DMV Driver Handbook in Illinois

SUMMARY: Illinois Driver Handbooks

The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) has made the driving manual, commercial driver's handbook, and motorcycle handbook easily accessible online. If you're interested in traffic laws, you can also view the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Driver's manuals are important resources for new drivers and new Illinois residents. These DMV handbooks help you learn the rules of the road to help you pass your licensing tests and be a safe driver.

Driving manuals are also available to drivers of special vehicles, such as motorcycles.

This page provides all the links you need to access Illinois driver's manuals and DMV handbooks.

How to Get an Illinois Driver Handbook

Before applying for your IL driver's license, you'll need to learn all the traffic rules and regulations in Illinois.

The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) offers online access to its comprehensive driving manual called the Illinois Rules of the Road (Form DSD A 112).The driver's manual is also offered in other languages:

A hard copy of the IL driver's handbook is also available at your nearest Illinois SOS driver services office.

NOTE: The driver's manual is a useful study guide for the DMV written test in Illinois, since the test is based on the information you'll find in the DMV handbook.

What's in the Drivers Handbook?

The Illinois Rules of the Road (Form DSD A 112) driving manual covers several types of driving information.

First and foremost, you'll find Illinois traffic laws and driving techniques in the DMV manual, including:

  • Safe driving practices.
  • IL traffic signals and roadway signs.
  • DUI or DWI offenses.

You'll also find helpful information about driver's licenses and other vehicle topics in the Illinois driver's manual, including:

The IL driving manual is designed to increase your knowledge of the driving rules and regulations in Illinois, whether you're a new driver or new to Illinois.

Don't Forget an Online Practice Test!

A perfect complement to studying the IL driver's handbook is preparing for the written exam with the help of an online practice test. These industry-leading study guides are guaranteed to help you pass the test on your first attempt. Our certified partner offers practice tests for most vehicles and DMV handbooks, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

Motorcycle Handbook in IL

View the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual (Form DSD X 140) for information about getting your motorcycle license and instructions for riding safely on Illinois roads.

The motorcycle driver's manual explains safe operation procedures such as:

  • Correctly accelerating, turning, and stopping.
  • Carrying cargo or passengers.
  • Avoiding objects and other hazards.

In addition to operation instructions, the DMV handbook for motorcyclists also covers related topics, such as:

  • Wearing the right motorcycle gear.
  • Motorcycle license exams.
  • Other license requirements.

NOTE: To learn more about Illinois driving regulations, especially if you're getting your first license or you're new to the state, read the IL SOS driver's manual.

Like other DMV handbooks, the motorcycle driving manual contains the information that you must know to pass your Illinois written license exam. To prepare for the exam, you can study the driver's manual, check your progress by taking online practice tests, and make use of other study tools.

Commercial Driver's Handbook

For those seeking a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Illinois, there is a driving manual just for you. Access the Illinois Commercial Driver's License Study Guide (Form DSD CDL 10) online to study for the required Illinois CDL written exam.

What's in the IL Commercial Drivers Manual?

Like the IL driving manual, the commercial driver's handbook covers information about operating a vehicle as well as licensing procedures.

You'll find information about operating commercial vehicles in DMV handbook, including:

  • Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections.
  • Transporting cargo and passengers in Illinois.
  • CMV equipment.

The driver's manual also includes details about getting your CDL in Illinois, including:

Studying the DMV Handbook

The commercial driving manual is an important resource to help you prepare for your CDL licensing exams.

You can study the DMV manual to get ready for your written test. Online practice tests are also available to ensure that you've learned the information in the driver's handbook.

The commercial driving manual also provides details about the skills you'll need to demonstrate when you take your Illinois CDL road test.

Other Driver Publications

The Illinois SOS also provides a range of driving manuals and DMV handbooks about the rules of the road, traffic tickets, bicycles, and road safety in Illinois.

You can view the entire list of available rules of the road and traffic safety handbooks for drivers on the IL SOS website.

Illinois Vehicle Code

The Illinois Vehicle Code contains IL traffic laws, registration and vehicle titling laws, motor vehicle sales laws, and laws for commercial drivers. The Vehicle Code provides more detailed information than the driver's manual or other DMV handbooks.

NOTE: If you've received a traffic ticket, visit our page about Traffic Tickets to learn how to respond. If you want to fight your ticket, you may wish to contact a traffic ticket attorney.

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