What you need to do to get your first Illinois driver's license
To get your first Illinois driver's license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes place at a Secretary of State facility, and you'll need to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone won't work. Most people complete the written test on their first visit, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test within a few weeks.
Illinois does not issue a permit that lets you drive alone before you pass the driving test. If you're under 18, you'll get a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) with restrictions on when and where you can drive. If you're 18 or older, you'll get an unrestricted license once you pass both tests.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID — a photocopy will not be accepted at the Secretary of State office.
- The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs and is offered the same day you visit; you can take it as many times as needed until you pass.
- The driving test is scheduled separately and must happen within a certain window after you pass the written test; you'll need to bring a vehicle and an adult supervisor.
- If you're under 18, your license will have GDL restrictions that limit when you can drive and how many passengers you can carry until you turn 18.
- The total cost varies but includes fees for the written test, driving test, and the license itself; you'll pay at the Secretary of State office when you visit.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photocopy, even a notarized one, will not work — the Secretary of State must see the original or a certified copy issued by the agency that created it.
You'll also need to prove you live in Illinois. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and street address.
Finally, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you'll need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
The written test: what to expect and how to prepare
The written test has 35 questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is multiple-choice and covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles.
You can study using the official Illinois Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Secretary of State website. Many people also use practice tests online to get familiar with the question format. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can retake it the same day if you don't pass, and there is no limit to how many times you can try.
When you arrive at the Secretary of State office, tell staff you're taking the written test for the first time. They'll direct you to a testing station, where you'll take the test on a computer or paper, depending on the location. You'll get your score when ready.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, you can schedule a driving test appointment. In most Secretary of State offices, you can book online or by phone. The driving test must happen within a set timeframe — usually within 180 days of passing the written test, though this can vary by location. Check with your local office for the exact window.
On the day of your driving test, bring your written test receipt, your identity document, and proof of residency again. You'll also need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. An adult who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid driver's license must be in the car with you during the test.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Secretary of State office. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, stopping at traffic lights, and merging. You must follow all traffic laws and the examiner's instructions. If you don't pass, you can schedule another test, usually within a few weeks.
Graduated Driver's License restrictions if you're under 18
If you're under 18 when you pass your driving test, you'll receive a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) instead of a full license. A GDL has restrictions that phase out as you get older and gain experience. These restrictions are designed to reduce crashes among young drivers.
During the first six months after you get your GDL, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car (unless the passenger is a family member). After six months, the nighttime restriction stays the same, but you can have up to three passengers under 20. At 18 years old, all restrictions end and you get a full license automatically.
If you get a traffic ticket or are in a crash while you have a GDL, the restrictions may be extended. Violations can also delay when you become may be able to access for a full license.
Costs and what happens after you pass
The Secretary of State charges separate fees for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. The exact amounts vary slightly by location and change periodically, so check the Secretary of State website or call your local office for current prices. You'll pay in cash or card at the office when you visit.
Once you pass both tests, your license is usually issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few business days. Your license is valid for four years if you're under 21, and eight years if you're 21 or older. You can renew it before it expires by visiting a Secretary of State office or, in some cases, by mail or online.
If you fail the driving test, you'll receive a report showing what you did wrong. You can schedule another test and try again. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you'll pay the test fee each time.
Real ID and what it means for your Illinois license
When you get your first Illinois driver's license, you can choose whether to get a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and meets federal security standards. You'll need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.
To get a Real ID license, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your residency — for example, a utility bill or lease. The Real ID license costs a bit more than a standard license and is valid for the same length of time. If you don't get a Real ID now, you can upgrade to one later by visiting a Secretary of State office and paying the difference in cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit before I take the driving test?
Illinois does not issue a learner's permit. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test. You cannot drive alone until you pass the driving test and receive your license.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You'll pay the test fee each time. Schedule your next appointment through the Secretary of State office, usually within a few weeks of your first attempt.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. An adult with a valid license must be in the car with you.
What happens if I move to another state after I get my Illinois license?
You can keep your Illinois license until it expires. When you move, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state. Most states will accept your Illinois license as proof of identity when you explore.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The written test is available in several languages at most Secretary of State offices. Call your local office to confirm which languages are offered and whether you need to schedule in advance.