Illinois Retake Rules & Pass Rates

No waiting period is published. The handbook, the licensing agency and the state code are all silent on how long you wait to retake the knowledge test, so ask at the counter before you leave; in practice the office decides.

The handbook does not list a separate retake charge; it says the application fee buys three attempts at each exam within one year of payment. After that the applicant must re-apply and pay again.

Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 2 'Driver's License Exams', p. 13: "You are allowed three attempts to pass each exam within one year from the date you paid your application fee." · Verified Aug 2026

60% pass; 2020-2023 pooled; all tests administered (first attempts not separated); knowledge test. The figure comes from a 2024 analysis of test results supplied by 36 state licensing agencies, pooled across 2020 to 2023. It counts every test administered, so retakes are mixed in with first attempts.

Source: USA TODAY Blueprint, 'Nearly 35% fail driver's license tests: Indiana leads the way' (Apr 18, 2024), analysis of test results provided by each state's licensing agency ("We analyzed knowledge and skill driver's license test results from 36 states from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023. Test results were provided by the state organization overseeing driver's licensing and motor vehicles.") · Verified Aug 2026