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How Does It Work?To drive in Illinois, you are required to hold a valid initial or full IL driver’s license. This is your full step-by-step guide that will help you get, renew or transfer your driver’s license fast and easy.
Get an Instruction PermitAllows you to practice driving under supervision.
Get an Initial (Teen) licenseAllows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.
Get a Full (Adult) LicenseAllows you to drive with no restrictions. Types of Driver's Licenses in IllinoisFor each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit Class A/B/C (Commercial) Class A allows you to drive a combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class B is for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class C is for single vehicles with a GVWR of at least 16,001 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds. Read the IL CDL Study Guide or take a free CDL practice test. How to Apply for Your Class D Driver LicenseTo get your IL Driver’s License you should first collect the documentation required, pass your vision screening, written and driving tests. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age. How to Apply for Your IL Instruction PermitThe instruction permit is the first stage of Illinois's Graduated Driver Licensing program for everyone under the age of 18. It allows you to practice driving while supervised at all times by a responsible adult at least 21 years of age who is licensed and has at least one year of driving experience. If you are a foreign national who is not eligible for a Social Security Number, you may still qualify for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). In this case you may apply for the same kind of instruction permit. 1Apply in personYou must apply for the instruction permit in person at a Secretary of State Facility. Note that the only Facilities that issue instruction permits to residents who are eligible for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) are the following: Bloomington, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago North, Chicago West, Des Plaines, Macomb, Rockford Central, and Springfield (Dirksen Parkway). 2Bring documentationYou should verify the following:
To choose the documentation correctly use this list when applying for a regular instruction permit or this list while seeking a TVDL. 3Complete the application formThis form is not available online; you will have to pick one up at a Secretary of State Facility. 4Obtain your parent/guardian concentYour parent or guardian must accompany you to the Secretary of State Facility and give consent to your obtaining a permit. 5Verify your driver’s ed courseProvide documentation that you are taking an approved driver's education course or will start to take one within the next 30 days at any public (not private) high school that offers it, or at a third-party provider. The course includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of driving practice. If you already completed a driver's education course in another state, call the Secretary of State's office at (888) 261-5238 to find out whether you can get credit for your previous driver's education. 6Pass a vision testThe minimum requirement for visual acuity is 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. Drivers with acuity between 20/41 and 20/70 are limited to daylight driving only. 7Pay the fee of $20The instruction permit fee is paid by cash, credit or debit card, personal check or money order. Note that if you obtain a driver's license before your instruction permit expires, you won't have to pay a fee for the driver's license later. 8Pass a written examIt is taken on a walk-in basis. Make sure you practice online before you go. You will have three chances to pass the test within the year from the date on which you pay the application fee for an instruction permit. 9Have your picture taken and receive a temporary permitYour permanent (plastic) permit should be mailed to you within 15 business days. If you don't receive it, you can check its status by calling (217) 782-7044. With your instruction permit, you must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night) before you may apply for an initial (teen) driver's license. Supercharge your chances of passing the DMV testTake free Illinois DMV practice tests that are just like the real thing. Show me How to Apply for Your Initial Driver’s LicenseThe initial (teen) driver's license is the second stage of Illinois's Graduated Driver Licensing Program. It may be a Class D initial license or an initial Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). The initial license allows you to drive unsupervised at times, but with significant restrictions:
When you turn 18, all restrictions on your unsupervised driving will end except for cell phone use. However, once you turn 19, that restriction will end too; you'll be able to use hands-free devices like any other adult driver. At that point, your initial license will grant you the same driving privileges as a full (adult) license. How to Apply for Your Class D Adult Driver’s LicenseTo apply for a Class D or Temporary Visitor full (adult) driver's license, you must pass a vision test, a written exam, and a driving exam. Since you are at least 18 years of age, you don't have to hold an instruction permit. First timer? Start with Step 1. Instruction permit holder? Go to step 6. 1Complete an adult driver’s ed courseIt's required only for those under 21 years of age unless they already completed some driver's ed course once before. The course lasts 6 hours, and you may take it online or in a classroom. (No actual driving is involved.) A list of approved course providers is here. Download your Certificate of Completion and provide it to the Secretary of State Facility. 2Apply in personYou must apply for the license in person at a Secretary of State Facility. Note that not all the Facilities offer the same services. Check before you go. 3Bring documentationYou should verify the following:
To choose the documentation correctly use this list when applying for a regular license or this list while seeking a TVDL. 4Complete the application formThis form is not available online; you will have to pick one up at a Secretary of State Facility. 5Pass a vision testThe minimum requirement for visual acuity is 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. Drivers with acuity between 20/41 and 20/70 are limited to daylight driving only. 6Pass a written examIt is taken on a walk-in basis. Make sure you practice online before you go. You will have three chances to pass the test within the year from the date on which you pay the application fee for the driver's license. 7Pay the driver’s license fee
