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.
Illinois DMV Driver's License Rules
Under IL DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years old and you must have held your learner's permit for at least 9 months before apply for an Illiniois driver's license. Applicants under the age of 18 must have completed a state approved driver education course.
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 learner's permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learner's permit, you will then need to pass a road skills and vision test to receive an IL driver's license.
Illinois law requires that new drivers, under the age of 18, certify that they have received at least 50 hours (10 at night) of supervised driving instruction by a parent or legal guardian.
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.
To obtain an Illinois license, you must successfully complete a vision screening, written examination and possibly a driving examination.
International Drivers
International visitors to Illinois may drive using a valid driver's license from their home country.
Immigrants or foreign nationals in the US on a work or student visa may apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). Visitors who apply for a TVDL will be required to pass the vision, written and road skills test. The TVDL is good for 3 years or upon expiration of the visa, whichever comes first.
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.
Driver's License Resources
Illinois Driver's Manual |
