Winter driving — Illinois Permit Test

Winter is the most difficult driving season because of ice, snow, lower temperatures and fewer daylight hours, and a driver should drive slower and increase the following distance.

Four things get worse at once, and only one of them is the ice. Fewer daylight hours is the one people forget.

Winter is the most difficult driving season due to possible ice, snow, lower temperatures, and fewer daylight hours.

A driver must remove all snow and ice from the vehicle, clear all the windows, and not start driving until the windshield is defrosted and clear.

A porthole scraped in the ice is a blind spot in every direction. Snow left on the roof slides onto the windshield at the first stop.

Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle, clear all windows and do not start driving until the windshield is defrosted and clear.

Snow tires give extra traction and chains increase safety on snow or ice covered roads, but neither lets a driver use bad roads at normal speeds.

Tires and chains buy grip, not permission. Drivers who fit them and then drive normally are the ones in the ditch.

Use snow tires and/or chains (where allowed). Snow tires give extra traction, and chains increase safety on snow or ice covered roads. Neither snow tires nor chains allow you to drive on bad roads at normal speeds.

Bridges, shaded spots, overpasses and turns should be approached slowly in winter because they may stay icy after the rest of the road is clear and dry.

A bridge is cold on both sides, so it freezes first and thaws last. The dry road leading up to it tells you nothing.

Approach bridges, shaded spots, overpasses and turns slowly. They may remain icy after the rest of the roadway is clear and dry.

A stranded driver should stay in the vehicle, run the engine only for brief periods with a window open to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow and debris.

A blocked tailpipe pushes exhaust back into the car. Opening a window and keeping the run short is what keeps it breathable.

If you do become stranded, remain in your vehicle. Run the engine only for brief times and open the window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If possible, make sure the vehicle’s tailpipe is free of snow and debris.

Why does Illinois call winter the most difficult driving season?

Ice, snow, cold and fewer daylight hours. Four things get worse at once, and only one of them is the ice. Fewer daylight hours is the one people forget. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.85: “Winter is the most difficult driving season due to possible ice, snow, lower temperatures, and fewer daylight hours.”