Illinois Driver’s License FAQs
- Illinois Driver’s License Classes
- Illinois Driver’s License Process, Requirements, and Restrictions
- Illinois Driver’s Permit Process, Requirements, and Restrictions
- Illinois Driver’s Permit and License Requirements, Process, and Restrictions According to Age
- Illinois Driver’s License for Seniors
- Illinois Written and Driving Test
- Driver’s License and Permit Fee Cost
- Illinois Driver’s License Renewal Process, Requirements, and Cost
- Driver’s License Expiry, Suspension, Replacement, and Reinstatement
- Illinois DPS General Queries
- Transferring Your Foreign or Out-of-State Driver’s License to Illinois
- Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Getting an Illinois Motorcycle License
- Miscellaneous
Illinois Driver’s License Classes
What class is a regular driver's license in Illinois?
A regular driver's license in Illinois is a Class D license that allows you to drive basic vehicles such as cars.
What is a Class C license in Illinois?
A Class C license in Illinois is for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or carry hazardous materials.
What is a Class D license in Illinois?
A Class D license in Illinois is for operating regular passenger vehicles, such as cars and small trucks.
What is a Class L license in Illinois?
A Class L license in Illinois is for operating motorcycles with engines less than 150cc.
How to get a Class C license in Illinois?
To get a Class C license in Illinois, you must pass a written test and a road skills test and meet specific medical and vision standards.
How to get a Class B license in Illinois?
To get a Class B license in Illinois, you need to pass written and road skills tests and meet the requirements for driving heavier vehicles.
How to get a Class L license in Illinois?
To get a Class L license in Illinois, you must pass a written test and a motorcycle riding skills test.
Check the Illinois License Guide for further license classifications.
Illinois Driver’s License Process, Requirements, and Restrictions
QUEWhen can you get your license in Illinois?STION
You can get your driver’s license in Illinois at 16 if you’ve completed a driver’s education course, held your learner’s permit for at least nine months, and met the required practice driving hours.
What documents do I need to change the address on my Illinois driver's license?
To change the address on your Illinois driver’s license, you’ll need to provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, and your current driver’s license.
Do you need a permit to get a license in Illinois?
If you’re under 18, you must have a learner’s permit for at least nine months before getting your license. If you’re 18 or older, you don’t need a permit to get a license.
Do you need your social security card to get your license in Illinois?
You must provide your Social Security number when applying for a driver’s license in Illinois. You can bring your Social Security card or another document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form.
How to get a driver's license in Illinois?
For an Illinois license, you must pass vision, written knowledge, and driving skills tests. You’ll also need proof of identity, Social Security number, and Illinois residency and pay the required fee.
How to check license status in Illinois?
You can check the status of your Illinois driver’s license by visiting the Secretary of State’s website and using their online services or by calling the Secretary of State’s office.
Can you smile in your driver's license photo in Illinois?
Yes, you can smile in your driver’s license photo in Illinois, but it must be a natural, closed-mouth smile to avoid any issues with facial recognition technology.
Can I check my driver's license status online in Illinois?
You can check it through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website by entering your license number and other required details.
Do you have to take a written test to get your license in Illinois?
Yes, you must pass a written knowledge test to get your driver’s license in Illinois. Study the Illinois Driver's Manual to prepare for the written test.
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Illinois Driver’s Permit Process, Requirements, and Restrictions
When can you get your permit in Illinois?
You can get your learner’s permit at age 15 in Illinois if enrolled in an approved driver’s education course.
How long do you have to have your permit in Illinois?
You must hold your learner’s permit for at least nine months before applying for a driver’s license if you're under 18.
What documents do you need to get a driver's permit in Illinois?
You will need proof of identity (like a birth certificate), your Social Security number, proof of Illinois residency (like a utility bill or school report card), and proof of enrollment in a driver’s education course.
How many hours do you need with a driving instructor in Illinois?
You must complete a minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified driving instructor as part of your driver’s education course.
How to get a driver's permit in Illinois?
To get a driver’s permit in Illinois, you must be at least 15 years old and enrolled in a driver’s education course. Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility, pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening, provide the required documents, and pay a small fee.
Who can be in the car with a permit driver in Illinois?
A permit driver in Illinois must have a supervising driver in the car (21 years old, licensed, and with at least one year of driving experience) seated in the front passenger seat. Other passengers are allowed, but the supervising driver must be in control.
Illinois Driver’s Permit and License Requirements, Process, and Restrictions According to Age
What age can you get your license in Illinois?
You can get your driver’s license at 16 in Illinois.
How to get your license at 18 in Illinois?
Illinois drivers over 18 can get their licenses by passing a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a road skills test. They must also provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and Illinois residency.
Can you get your license at 18 without a permit in Illinois?
Yes, if you're 18 or older in Illinois, you don’t need a learner’s permit before getting your driver’s license. You can go directly to the written test and Illinois driving tests.
How many passengers can a 16-year-old driver have in Illinois?
