Get a Drivers License in Illinois

Although your instruction permit is valid for two years, you only have to hold it for a minimum of nine months before you can apply for an IL drivers license. If you are 16 or older and meet this requirement, you can begin the process below to land a license.

A) Make a Road Test Appointment

Your last hurdle before getting your Illinois drivers license is to pass a behind-the-wheel test either at the Secretary of State facility or high school participating in the CDTP program. Look online for nearby locations and inquire about making an appointment.

B) Take the Road Test

Before heading out to take your road test, be sure you bring the following to your appointment:

• Affidavit/Consent for Minors to Drive (if you are younger than 18)

• Any completion certificates you received through a driver’s education or driver training program

• Proof of insurance for your road test vehicle

• Proper fees

• ONE document that satisfies each of Group A, B and C and TWO documents that satisfy Group D on the state’s Chart of Acceptable and Unacceptable Identification Documents

You must also provide a road test vehicle that:

• Is properly licensed and equipped for the driver’s license classification you are testing for

• Complies with Secretary of State vehicle condition standards

• Is properly insured

• Displays valid front and rear Illinois plates and a valid registration sticker (if registered outside of IL, the vehicle must meet the registration requirements of that state)

Have the vehicle driven to the IL facility by a driver who either has a valid driver’s license or permit.

Get Your Illinois Driver's License

Once you pass the road test, you’ll earn either of the following IL drivers licenses depending on your age:

Initial Licensing Phase―Drivers Ages 16 and 17

• Face nighttime driving restrictions―Sun.-Thurs.: 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (local curfews might differ)

• Must maintain a conviction-free driving record for the six months before you turn 18

• Have all occupants wear a seat belt

• For the first 12 months of licensing (or until you turn 18, whichever occurs
  first) you must keep the number of passengers down to one person under age 20, unless the passenger(s) is your sibling, stepsibling, child or stepchild; after this period, your number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the backseat

• Avoid using a wireless/cell phone except in case of emergency to call a law enforcement agency, healthcare provider or emergency services agency

Once you turn 18, you can graduate to a full drivers license.

Full Licensing Phase―Drivers 18-20

A full drivers license bears no age-related restrictions. You just have to avoid using a wireless/cell phone except in case of emergency to call a law enforcement agency, healthcare provider or emergency services agency. This safety law applies until you turn 19.

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