How to get an Illinois Driver's License
Find out how to get a new IL driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Illinois DMV guide.
The Rules
Under IL DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for an Illinois Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Illinois Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's, you will need to apply for an Illinois learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive an IL drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 3 months and must present a certificate of completion for the required 25 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
New IL Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Illinois driver's license within 90 days of establishing a permanent residence in IL. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to an IL driver's license, however you will need to pass a written exam and the vision test.
If your out-of-state driver's license has expired, you may be required to pass the road skills test as well.
International Drivers
Illinois does not recognize the international driver's license. To obtain an Illinois driver's license, you must successfully complete a vision screening, written examination and possibly a driving examination.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Illinois DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Class D Driver's License will be valid for 4 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
