Illinois Road Test Score Calculator
Calculate Your Points
Enter your mistakes according to the Illinois scoring system
If you're preparing for your Illinois road test, you're probably wondering: how many mistakes are allowed? The short answer is - you can make up to 15 minor mistakes and still pass. But here’s the catch: not all mistakes are created equal. Some errors will cost you the test right away, no matter how clean the rest of your driving was.
What Counts as a Mistake?
The Illinois Secretary of State uses a point system to evaluate your driving. Each mistake gets a score: 5 points for minor errors, 10 points for serious ones, and 25 points for critical failures. You’re allowed a total of 15 points across all minor mistakes. That means you can mess up three or four small things - like not checking your mirror often enough or hesitating a little too long at a stop sign - and still pass.But if you make one serious mistake - like failing to yield to a pedestrian or running a red light - you get 10 points. That leaves you with only 5 points left for other errors. One more small slip-up and you’re done. And if you hit something, drive the wrong way, or cause an unsafe situation? That’s 25 points. Automatic failure. No second chances.
Common Mistakes That Cost You the Test
Most people who fail the Illinois road test don’t fail because they can’t parallel park. They fail because they make one avoidable, high-risk error. Here are the top three that trip up even confident drivers:- Not checking blind spots before changing lanes - This is the #1 reason people fail. Even if you use your mirrors, you must physically turn your head. The examiner is watching for that head movement.
- Stopping too far or too short at stop signs - If your front tires are more than 18 inches from the stop line, it’s a 5-point deduction. If you roll through without stopping completely? That’s a 10-point error.
- Improper lane usage - Driving in the left lane when you’re not passing, or staying in the left lane too long on a highway, counts as a 5-point mistake. Illinois law requires you to use the right lane unless actively passing.
Another big one: not signaling. You need to signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. If you forget, even once, it’s 5 points. Do it twice? You’re over the limit.
What You Can Get Away With
You’re not expected to be perfect. The test is about safety, not precision. Here’s what won’t sink you:- Minor hesitation when turning left on a busy street - as long as you’re safe and eventually complete the turn.
- Not perfectly centering your car in the lane - slight drifting is okay if you correct it smoothly.
- Taking a little longer than expected to parallel park - you have 2 minutes. As long as you don’t hit the curb or go over the lines, you’re fine.
One real-world example: a student in Schaumburg passed her test after rolling through a stop sign just a little too slowly - she didn’t fully stop for a split second. That’s a 10-point error. But she didn’t make any other mistakes. She had 5 points left, which she used for forgetting to signal once. Total: 15 points. She passed.
What Will Automatically Fail You
These are non-negotiable. One of these and you’re done:- Causing an accident or near-collision
- Driving the wrong way on a one-way street
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield to emergency vehicles
- Disobeying a traffic officer’s signal
- Excessive speeding (more than 10 mph over the limit)
- Using your phone while driving
These aren’t just mistakes - they’re violations that show you don’t understand the basic rules of the road. The examiner isn’t grading you on driving skill alone. They’re testing your judgment, awareness, and respect for the law.
How the Test Is Scored
The examiner doesn’t just count mistakes. They watch your overall behavior. If you make three small errors but show poor judgment - like tailgating, making sudden lane changes, or not scanning ahead - they can fail you even if you’re under 15 points. That’s because the test is about predictability and safety, not just rule-following.Here’s how the scoring breaks down:
| Mistake Type | Points | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | 5 | Not checking mirror before changing lanes |
| Serious | 10 | Rolling stop at stop sign |
| Critical | 25 | Running a red light |
You can’t pass if you get even one critical mistake. One 25-point error ends the test immediately. You don’t get to finish the route.
How to Practice Smart
Don’t just drive around hoping you’ll get lucky. Practice with intention. Here’s what works:- Record your practice drives with a dashcam or phone (mounted safely). Watch them later - you’ll catch habits you didn’t know you had.
- Do mock tests with a licensed driver. Have them grade you using the Illinois DMV checklist.
- Focus on the big three: stop signs, blind spots, and signaling. Master those and you’re halfway there.
- Know your route. If you’re taking the test in Chicago, practice on similar streets. Know where the intersections are, where the speed limits change.
Many people fail because they’re nervous and forget the basics. The best way to beat nerves? Be over-prepared. If you’ve practiced a blind spot check 50 times, you’ll do it automatically - even when you’re shaking.
What to Do If You Fail
If you don’t pass, you can retake the test after 7 days. But don’t just book another date and hope for better luck. Get feedback. Ask the examiner what you did wrong. Most will tell you - they want you to pass. Then, go back and fix it.One student failed twice because he kept forgetting to signal. After the second failure, he wrote down every time he needed to signal - turn, merge, park, exit - and taped it to his steering wheel. He passed on the third try.
Final Tip: Stay Calm, Stay Aware
The Illinois road test isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being safe and predictable. The examiner isn’t looking for a race car driver. They’re looking for someone who can drive without putting others at risk.So breathe. Check your mirrors. Signal early. Stop completely. And don’t let one small mistake throw you off. You’re allowed 15 points. Use them wisely.
Can I fail the Illinois road test for parking too far from the curb?
Yes - if you park more than 12 inches from the curb, it’s a 5-point deduction. If you hit the curb or go over the lines, it’s a 10-point error. You can still pass if it’s your only mistake, but it’s easy to avoid. Practice parallel parking on a quiet street with chalk marks to get the distance right.
Do I need to use turn signals during the parking portion?
Yes. Even when parking or pulling over, you must signal at least 100 feet before the maneuver. Forgetting to signal during parallel parking or a three-point turn counts as a 5-point error. The examiner is checking for consistent awareness - not just the final position of your car.
What happens if I get lost during the test?
Getting lost isn’t an automatic fail - as long as you stay calm and drive safely. If you miss a turn, pull over safely, ask the examiner for directions, and continue. Panicking, making unsafe maneuvers, or speeding to catch up will cost you points. The test evaluates how you handle unexpected situations, not your GPS skills.
Can I use a backup camera during the Illinois road test?
Yes, you can use a backup camera, but you still need to turn your head and check your mirrors. Relying only on the camera is considered unsafe and will result in a 10-point deduction. The test requires you to demonstrate visual awareness - not just tech reliance.
How many times can I retake the road test in Illinois?
You can retake the road test as many times as needed. But after three failures, you’ll need to wait 90 days before trying again. You’ll also need to pay the application fee each time. If you keep failing, consider taking a certified driver’s education course - it can help you identify patterns in your mistakes and improve your confidence.
Next Steps After Passing
Once you pass, you’ll get a temporary license right away. Your official card will arrive in the mail within 10-14 days. But don’t stop learning. The first six months after getting your license are the riskiest. Most crashes happen during this time.Keep practicing. Drive in different conditions - rain, night, heavy traffic. Build your confidence slowly. And remember: every driver makes mistakes. The ones who stay safe are the ones who keep learning.