What's the Passing Score on the Illinois Permit Test?

An 80% passing threshold on a 35-question test means you can miss up to 7 questions and still pass, but missing more than that typically means a retest is required.

The Secretary of State's office sets and can adjust this threshold, so confirm the current passing score on the official Illinois SOS website before your appointment.

Since 80% is the minimum, a reasonable practice goal is to consistently score 90% or higher across all 33 permit topic areas before your appointment, giving yourself a safety margin.

Our practice tests show your score as a percentage immediately after each 25-question set, along with a topic-by-topic breakdown so you know exactly which rules to review again.

Illinois' zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 is stricter than many other states: any detectable amount of alcohol, not just reaching a specific blood alcohol level, can lead to a suspension. New applicants sometimes assume the adult 0.08% threshold applies to them, which it does not.

Illinois also requires hands-free operation of a cell phone while driving, not just a ban on texting, which is a common point of confusion for applicants comparing notes with friends who tested in other states.

Reviewing the explanation after every practice question, not just the correct answer, is the fastest way to close these gaps before test day.