Driving in rain — Illinois Permit Test

Illinois law requires a driver to use their headlights whenever they are using their windshield wipers.

Rain hides a car as effectively as darkness does. The wipers are the trigger because they are already on when it matters.

Illinois law requires you to use your headlights when operating your windshield wipers.

When rain begins to fall lightly, water, dust, oil and leaves make the roadway slippery.

The first few minutes of rain are the most slippery, because the water lifts the oil rather than washing it away.

When rain begins to fall lightly, water, dust, oil, and leaves cause the roadway to become slippery.

Where a vehicle skids while hydroplaning a driver should try to regain control, and where that is not possible should release the accelerator and ride out the skid.

On a film of water the tires are not touching the road, so steering and braking do nothing. Lifting off is what puts them back down.

Slow down to avoid hydroplaning. If your vehicle skids while hydroplaning, try to regain control of the vehicle. If that is not possible, release the accelerator and ride out the skid.

A driver who comes upon a roadway or viaduct flooded by heavy rain must not drive through it, and should turn around and find another route.

There is no way to judge the depth or the current from a car. Turning round is the only safe answer.

If you come across a roadway or viaduct that has been flooded due to heavy rain, do not drive through the flooded area. It is impossible to determine the depth or current of the water. Turn your vehicle around and find another route.

When does Illinois law require headlights because of the weather?

Whenever the windshield wipers are in use. Rain hides a car as effectively as darkness does. The wipers are the trigger because they are already on when it matters. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.85: “Illinois law requires you to use your headlights when operating your windshield wipers.”