You need a valid Illinois driver’s license in order to legally drive in Illinois. To obtain your driver’s license you have to pass the vision screening, written and/or driving tests.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
What is the age requirement in order to obtain an Illinois driver’s license?
You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain an Illinois driver’s license.
If you are 15 years old you can obtain an Instruction Permit.
What documents are required to apply for an Illinois driver’s license?
- Form of identification proving your legal name and date of birth;
- Social Security number;
- Proof of residency in Illinois;
- Signature.
The complete list of acceptable documents is available at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Can undocumented immigrants apply for an Illinois driver's license?
Yes, unauthorized immigrants can apply for a Illinois driver's license, if the required documentation is provided. Applicants must provide documentation to prove their identity, such as a unexpired foreign passport or consular identification document from their country of citizenship, and evidence of current residency in Illinois.
Do I have to pass a vision screening to apply for an Illinois driver’s license?
Yes. You must pass a vision screening or submit a form signed by a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist or physician (issued no more than six months prior to your application). You must score 20/40 and at least 140 degree of peripheral vision with or without corrective lenses.
Is a physical test required?
No, but you have to report any physical or mental conditions that may potentially impair your safe operation of a motor vehicle.
I failed my vision screening/written/driving test. What do I have to do?
You are allowed three attempts to pass each exam within one year from the date you paid the application fee.
LEARNER’S PERMIT
What is required in order to obtain an Illinois Instruction Permit?
- You must be at least 15 years of age;
- You must successfully complete a state-approved driver education course;
- You must complete 50 hours of practice driving (including 10 at night);
- You must pass the vision screening, written and driving tests.
If you are 17 and 3 months years of age or more, you may not take a driver education course.
I attended an accredited driver education course of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction at my high school. Do I have to take a facility administered driving exam?
No, you may be exempt.
Who can accompany me during the practice driving?
You can drive with a parent, a legal guardian or an adult of at least 21 years of age who has held a valid driver’s license for at least one year.
How long is my Illinois Instruction Permit valid?
Your permit is valid for 24 months. If you are 16 and you have held your permit for at least nine consecutive months, you can get a driver’s license.
I am under age 18 and I have held my Illinois Instruction Permit for at least 9 months. Which documents are required to apply for a Driver’s License?
- Instruction Permit;
- Form of identification;
- Affidavit/Consent for minor to drive;
- Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate;
- 50-hour driving log with proper signature.
Do I have any restrictions while driving with my Instruction Permit?
- You are not allowed to drive between 10 pm - 6 am from Sunday to Thursday and from 11 pm to 6 am on Friday and Saturday;
- You must not acquire any driving or underage alcohol convictions;
- You are not allowed to use any wireless device or smartphone while driving;
- You are not allowed to drive any vehicle for-hire with more than 10 passengers on board.
For the first 12 months of licensing, or until you turn 18, only one person under age 20 can ride in the car with you, unless the passenger(s) is your sibling, step-sibling, child or stepchild.
I am 18, 19 or 20 years of age and I have not held an Instruction Permit. What do I have to do?
You have to complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.
ILLINOIS WRITTEN TEST
How many questions are on the Illinois written test?
The test contains 35 questions.
What is the score required to pass the test?
You must correctly answer 28 or more questions in order to pass the test.
What am I required to know in order to pass the written test?
You should be able to identify traffic signs, signals and pavement markings. You should also be able to answer questions about traffic laws, safety rules, crash prevention and vehicle equipment.
DRIVING EXAM
Do I have to provide a car for the driving exam?
Yes, the vehicle must be properly licensed and equipped for the driver’s license classification you are applying for.
Can anyone ride in the car with me during the driving exam?
No, only the examiner is allowed to be with you during the exam. Neither children nor pets are allowed.
What am I expected to do during my driving test?
- Correctly starting your vehicle;
- Backing the vehicle;
- Doing turnabouts;
- Parking uphill and downhill;
- Starting uphill and downhill;
- Controlling your vehicle.
- Do not forget to wear your safety belt.
I HAVE A DRIVER LICENSE, BUT…
I have a valid Illinois driver’s license but I changed my name. What do I have to do?
You must visit a Driver Services facility within 30 days and pay the appropriate fee. Do not forget to provide the appropriate documentation stating the change.
The address on my valid Illinois driver’s license is out of date. What do I have to do?
You have to notify the Secretary of State’s office of the change within 10 days.
I have to renew my Illinois driver’s license. Which documents are required?
You need to visit the Driver Services office and present only your current valid driver’s license. If you have a clean driving record you may renew your license from home and visit the Driver Services facilities only once every 8 years.