During the first 12 months after getting their license (or until they turn 18), a 16-year-old Illinois driver can have only one passenger under the age of 20 unless the passenger is a sibling, step-sibling, child, or step-child of the driver.
Can a 16-year-old drive alone in Illinois?
A 16-year-old with a valid driver’s license can drive alone in Illinois but with some restrictions.
What do you need to get your license at 16 in Illinois?
To get a license at 16 in Illinois, you need to complete a state-approved driver’s education course, have a learner’s permit for at least nine months, complete 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), pass a vision test, and pass both a written knowledge test and a road skills test.
What are the rules for a 16-year-old driver in Illinois?
A 16-year-old driver in Illinois must follow several rules:
- Observing the passenger restriction (only one passenger under 20, unless they’re a family member).
- Adhering to the nighttime driving curfew that limits driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. (Sunday through Thursday) and between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. (Friday and Saturday), unless the driving is for work, school, or an emergency.
- Not using a cell phone or any other electronic device while driving, except in emergencies.
- Wearing seat belts at all times and making sure that all passengers do the same.
Illinois Driver’s License for Seniors
At what age do seniors have to take a driving test in Illinois?
In Illinois, seniors aged 75 and older must take a driving test when they renew their driver’s license.
Do you have to take a driving test at 75 in Illinois?
Yes, if you're 75 or older, you'll need to take a driving test to renew your license in Illinois.
Illinois Written and Driving Test
What 15 signs are on the Illinois driving test?
The Illinois driving test includes 15 common traffic signs, such as stop signs, yield signs, railroad crossing signs, speed limit signs, no-passing zone signs, and school zone signs, among others.
How many questions are on the Illinois permit test?
The Illinois permit test consists of 35 questions.
What are the 35 questions on the Illinois driving test?
The 35 questions on the Illinois driving test cover traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and road rules, but the specific questions vary from test to test.
How long do you have to wait to retake a driving test in Illinois?
If you fail the driving test in Illinois, you typically have to wait at least seven days before you can retake it.
How long is the driving test in Illinois?
The driving test in Illinois lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.
How many mistakes are allowed on road tests in Illinois?
Up to 15 minor mistakes on the Illinois road test are allowed, but any major error could result in automatic failure.
Can you take the written driving test online in Illinois?
You cannot take the written driving test online in Illinois; it must be taken in person at a testing facility.
Can you take the written and driving test on the same day in Illinois?
Yes, if time permits and you're eligible, you can take both the written and driving tests on the same day in Illinois.
Do you have to parallel park in a driving test in Illinois?
Yes, parallel parking is a required part of the driving test in Illinois.
What happens if you fail your driving test 3 times in Illinois?
If you fail your driving test 3 times in Illinois, you must wait 30 days before retaking it, and you may need to reapply for a permit if it expires.
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Driver’s License and Permit Fee Cost
How much is a driver's license in Illinois?
The cost to obtain or renew a standard driver's license in Illinois is generally between $30 and $60, depending on your age and the duration of the license.
How much is a permit in Illinois?
An Illinois learner’s permit costs around $20.
How much is the driving test in Illinois?
The driving test fee is included in the overall fee for obtaining a new license or renewing an existing one.
How much is a replacement driver's license in Illinois?
The fee to replace a lost or stolen driver's license in Illinois is about $20.
Illinois Driver’s License Renewal Process, Requirements, and Cost
How to renew a driver's license in Illinois?
You can renew your driver's license in Illinois by visiting a Secretary of State Driver Services facility, using the online renewal system if eligible, or renewing by mail (if you're eligible and receive a renewal notice). At the facility, you’ll need to provide your current license, pass a vision test, and pay the renewal fee.
How much to renew a license in Illinois?
The renewal fee for a driver's license in Illinois ranges from $30 to $60, depending on your age and the type of license.
How long do you have to renew your license after it expires in Illinois?
In Illinois, you have up to one year after your license expires to renew it without needing to take a written or road test. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so it’s best to renew it before it expires.
What do you need to renew your license in Illinois?
To renew your license in Illinois, you’ll need your current driver’s license, possibly a renewal notice, and you may need to provide proof of identity and residency if requested.
Do you have to take a written test to renew your license in Illinois?
You usually do not have to take a written test to renew your driver's license in Illinois unless your license has been expired for more than a year, you have a poor driving record, or you're 75 years or older.
Driver’s License Expiry, Suspension, Replacement, and Reinstatement
How long can you drive with an expired license in Illinois?
Driving with an expired license in Illinois is illegal, and there’s no grace period. If you're caught driving with an expired license, you should renew it as soon as possible to avoid fines or penalties.
What documents are needed to replace a lost Illinois driver's license?
You’ll need some form of ID, such as your birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and two documents supporting your Illinois residency, such as a bank statement or utility bill.
If my driver's license expires, do I have to retake the test in Illinois?