The fee is paid by cash, credit or debit card, personal check or money order. Note that if you have an unexpired instruction permit, you won't have to pay a fee for the driver's license. 8Pass a driving examYou will take the driving exam at a Secretary of State Facility on a walk-in basis. You have three chances to pass the test within the year from the date that you pay the application fee for the driver's license. However, if you took a high school (not commercial) driver's education course and passed it with a grade A or B followed by the school's state-approved driving exam, you may bring your Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate to the Secretary of State Facility, and they may allow you to skip the road test (note that Secretary of State's office selects about 10 % of students at random to pass the official driving exam anyway.) 9Surrender your instruction permit if you had one10Have your picture takenYou are not required to have your picture taken if you have an instruction permit. 11Get your temporary (paper) licenseYour permanent (plastic) license should be mailed to you within 15 business days for a Class D license or 20 business days for a TVDL. If you don't receive it, you can check its status online or by calling (217) 782-7044. How long your new Illinois driver's license will be valid depends on the type of license and your age when it's issued to you. If you're issued a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL), it will be valid for three years and expire on your birthday or when your stay in the US ends, whichever comes first. It cannot be renewed. If you still need driving privileges after it expires, you will have to apply for a new TVDL. Illinois Written Test (aka Knowledge Test)Every driver must take a written exam every 8 years, except a driver having no traffic convictions. You can take an IL written test at a Secretary of State facility on a walk-in basis. Take a free practice test What does the test include? The test consists of 35 multiple-choice or true-false questions that cover the contents of Illinois Rules of the Road Manual. You should be able to identify traffic signs by shape, color or symbol, know signals and pavement markings, traffic laws, safety rules, crash prevention and vehicle equipment. How will I know if I have passed? You will be given your grade when you are finished. You must score 80% or above to pass, which means no more than 7 mistakes are allowed. What common mistakes should I avoid? The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the handbook. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the handbook first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied. Can I use the manual when taking the actual test? No, it’s considered cheating. Moreover, you mustn’t use your phone or other wireless devices. Anybody found cheating on any portion of the written exam will be failed and prohibited from retaking the exam for 30 days. Can I take the oral exam instead of the written one? Yes. You can request an oral examination in person at any Secretary of State driver’s license facility, Monday through Thursday. The services are provided for those who may have a language barrier or any type of reading or learning disability. What happens if I fail the test? You will still have 2 more attempts to take the test within a one-year period starting from the date of your first try. Pass your DMV test the first time with Driving-Tests Premium!73% more effective than the DMV manual. Tell me more Road TestStep-by-Step Guide What to expect during IL road test Road Test FAQ You will take the test at a Secretary of State Facility on a walk-in-basis. The test evaluates your knowledge of a motor vehicle's basic equipment and your ability to operate a vehicle safely while obeying traffic laws. You must provide your own vehicle in good working order, complete with front and rear license plates, registration sticker, and proof of liability insurance. A licensed driver must drive the vehicle to the testing facility for you. Before the test The vehicle you bring for the test should have the following features in working order:
Note that you should be ready to demonstrate how to use the equipment above. During the test The examiner will tell you what to do. Your job is to follow the instructions and demonstrate safe driving techniques. Only the examiner can be with you in the car during the driving exam. Children or pets are not allowed in the vehicle during the exam and cannot be left unattended in the facility. Before you start:
Your examiner will grade your ability to perform several driving tasks and maneuvers including the following:
After the test Upon your return to the driver’s license facility, you will be told if you pass or fail. You will be able to discuss your errors with the examiner. If you pass, you will be issued your temporary (paper) license. If you fail, you will still have two more chances to pass the test within the year from the date that you pay the application fee. How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Illinois
New Residents: How to Get the Illinois Driver's LicenseIf you want to drive in Illinois, you must convert your existing license to an Illinois noncommercial driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident. Not sure if you are a resident of Illinois? Illinois considers you a resident of the state if you reside in it for other than a temporary or transitory purpose. I’ve Got a Valid Out-of-State LicenseMoving from another US state or territory? Welcome to Illinois! If your out-of-state license is currently valid (not expired), you'll still have to pass a vision test and a written exam. If your license has expired, you may be required to pass a driving exam. Plan of Action
The Driver Services Facility will issue you a temporary (paper) Illinois Class D full (adult) driver's license, which will be valid for 90 days. Your permanent (plastic) license should be mailed to you within 15 business days. If you don't receive it, you can check its status online or by calling (217) 782-7044. I've Got a Valid Foreign LicenseMoving from another country? Welcome to Illinois! The procedure of converting your foreign license is similar to converting an out-of-state license. However, there are two differences:
Check how to convert your out-of-state driver's license here. 73% more effective than the handbook Free Illinois DMV Practice Tests Show me Official driver's manuals Illinois DMV Driver's Manuals Show me What does a 16 year old need for Illinois license?To apply for a driver's license at age 16, a student who has held an instruction permit for nine months must visit a Driver Services facility and provide the following: 50 hour certificate verifying practice driving time; written parental consent; acceptable identification verifying full legal name, written signature, ...
What are the rules for 16 year old drivers in Illinois?DRIVERS AGES 16-17
Parent/legal guardian must accompany teen to provide written consent to obtain a driver's license, OR complete and notarize an Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive form. Must have completed a state-approved driver education course. Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun. -Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Fri.
Can a 16 year old drive alone in Illinois with a permit?Instruction permit restrictions
A driver with a permit is only allowed to drive with a fully-licensed adult over 21 present. During this time period, you have to log a minimum of 50 hours of driving practice (10 if these need to be at night) with appropriate supervision.
Can a 16 year old drive with passengers in Illinois?For the first 12 months of licensing or until the driver turns 18, whichever occurs first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20, unless the passenger(s) is a sibling, stepsibling, child or stepchild of the driver.
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