Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. A conviction for driving without mandatory insurance results in what minimum penalty?

   Correct answer: A three-month suspension and a $100 reinstatement fee

   Driving without required insurance leads to a minimum three-month loss of driving privileges and a $100 reinstatement fee, with no permit available.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Safety Responsibility Law

2. 2. Leaving the scene of a crash that caused injury or death results in what?

   Correct answer: Revocation of the driver's license

   The Secretary of State must revoke the license of a driver who leaves the scene of a crash involving injury or death; damage over $1,000 brings a suspension.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Leaving the Scene of a Crash

3. 3. What is the minimum visual acuity needed for a standard Illinois driver's license?

   Correct answer: 20/40 with or without corrective lenses

   You must have at least 20/40 acuity, with or without corrective lenses; drivers between 20/41 and 20/70 are limited to daylight driving.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Vision Screening

4. 4. How often must most Illinois drivers pass a written exam?

   Correct answer: Every eight years, unless they have no traffic convictions

   A written exam is required every eight years, except for drivers with a clean record of no traffic convictions.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Written Exam

5. 5. For a driver under 21, how many moving-violation convictions within 24 months can trigger a suspension?

   Correct answer: Two

   A driver under 21 who is convicted of two moving violations within a 24-month period faces at least a 30-day suspension.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Suspension

6. 6. How is a driver's license revocation different from a suspension?

   Correct answer: A revocation is indefinite; you may reapply only after at least one year

   A revocation is an indefinite loss of driving privileges; you must apply to be relicensed after a minimum period, usually one year, while a suspension is for a set time.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Revocation

7. 7. What is one penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus in Illinois?

   Correct answer: Suspension of your driver's license plus a mandatory $300 fine

   Being convicted of illegally passing a stopped bus that has its lights flashing and stop arm extended brings a license suspension, a required $300 fine, and court-ordered community service.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Special Stops (School Buses)

8. 8. In Illinois, which class of license is issued to someone seeking basic privileges to drive a car?

   Correct answer: Class D

   The basic passenger-car license in Illinois is a Class D license.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Illinois Driver's License

9. 9. How many traffic violation convictions within 12 months can lead to a license suspension for a driver 21 or older?

   Correct answer: Three

   Three traffic convictions within a 12-month period can bring a suspension for drivers 21 and older.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Suspension

10. 10. Regardless of fault, a crash must be reported when property damage exceeds what amount (for insured vehicles)?

    Correct answer: $1,500

    A crash report is required for death, injury, or property damage over $1,500, or over $500 if any vehicle involved is uninsured.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Crash Reports

11. 11. What penalty can a driver face for failing to report a crash?

    Correct answer: A fine up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail

    Failing to report a crash can bring a fine as high as $2,500 and a jail term of up to one year.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Crash Reports

12. 12. What is the least amount of liability coverage Illinois requires for the injury or death of a single person in a crash?

    Correct answer: $25,000

    State law sets the minimums at $25,000 for one person hurt or killed, $50,000 when more than one person is involved, and $20,000 for damage to property.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Mandatory Insurance