What an Illinois driver's permit is and who needs one
An Illinois driver's permit is a document that lets you practice driving under supervision before you take your road test for a full license. It is not a license — you cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive for work. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting next to you at all times.
You need a permit if you are 16 or 17 years old and want to learn to drive in Illinois. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the road test for a full license, though some people still get a permit to practice first. If you are moving to Illinois from another state, you may be able to transfer your out-of-state permit instead of getting a new one — contact your local Secretary of State office to ask.
The permit is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You will need to renew it if you have not passed your road test within that year.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs to get an Illinois driver's permit.
- A licensed driver at least 21 years old must sit in the front seat with you every time you drive with a permit.
- You cannot drive alone, at night (between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.), or carry passengers under 20 years old without a licensed adult present.
- Your permit is valid for one year; you must pass your road test before it expires or you will need to renew it.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the Secretary of State office when you explore.
Documents you need to bring to explore
When you go to a Secretary of State office to explore for a permit, bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity: A birth certificate, passport, or certified copy of your birth record. A school ID or report card is not enough.
- Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Illinois address. It must be dated within the last 30 days.
- Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2.
- Parental consent (if you are under 18): A parent or legal guardian must sign the process in person. They will need to bring their own ID.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the state where you were born. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and, if you have one, your green card or visa.
The written test: what to study and how to pass
Before you can get your permit, you must pass a written test at the Secretary of State office. The test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer up to 35 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass (80 percent).
The Secretary of State publishes a free study guide called the Illinois Rules of the Road. You can read it from the Secretary of State website or pick up a printed copy at any Secretary of State office. The test questions come directly from this guide, so studying it is the best way to prepare. Many people also use online practice tests, which are free and let you take the test as many times as you want before you go to the office.
You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call your local Secretary of State office ahead of time to arrange it. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.
Restrictions on where and when you can drive with a permit
Illinois has strict rules about when and where you can drive with a permit. These rules are designed to reduce crashes among new drivers.
| Restriction | What it means |
|---|---|
| Supervising driver | A licensed driver at least 21 years old must sit in the front seat next to you at all times. |
| Nighttime driving | You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except to drive to or from work or school. |
| Passengers | You cannot carry passengers under 20 years old unless a licensed adult at least 21 is in the front seat. |
| Cell phone use | You cannot use a cell phone, even hands-free, while driving. This includes texting, calling, and navigation. |
| Seat belts | Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt. You are responsible for making sure passengers comply. |
If you break these rules, you can be ticketed and fined. Breaking the rules can also delay your road test or result in your permit being suspended. Your supervising driver can also be ticketed if they allow you to break the rules.
How to schedule and prepare for your road test
Once you have had your permit for at least 30 days and feel ready, you can schedule your road test through the Secretary of State website or by calling your local office. You must have your permit with you when you take the test. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes driving on city streets, highways, and residential roads.
Before you go, practice with your supervising driver as much as possible. Practice parking, turning, merging, and driving in different weather and traffic conditions. The Secretary of State website has a list of skills you will be tested on, so review it with your supervising driver.
On the day of your test, bring your permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The car you use for the test must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. All lights, wipers, brakes, and mirrors must work. If the car fails inspection, you will not be able to take the test that day.
What happens if you fail your road test
If you do not pass your road test, you can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You do not need to wait any specific amount of time between tests, though most people practice for at least a week or two before trying again.
Each time you take the test, you pay a fee. The fee varies by office but is typically between $10 and $20. You must bring your permit each time you test. If your permit expires before you pass, you will need to renew it at a Secretary of State office before you can test again.
When you do pass, you will receive your full driver's license on the spot. You can then drive alone and without the nighttime and passenger restrictions that explore to permit holders.
Renewing or replacing your permit
Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you have not passed your road test by then, you must renew your permit before you can test again. To renew, go to a Secretary of State office with your expired permit and proof of residency. You will pay a renewal fee (typically $10 to $20) and take the written test again.
If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee, usually around $5 to $10. A replacement permit has the same expiration date as your original permit, so you do not lose time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to school or work with my permit?
Yes, you can drive to and from school or work during the nighttime hours (11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) if you have a valid reason. You must still have a supervising driver with you. You cannot drive for any other reason during those hours.
What if my supervising driver gets a ticket while I am driving?
Your supervising driver can be ticketed for allowing you to violate permit restrictions. For example, if you are driving with passengers under 20 years old and no adult in the front seat, the supervising driver can be fined. You can also be ticketed. Both of you are responsible for following the rules.
Do I need insurance to drive with a permit?
Yes. The car you drive must be insured, and you must be listed as a driver on that insurance policy. Most insurance companies will add you to a parent's or guardian's policy at a lower cost than insuring you separately. Call your insurance company to ask about adding a permit holder.
Can I transfer my permit from another state?
It depends on the state. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Illinois, which means your out-of-state permit may be recognized. Contact your local Secretary of State office with your out-of-state permit to find out whether you can use it or need to get an Illinois permit instead.
What if I turn 18 before I pass my road test?
Your permit restrictions stay in place until you pass your road test and receive your full license, even if you turn 18. Once you have your full license, the restrictions no longer explore.