How Many Questions Are on the Illinois Motorcycle Test?
The Illinois Secretary of State's motorcycle written knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 20 of them correctly (80%) to pass, unless you complete an approved rider education course that waives it.
The official test format
Riders who complete an approved Illinois Department of Transportation motorcycle rider education course can have both the written knowledge test and the skills test waived, which is a meaningful shortcut compared to many other states.
Riders who don't take the course must pass the 25-question written test at a Secretary of State facility, covering topics from the Illinois motorcycle operator manual.
Because SOS procedures and test formats can change, always confirm the current format and course-waiver requirements on the official Illinois SOS website before your appointment.
How the questions are distributed by topic
The official test draws from the full range of topics in the motorcycle operator manual rather than any single area, covering everything from protective gear to braking technique to sharing the road with cars.
Our free Illinois motorcycle practice tests cover 14 topic areas, including cornering, braking, group riding, and mechanical inspection, so you can see which areas need more review before test day.
How our practice tests are structured
Rather than mirroring the exact 25-question format, dmvwrittenexam.com splits its 100+ original Illinois motorcycle questions into full-length practice tests, so you get more total repetitions across more topics than a single official-length test would allow.
Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn the reasoning behind the correct answer rather than just memorizing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the Illinois motorcycle written test entirely?
Yes, in many cases. Illinois riders who complete an approved motorcycle rider education course can have both the written and skills tests waived. Confirm current eligibility with the Illinois SOS.
Is the Illinois motorcycle test the same length as the regular permit test?
No. The regular Illinois permit test has 35 questions, while the motorcycle test has 25. Each has its own passing threshold, both currently around 80%.
What happens if I don't pass the motorcycle written test?
Retake policies, including any waiting period, are set by the Secretary of State's office and can vary. Check with your local SOS facility for current retake rules.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free Illinois motorcycle practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-14