Illinois Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to go first in a traffic situation. It is yielded, never taken; drivers who arrive at an intersection at the same time must follow the rules to decide who proceeds.

An intersection where all approaching traffic must stop. The first vehicle to stop goes first, and if two stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.

The maximum legal speed allowed on a road under good conditions. Driving faster than this is illegal, and driving too fast for weather, traffic, or road conditions can be a violation even below the limit.

The requirement to always drive at a speed that is reasonable and safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Rain, fog, ice, or heavy traffic can make the posted limit too fast.

The space between your vehicle and the one ahead. Under normal conditions, keep at least a three-second gap so you have time to react if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle. It reduces your reaction time and is a common cause of rear-end crashes; if someone tailgates you, increase your own following distance ahead.

A red, eight-sided sign that requires a complete stop before the crosswalk, stop line, or intersection. After stopping, yield to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

A red-and-white triangular sign meaning you must slow down and give the right of way to traffic on the crossing road or to pedestrians. Stop if necessary before entering.

Joining moving traffic from an entrance ramp or lane. Use the acceleration lane to match traffic speed, signal, and yield to vehicles already on the roadway unless signs indicate otherwise.

The light that shows other drivers your intention to turn or change lanes. Signal at least 100 feet before a turn in urban areas and well before any lane change.

Moving from one lane to another. Check mirrors, look over your shoulder for blind spots, signal, and make sure there is enough space before moving over.

The area beside and behind your vehicle that mirrors do not show. Turn your head to check it before changing lanes or backing up to avoid hitting a vehicle or cyclist there.

Looking in the rearview and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind and beside you. Do this regularly and before slowing, stopping, turning, or changing lanes.

A pavement marking that separates lanes traveling in the same direction. Crossing it is discouraged or, where double, prohibited; it often marks the edge of the roadway or a shoulder.

A pavement marking separating traffic moving in opposite directions. A single solid yellow line means passing is discouraged; a solid yellow on your side of a double line means do not pass.

A stretch of road where passing another vehicle is prohibited, often marked by solid yellow lines or signs. It usually appears where sight distance is limited, such as hills or curves.

Overtaking and moving ahead of another vehicle. It is legal only where permitted, when you can see far enough ahead, and when no oncoming traffic or hazard is present.

An electrically operated light controlling traffic at an intersection. A steady red means stop, green means proceed when clear, and yellow warns that the light is about to turn red.

A signal warning that the light is changing to red. Stop if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop safely, proceed through the intersection with caution.

A signal requiring a full stop before the crosswalk or stop line. Remain stopped until the light turns green, unless a sign permits a right turn after yielding.

A signal that operates like a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when it is safe.

A signal warning you to slow down and proceed with caution. It does not require a stop but alerts you to a hazard such as an intersection or a changing condition ahead.

Turning right after stopping at a red light, where permitted. You must come to a full stop first, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, and check for signs prohibiting the turn.

A marked or unmarked path where pedestrians cross a road. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and must not block it when stopped in traffic.

A person traveling on foot, including someone using a wheelchair or walking with a cane. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise extra care near schools and busy areas.

An area near a school where special speed limits and warning signs apply during posted hours. Slow down, watch for children, and obey crossing guards and flashing signals.

A person who directs children and pedestrians across a street near a school. Drivers must obey the guard's signals and stop when directed to do so.

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on most roads. Give them room when passing, watch for them at intersections, and check for them before opening a car door.

A marked portion of the roadway reserved for bicycles. Do not drive, park, or block it, and check for cyclists before turning across it.

Opening a vehicle door into the path of an approaching cyclist or other traffic. Check mirrors and look behind before opening a door on the traffic side of the car.

A place where a road crosses train tracks, marked by signs and often gates or flashing lights. Slow down, look both ways, and never stop on the tracks.

An X-shaped sign at a railroad crossing, often with a sign showing the number of tracks. Treat it as a yield sign: slow down, look, and listen before crossing.

When tires ride on a layer of water instead of the road, causing loss of steering and braking control. Slow down in heavy rain and avoid sudden moves if you feel it happen.

Loss of tire grip causing the vehicle to slide. Ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you want to go, and avoid hard braking until control returns.

A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on the road, often on bridges and shaded areas. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering when conditions are cold and wet.

A restraint that holds occupants in place during a crash. Illinois law requires drivers and passengers to use safety belts, and children must be in appropriate child restraints.

A car seat or booster seat designed for a child's size and age. Illinois requires young children to be properly secured in an approved child restraint system.

Operating a vehicle while doing something that takes your attention off the road, such as texting or eating. Illinois law bans handheld phone use while driving.