Illinois Driver's License Requirements

你必须提供身份证明和传递the appropriate vision, written, and driving tests in order to get an Illinois driver’s license.
Written byMariza Morin
Reviewed byJessica Barrett
To get a full Illinois driver’s license, adults over the age of 18 must provide proof of identification and payment for a driver’s license fee. The process to receive a license involves taking an adult driver education course, completing the application form, and passing the appropriate exams—vision, written, and driving.
Passing your driving test and finally hitting the road for the first time is one of the most exciting milestones in life. But the process can be daunting for first-time applicants and requirements vary from state to state.
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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Illinois?

You must be 18 years old to get a full Illinois driver’s license. Before heading down to a
Secretary of State facility
, you’ll need to gather all your acceptable identification documents. Please note that one document may satisfy more than one group:
  • Proof of signature: an Illinois ID card, canceled check (within 90 days prior to application), your Social Security card, U.S. passport, or a credit card/debit card
  • Proof of birth date: 美国的出生证明,采用记录,生病inois ID card, a citizenship certificate, or U.S. passport
  • Proof of Social Security Number: your Social Security card, Illinois ID card record, W-2 form, a non-SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub bearing the applicant’s name and SSN
  • Proof of residency: a mortgage or rental agreement, utility bill (issued within 90 days of application), bank statement, credit report, or an Illinois voter registration card
Please visit the
Illinois Secretary of State
website for a complete list of all acceptable identification documents you can use.

What are the requirements for young drivers?

Illinois applicants under the age of 18 must adhere to the
Graduated Drivers License
program, which restricts young drivers in phases as they work their way toward a full driver’s license:
  • Permit phase—age 15 :
  • Receive parent/legal guardian consent for an instruction permit
  • Verify your approved driver’s education course
  • Pass your vision test and written exam
  • Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night ) before applying for your initial driver’s license
  • Initial driver’s license phase—drivers 16-17:
  • Parent/legal guardian must certify that you completed a minimum of 50 hours of practiced supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
  • Must have completed state-approved driver’s education course
  • Abide by nighttime driving restrictions:
  • Sunday-Thursday: no driving 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Friday-Saturday: no driving 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Pass your driving exam
  • Maintain a conviction-free record for six months prior to turning 18 to smoothly transition to the full license phase
  • What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

    If your out-of-state license is valid, you are still required to pass a vision test and written exam in the great State of Illinois. If your driver’s license is expired, you may have to pass a driving exam as well. You must convert your license to an Illinois noncommercial license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

    How to get a driver’s license in Illinois

    For new drivers: complete an adult driver’s education course

    This is only required for applicants under the age of 21 unless you already completed a driver’s ed course. You can find a list of
    approved providers
    from the Illinois Secretary of State.

    Vision test

    Before you can drive, you must be able to see the road first and foremost!
    In order to drive in Illinois, you must have at least 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses. Drivers between 20/41 and 20/70 are limited to daytime driving only.

    Written exam

    Once you’ve completed your approved adult driver’s ed course and vision test, it’s time to take the written exam ! The written portion requires you to:
    • Identify traffic signs based on shape, color, or symbol
    • Identify signals and pavement markings
    • Answer multiple-choice and true-or-false questions about traffic laws and safety rules
    Study for your exam by using the latest
    Illinois Rules of the Road
    handbook, which provides all the vital information you’ll need to pass the written test. You will have three chances to pass the test within the year after paying the application fee for your driver’s license.

    Driving exam

    The final step in your journey to a full Illinois driver’s license is passing the driving exam, which must be completed at a
    Secretary of State facility
    . Bring your own vehicle and it must:
    • Be properly licensed and insured (proof of insurance must be provided at the exam)
    • Be in the same weight class listed on your driver’s license application
    • Display valid Illinois license plates and a valid registration sticker
    However, if you took a high school driver’s education course and passed with an A or B followed by the school’s state-approved driving exam, you may bring your
    Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate
    and they might let you skip the driving exam!
    During your driving exam, you will automatically fail if you commit any traffic violations. So first things first: put on your seat belt! You will be graded on your ability to perform several driving tasks, including:
    • Checking vehicle controls
    • Backing the vehicle in reverse about 50 feet
    • Performing a turnabout using an alley
    • Parking uphill and downhill on the side of the road
    • Obeying all traffic signs, control devices, rights of way, lane markings, and properly using turn signals
    Once you pass your driving test, pay your driver’s license fee of $5 (18-20 and 69-80 years of age) or $30 (21-68 years of age). Don’t forget your temporary driver’s license while you wait 15 business days for your permanent license to come in the mail.
    Key Takeaway Bring all acceptable identification documents and come prepared to pass your vision, written, and driving exams.

    How to save money on car insurance in Illinois

    Congratulations! You’ve passed your driving exam and now you’re ready for the road. Before you drive off, you must shop for car insurance. But never fear, comparison shopping super app
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