If your driver's license in Illinois has been expired for more than one year but less than five years, you may need to retake the written test. If it's expired for more than five years, you’ll likely need to retake the written and road tests.
What do I do if I lose my Illinois driver's license?
If you lose your Illinois driver's license, visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to apply for a replacement. Bring the necessary identification documents and pay the replacement fee. You’ll be issued a temporary paper license until your new one arrives.
How to replace a lost driver's permit in Illinois?
To replace a lost driver's permit in Illinois, visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You’ll need to pay a fee for the replacement permit.
Do I have to make an appointment for the DMV in Illinois?
In Illinois, you do not always have to make an appointment to visit a DMV office, but it’s highly recommended. Appointments are required for certain services like driving tests, REAL ID, and some other transactions. Walk-ins are usually accepted for other services, but the wait times can be long, so scheduling an appointment online can save you time.
Transferring Your Foreign or Out-of-State Driver’s License to Illinois
How to get an Illinois driver's license from out-of-state?
To get an Illinois driver's license when moving from out of state, follow these steps:
- Visit a Secretary of State Facility in person.
- Bring your out-of-state driver's license, proof of identity, Social Security number, and Illinois residency (two documents).
- Pass a vision screening.
- Surrender your current out-of-state license.
- Pay the required fee for a new Illinois driver’s license.
- Receive your temporary paper license while your official Illinois driver’s license is processed and mailed to you.
Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Illinois?
You must be at least 18 to obtain a CDL in Illinois to drive within the state. However, if you want to drive across state lines, you must be at least 21.
How to get a CDL in Illinois?
To get a CDL in Illinois, follow these steps:
- Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit by passing a written test.
- Practice driving with your CLP for a minimum of 14 days.
- Schedule and pass the CDL road skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
- Pay the required fees and provide necessary documentation, including proof of identity and residency.
How to get a CDL in Illinois for free?
Some trucking companies in Illinois offer free CDL training if you agree to work for them after obtaining your license. Additionally, workforce development programs, grants, or scholarships may cover the cost of CDL training.
How to get a Class B CDL in Illinois?
To get a Class B CDL in Illinois, which allows you to drive single vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds (like buses or large trucks), you need to:
- Obtain a CLP by passing the required written tests.
- Practice driving with your CLP.
- Pass the Class B CDL skills test.
- Submit the necessary documentation and pay the fees.
How long does it take to get a CDL in Illinois?
The time it takes to get a CDL in Illinois varies. If you're prepared and pass the tests on your first attempt, it can take a few weeks to a couple of months. CDL training programs last 4-8 weeks.
Can I renew my CDL online in Illinois?
No, you cannot renew your CDL online in Illinois. CDL renewals must be done in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility, where you'll need to provide updated medical certification and pass any required tests.
Getting an Illinois Motorcycle License
Do you need a motorcycle license in Illinois?
Yes, you need a motorcycle license in Illinois. A motorcycle endorsement on your existing driver’s license may also work.
How old do you have to be to get a motorcycle license in Illinois?
You must be at least 16 to get a motorcycle license in Illinois. If you're under 18, you must complete an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) motorcycle safety course and have a parent or guardian's consent.
How to get a motorcycle license in Illinois?
You must pass a written knowledge test, obtain a motorcycle permit, and then pass a road skills test to get your Illinois motorcycle license. If you’re 18 or older, you can skip the skills test by completing an IDOT-approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course.
How to get a motorcycle permit in Illinois?
To get a motorcycle permit in Illinois, visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility, pass a written motorcycle knowledge test, and pay the required fee. The permit is valid for 12 months and allows you to practice riding under certain conditions.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Illinois?
The time it takes to get a motorcycle license in Illinois varies. It could take just a few weeks if you’re prepared and pass the tests on your first try. If you choose to take the Motorcycle Rider Education Course, the course itself takes about 20 hours over a few days, and you can get your license immediately after passing the course if you’re 18 or older.
Miscellaneous
How long does it take to drive through Illinois from top to bottom?
Driving from the northern tip of Illinois (near the Wisconsin border) to the southern tip (near Cairo) takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and your exact route. The distance is approximately 400 miles.
How to track my license plate in the mail in Illinois?
In Illinois, you generally cannot track your license plate directly. However, if it's been an unusually long time since you applied, you can contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office to check on the status of your plates.
How to fill out a 50-hour driving log in Illinois?
The 50-hour driving log in Illinois is used to track the practice hours required for teen drivers. Fill out the log with details of each driving session, including the date, time spent driving, type of driving (day or night), and the parent/guardian’s signature. Make sure to include a variety of driving conditions as required by Illinois law.
Where to get the Illinois Rules of the Road book?
You can get a copy of the Illinois Rules of the Road book at any Illinois Secretary of State facility. It’s also available for free online on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website, where you can view or download a PDF version.
Can I get a copy of my driving record online in Illinois?
Yes, you can request a copy of your driving record online in Illinois through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website. There’s a fee of around $12, and you must provide your driver’s license number and personal information.