License/State ID Card Fees, p. 11

The handbook does not list a separate retake charge; it says the application fee buys three attempts at each exam within one year of payment. After that the applicant must re-apply and pay again.

Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 2 'Driver's License Exams', p. 13: "You are allowed three attempts to pass each exam within one year from the date you paid your application fee."