Answers | DMV Permit Test Study Guide |
Chicago Driving Exam Preparation
ORD DRIVING TEST 2026 PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
DMV PERMIT TEST STUDY GUIDE | CHICAGO DRIVING EXAM PREPARATION
OVERVIEW
• This comprehensive study guide contains 200 practice questions covering all
essential topics tested on the Chicago ORD (Office of the Secretary of State) Driving
Exam 2026, helping you master traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and
vehicle operation.
• Study this material by reviewing questions daily, focusing on topics where you
score lower, and retaking sections until you consistently achieve 80% or higher—
this method ensures retention and confidence before taking the actual permit test.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
QUESTION 1: What does a red traffic light mean?
A) Slow down and prepare to stop
B) You must come to a complete stop
C) You can turn right after stopping
D) You can proceed if no vehicles are coming
E) Reduce your speed gradually
✓ CORRECT ANSWER: B - You must come to a complete stop
EXPERT RATIONALE: A red traffic light is a mandatory stop signal. Drivers must
bring their vehicle to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the
intersection. Running a red light is a serious traffic violation and safety hazard.
,QUESTION 2: When approaching a yellow traffic light, what should you do?
A) Speed up to cross before it turns red
B) Honk your horn to warn other drivers
C) Slow down and prepare to stop if safe
D) Come to an immediate stop
E) Change lanes quickly
✓ CORRECT ANSWER: C - Slow down and prepare to stop if safe
EXPERT RATIONALE: A yellow light warns you that the light is about to turn red.
You should reduce speed and be prepared to stop if it is safe to do so. Only
proceed if you cannot stop safely. Never accelerate through a yellow light.
QUESTION 3: At a four-way stop, who has the right of way?
A) The largest vehicle
B) The vehicle on the right
C) The vehicle that arrived first
D) The vehicle going straight
E) The vehicle turning left
✓ CORRECT ANSWER: C - The vehicle that arrived first
EXPERT RATIONALE: When two or more vehicles arrive at a four-way stop
simultaneously, the vehicle that arrived first has the right of way. If vehicles arrive
at the same time, the vehicle on the right has priority.
QUESTION 4: What does a white solid line between lanes mean?
A) You can change lanes
,B) You cannot cross the line
C) You can cross with caution
D) It is a suggestion only
E) You must turn at this line
✓ CORRECT ANSWER: B - You cannot cross the line
EXPERT RATIONALE: A solid white line indicates that lane changes are not
permitted in that area. Drivers must stay in their lane and cannot cross the line.
This is typically used near intersections, on bridges, or in hazardous areas.
QUESTION 5: When must you use your headlights?
A) Only during rain
B) Only at night between sunset and sunrise
C) Between sunset and sunrise and during low visibility
D) Only on highways
E) Only when turning
✓ CORRECT ANSWER: C - Between sunset and sunrise and during low visibility
EXPERT RATIONALE: Illinois law requires headlights to be on from sunset to
sunrise and during periods of low visibility such as rain, fog, or snow. Using
headlights improves your visibility and makes your vehicle visible to other drivers.
QUESTION 6: What is the maximum speed limit in residential areas in
Chicago?
A) 25 mph
B) 30 mph
C) 35 mph
, D) 40 mph
E) 45 mph
✓ CORRECT ANSWER: A - 25 mph
EXPERT RATIONALE: In residential areas, the posted speed limit is typically 25 mph.
This reduced speed protects pedestrians, cyclists, and children who may be playing
near the roadway. Always obey posted speed limit signs.
QUESTION 7: What should you do when you see a school bus with red lights
flashing?
A) Slow down and proceed carefully
B) Honk to alert the bus driver
C) Come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away
D) Change lanes and pass on the right
E) Speed up to get around the bus
✓ CORRECT ANSWER: C - Come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away
EXPERT RATIONALE: When a school bus displays flashing red lights, all traffic must
stop from both directions. Children are boarding or exiting, and safety is
paramount. Stopping at least 20 feet away gives children a safe zone to cross.
QUESTION 8: What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate?
A) Stop required
B) Warning of a hazard ahead
C) Speed limit
D) Mandatory instruction
E) Pedestrian crossing