Land of Lincoln Driver: Your Step-by-Step Guide to an Illinois Driver's License

Earning a driver's license in the Land of Lincoln is a major rite of passage, unlocking the freedom to explore everything from the vibrant streets of Chicago to the scenic roads of rural Illinois. The journey to becoming a licensed driver involves several key stages managed by the Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS).

This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap, breaking down Illinois's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for teens and outlining the process for adults, ensuring you arrive at the Driver Services facility confident and prepared for every step.

For Teen Drivers (Ages 15-17): The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

To ensure young drivers gain experience in a safe, controlled manner, Illinois has a mandatory GDL program. This system is designed to gradually introduce teens to more complex driving situations as they gain skills and maturity.

Step 1: Start with Driver's Education (Age 15)

The journey in Illinois begins in the classroom.

• Eligibility: You can enroll in a state-approved driver education course at 15 years old.
• Course Requirements: The course must include 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. You must pass both portions to be eligible for a permit. [1]

Step 2: The Instruction Permit (Learner's Permit)

Once you're enrolled in driver's ed, you can apply for your learner's permit.

How to get your Instruction Permit:

1. Gather Your Documents: You will need to bring several key original documents to the Driver Services facility, including proof of identity (like a birth certificate), Social Security number, proof of signature, and two proofs of Illinois residency. This is a crucial step for getting a REAL ID.
2. Visit a Driver Services Facility: You must apply in person. It's highly recommended to schedule an appointment online. At your visit, you will:
   • Submit your application and all required documents.
   • Have a parent or legal guardian present to provide written consent.
   • Pay the required permit fee.
   • Pass a vision screening.
3. Pass the Written Knowledge Test: You must pass a written test based on the "Illinois Rules of the Road" handbook. The test consists of identifying traffic signs and answering multiple-choice and true/false questions about traffic laws. [1]

Rules of the Road with an Instruction Permit:

• You must hold the permit for a minimum of nine months before you can apply for a license. [1]
• You must always be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a responsible adult approved by your parent who is at least 21 years old, has a valid license, and has at least one year of driving experience. This person must be in the front passenger seat. [1]
• You must log 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night. This must be documented and certified by your parent or guardian. [1]

Step 3: The Initial Driver's License (Ages 16-17)

After holding your permit for nine months, completing driver's ed, and logging your practice hours, you are eligible to take your road test.

How to get your Initial License:

The final step is to pass the behind-the-wheel driving test. You must schedule an appointment for this test at a Driver Services facility. Once you pass, you will be issued your initial license with GDL restrictions.

GDL Restrictions on a Teen License:

• Nighttime Curfew:
  • Sunday-Thursday: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Friday-Saturday: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. [1]
• Passenger Restrictions: For the first 12 months of being licensed (or until you turn 18), you can have no more than one passenger under the age of 20, unless the passenger is a sibling, step-sibling, child, or stepchild of the driver. [1]

Step 4: The Full, Unrestricted License

At age 18, the GDL restrictions are lifted, and the license becomes a full, unrestricted license, provided the driver has maintained a clean driving record.

For Drivers 18 and Over

If you are 18 or older and applying for your first Illinois license, the process is more direct.

1. Driver Education (Ages 18-20): If you are between 18 and 20 and have never been licensed or completed driver's ed, you must complete a 6-hour Adult Driver Education course. [2] This is not required for drivers 21 and older.
2. Visit a Driver Services Facility: Make an appointment and bring your original documents for a REAL ID.
3. Pass the Tests: You must pass the vision screening and the written knowledge test. You will then be issued an instruction permit to practice.
4. Take the Road Test: While there is no nine-month waiting period, you must feel competent enough to pass the driving test.
5. Pay the Fee and Get Your License: Once all tests are passed and documents are verified, you'll pay the licensing fee and receive your full driver's license.

New to Illinois? Transferring Your License

If you move to Illinois and hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you must obtain an Illinois license within 90 days of establishing residency.

• Make an appointment at a Driver Services facility.
• Surrender your out-of-state license.
• Provide full documentation for a REAL ID.
• Pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test.
• The road test is waived if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired.

By understanding these steps and preparing for each one, you can successfully navigate the process and earn the privilege of driving in the Land of Lincoln.