What you need to do to get your first Illinois driver's license
To get your first driver's license in Illinois, you will move through three stages: getting a Learner's Permit, passing a road test, and then receiving your license from the Secretary of State's office. You cannot skip any stage. The whole process typically takes several months because Illinois requires you to hold your permit for a minimum time before you can test for the license itself.
The first step is to visit a Secretary of State facility in person with the right documents. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. If you pass, you get your permit the same day. After that, you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. Once you feel ready and meet the time requirement, you schedule a road test at a Secretary of State facility. Pass that test, and you receive your license.
Key Takeaways
- You must get a Learner's Permit first by passing a written test at a Secretary of State office, and you must hold it for a set number of months before you can take the road test.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of legal presence, and a completed process (DL 100 form) to your first Secretary of State visit.
- You must practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.
- The road test covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions, and you schedule it through the Secretary of State once you meet the permit holding requirement.
- Illinois charges a fee for the permit and a separate fee for the license, and both documents have expiration dates you will need to track.
Documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will also need proof that you live in Illinois — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address works. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you; they will need to sign your process.
You must also show proof of legal presence in the United States. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card all work. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport and any immigration documents you have. The Secretary of State's website lists all acceptable documents, so check before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
Fill out form DL 100 (the process for a driver's license or permit) before you arrive, or the Secretary of State office will give you one to complete there. Bring it with you either way. You will also need to pay the permit fee at your visit — the amount varies, so check the current fee on the Secretary of State's website.
The written test for your Learner's Permit
The written test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different signs mean. The test is on a computer at the Secretary of State office, and you get your results right away.
You need to score at least 78 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Many people study using the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which is free online at the Secretary of State's website, or using practice tests available there as well.
How long you must hold your Learner's Permit
Illinois requires you to hold your Learner's Permit for a minimum of six months if you are under 18, or 30 days if you are 18 or older. You cannot take the road test before that time is up, even if you feel ready to drive. This waiting period is a safety rule designed to give new drivers time to practice in different conditions.
During this time, you must follow the restrictions that come with your permit. You cannot drive alone — a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front passenger seat with you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must wear a seatbelt, and passengers under 18 must wear seatbelts too. Breaking these rules can result in your permit being suspended.
Scheduling and taking your road test
Once you have held your permit for the required time, you can schedule your road test through the Secretary of State's website or by calling your local office. Road tests are offered at Secretary of State facilities across Illinois, and you choose the location and time that work for you. Scheduling can fill up weeks in advance, so book early if you have a specific date in mind.
On test day, bring your Learner's Permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If anything is broken, you will not be allowed to test that day.
The road test itself lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, pulling into traffic, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will also watch how you follow traffic laws, check your mirrors, and respond to other drivers. You pass or fail on the spot, and if you pass, you can get your license the same day or within a few days.
What happens after you pass your road test
If you pass the road test, the Secretary of State will issue you a driver's license. You may receive it when ready at the office, or it may be mailed to you within a week or two, depending on the office. Your license will have an expiration date — typically four years from the date it is issued for drivers under 21, and longer for older drivers.
Your new license comes with no restrictions if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, your license may have restrictions similar to your permit — for example, limits on driving at night or with passengers. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until the license expires, whichever comes first. Check your license to see what restrictions explore to you.
Fees and what they cover
Illinois charges separate fees for the Learner's Permit and the driver's license. The permit fee and license fee are both set by the state and change occasionally, so check the Secretary of State's website for current amounts. You pay the permit fee when you get your permit, and you pay the license fee when you receive your license after passing the road test.
These fees cover the cost of the document itself and the processing of your process. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, there is an additional replacement fee. If your license expires and you want to renew it, renewal fees are different from the original license fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test before I have held my permit for six months?
No. Illinois law requires you to hold your Learner's Permit for at least six months if you are under 18 before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, the minimum is 30 days. There are no exceptions to this rule.
What if I fail my road test?
You can retake the road test, but you must wait at least two weeks before scheduling another one. You can take the test as many times as you need to pass. Each attempt requires a new fee, so budget for that if you need multiple tries.
Do I need to take a driver's education course to get my license?
No, Illinois does not require a driver's education course to get your license. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved course may lower your car insurance rates, and some insurance companies offer discounts for it. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer this discount.
What if I move to Illinois from another state?
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to get a Learner's Permit in Illinois. You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Illinois license by visiting a Secretary of State office with your current license and proof of residency. If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to start over with the permit and road test process.
Can someone else take the road test in my vehicle?
No. The road test must be taken in a vehicle that you have access to and that is insured. The examiner needs to see that you can operate that specific vehicle safely. You cannot borrow someone else's car just for the test if you do not normally have access to it.