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Illinois Motorcycle Permit Practice Test
Class L covers motor-driven cycles under 150cc; Class M covers every motorcycle. Practice with 660+ questions for the Illinois motorcycle knowledge test, written from the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual.
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Sample question
Illinois motorcycle test
Gear and pre-ride checks
You switch on the headlight before a ride. What should you test?
Practice Gear and pre-ride checks
Preparing to Ride
- The full test never asks the same rule twice and shuffles the order each time.
- Flag any question on the full test and jump back to it before submitting.
Correct!
Test the switch so you know both the high and low beams work.
Practice Gear and pre-ride checks- Illinois motorcycle laws
- Gear and pre-ride checks
- Control and lane position
- Intersections and being seen
- Crash avoidance and hazards
- Passengers and group riding
- Alcohol, drugs and fatigue
Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual2025 (DSD X 140.27)checked Page numbers are the printed ones. About page numbers
How the Illinois motorcycle test works
Vision, written and skills exams
A first-time applicant takes a vision screening, the basic and motorcycle written exams, and the Rider Skill Test, an off-street riding test given by the Secretary of State.
Or finish an IDOT rider course
Riders 16 and older who complete an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Education Course pass a skills test at the end of the course and skip the DMV riding test; the completion card is good for one year. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 38
Under 18: course first
Riders aged 16 or 17 must also complete an IDOT-approved motorcycle course, and a Class M instruction permit under 18 needs both driver education and the IDOT course. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 2
Class L or Class M
Class L covers motor-driven cycles under 150cc; Class M covers every motorcycle. A true moped can be ridden with any valid driver’s license. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 49
Source: Illinois SOS: Driver’s license and state ID (Motorcycle License)
Riding in Illinois
Does Illinois law make motorcycle riders wear a helmet?
No. Illinois does not require a helmet, but the manual stresses that a properly fitted helmet greatly lowers the chance of a fatal head injury. Eye protection is required for the rider and passenger: glasses, goggles or a transparent windshield. p. 44
What equipment must a motorcycle have on Illinois roads?
Brakes on both wheels, a white headlight visible for 500 feet that is always on, red taillight and brake light visible for 500 feet, a plate light, a horn heard for 200 feet, a mirror showing 200 feet back, a working muffler, and passenger footrests and a two-person seat to carry a passenger. p. 44
What should I do if my motorcycle breaks down on the Illinois Tollway?
Signal and flash your brake light, get to the right shoulder if you can, turn on your hazard lights, get off on the side away from traffic, stay near the motorcycle in a safe spot and call *999 or 911. p. 46
Rules from the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual
From the 2025 (DSD X 140.27) edition.
Illinois motorcycle laws
- p. 2Motorcycle Classification
Illinois has two motorcycle classifications: Class L covers motor-driven cycles under 150cc, and Class M covers any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
- p. 2Instruction Permits
At 16 or 17, after driver education and the motorcycle written test, you may get a 24-month instruction permit for a motor-driven cycle under 150cc.
Gear and pre-ride checks
- p. 6Borrowing and Lending
More than half of all crashes involve riders with less than six months of experience, so ride extra carefully on any new or unfamiliar motorcycle, however experienced you are.
- p. 7Check Your Motorcycle
Before mounting, check the tires (pressure, wear, tread), oil and fluid levels (hydraulic fluid and coolant at least weekly) and look underneath for oil or gas leaks; test the headlight's high and low beams, the taillight, both turn signals and that each brake control lights the brake light.
Control and lane position
- p. 10Braking
The front brake is the more powerful one, giving at least about three-quarters of the total stopping power, and it is safe when used properly.
- p. 12Following Another Vehicle
Normally keep at least a three-second following distance: when the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes a marker such as a pavement marking or lamp post, count one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.
Intersections and being seen
- p. 15Sipde
Experienced riders use SIPDE, a five-step process (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute), to make good judgments and apply them in changing traffic.
- p. 17Intersections
At a large intersection, pick a lane position that makes you more visible to the driver, cover the clutch and both brakes, slow as you approach, and once in the intersection move away from vehicles preparing to turn.
Passengers and group riding
- p. 31Equipment
To carry a passenger, the motorcycle needs a seat big enough for both without crowding, passenger footrests and the same protective gear for the passenger.
- p. 32Group Riding
Keep riding groups small: small groups are easier and safer for drivers to get around, are not split up as easily by traffic or red lights, and riders don't keep hurrying to catch up; split a large group into smaller ones.
Alcohol, drugs and fatigue
- p. 35Alcohol and Other Drugs
Alcohol can still build up even at one drink per hour, and that one drink can affect abilities and judgment.
- p. 36Alcohol and Other Drugs
If you haven't controlled your drinking, control your riding: leave the motorcycle so you aren't tempted, and arrange another way home; once you start drinking your resistance weakens, and judgment is one of the first things alcohol affects.
Illinois motorcycle license questions and answers
13 questionsThe knowledge test
Which exams do I need for an Illinois motorcycle classification?
A vision screening, the basic and motorcycle written exams and a riding exam. Presenting an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Course completion card replaces the riding exam.
What does this Illinois motorcycle practice test cover?
The Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual: Illinois classifications, permits and laws, gear and pre-ride checks, control and lane position, SIPDE and intersections, being seen, crash avoidance, passengers and group riding, alcohol and fatigue, the Rider Skill Test and required equipment. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 1
What happens on the Illinois Rider Skill Test?
After an equipment check, you ride four exercises on a paved area about 30 by 75 feet. On two wheels: a cone weave with a normal stop, a turn from a stop with a U-turn, a quick stop and an obstacle swerve, with speeds of 12 to 18 mph for the last two. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 40
What ends the Illinois Rider Skill Test early?
Falling or dropping the motorcycle, an unsafe act such as losing control or lifting the front wheel, 11 or more points, running past a reasonable time limit, or stalling the engine four times. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 38
What score do I need to pass the Illinois motorcycle permit test?
You need 12 of the 15 questions right (80%). Always confirm the current test with the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services. Compare every state
How many questions can I miss on the Illinois motorcycle permit test?
You can miss up to 3 of the 15 questions: you need 12 right (80%) to pass.
Getting your classification
What is the difference between Class L and Class M in Illinois?
Class L is for motor-driven cycles with an engine under 150cc. Class M covers any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 2
How old do you have to be for an Illinois motorcycle permit?
16. At 16 or 17 you also need driver education and the motorcycle written test for a motor-driven cycle permit, and driver education plus an IDOT rider course for a Class M permit. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 2
What limits come with an Illinois motorcycle instruction permit?
You may ride only in daylight, under the direct supervision of a licensed rider who is at least 21 and has at least a year of experience. Permits for riders under 18 last 24 months. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 2
Do I need a motorcycle classification for a moped in Illinois?
Not if it meets all four moped criteria: 20 to 30 mph within a mile, 2 brake horsepower or less, 50cc or less if gas-powered, and no gear shifting. Then any valid driver’s license works; otherwise it needs Class L. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 49
Can a test on a three-wheeled motorcycle limit my license?
Yes. A skills test on a three-wheeled motorcycle adds a J-11 restriction (three-wheeled only) until you pass a two-wheeled test; a four-wheeled vehicle adds J-17. Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 38
Can service members add a motorcycle classification outside Illinois?
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside Illinois may qualify by completing the MSF Basic Rider Course on their base; the Secretary of State has an application for the upgrade.
How much does a Illinois motorcycle permit and license cost?
Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services lists the current fees for the motorcycle permit, tests and license on its official fee page.
Sources: Illinois SOS: Driver’s license and state ID (Motorcycle License) · Illinois SOS: Fees