What you need to do to get your first Illinois driver's license
To get your first Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and show documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Illinois does not issue licenses by mail or online. You will need to schedule an appointment at a Driver Services facility — walk-ins are not may provide to be seen — and the whole process typically takes several weeks from start to finish.
The order matters: you cannot take the driving test until you pass the written test, and you cannot take either test until you have submitted your documents and received a temporary permit. Most people complete the written test on the same day they submit their paperwork, but the driving test usually happens weeks later after you have had time to practice.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with original documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can take any test.
- The written test comes first and covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs; you can retake it the same day if you fail, but you must pass before scheduling a driving test.
- The driving test happens at a separate appointment weeks later and tests your ability to operate a vehicle safely on public roads with an examiner in the car.
- Illinois issues a temporary permit after you pass the written test, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car while you wait for your driving test appointment.
- Your first Illinois license is valid for four years if you are under 21, or eight years if you are 21 or older.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
Bring original documents — not copies — that prove three things: your identity, your Illinois residency, and your Social Security number. The Secretary of State will not accept expired documents for identity, and some documents work for more than one requirement.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current Illinois address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government check. A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your address. A credit card statement does not count.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
How to schedule your appointment and what to expect
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and use the online appointment scheduler to book a time at a Driver Services facility near you. You can also call 217-782-6900 to schedule by phone. Appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so book as early as you can. The Secretary of State does not hold walk-in hours at most facilities.
Bring your documents, your Social Security number, and your current address. You will fill out an process form (DL 101) at the facility. You will also have your photo taken and your signature scanned. The staff will verify your documents and enter your information into the system.
After your documents are accepted, you will take the written test on a computer at the facility. The test has 35 questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, and most people pass on the second attempt.
The written test: what it covers and how to prepare
The Illinois written test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will see questions about speed limits, parking rules, what to do at a red light or stop sign, how to handle a skid, and what different road signs mean. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the Driver Services facility.
The Secretary of State publishes a free study guide called the Illinois Rules of the Road, available as a PDF on cyberdriveillinois.com. You can also buy a printed copy at the facility for a few dollars. Most people study the guide for a few hours or a few days before their appointment and pass the test on the first try. The test is offered in English and in several other languages.
You do not need to memorize every rule, but you should know common situations: what a yellow line means, when you can pass another car, how far back to stay from a fire truck, and what to do if a police officer pulls you over. If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready, and the facility will let you study the guide again before your second attempt.
Getting your temporary permit and practicing to drive
After you pass the written test, the Secretary of State will issue you a temporary driving permit (also called a learner's permit). This permit allows you to practice driving on public roads with a licensed adult in the car. The adult must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver's license, and sit in the front passenger seat next to you.
Your temporary permit is valid for one year. During that year, you can practice as much as you need before you schedule your driving test. There is no minimum number of hours you must practice, but the Secretary of State recommends at least 50 hours, with at least 10 hours at night. Most people practice for several weeks or months before they feel ready for the test.
While you hold a temporary permit, you must follow these rules: you cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free). If you are caught breaking these rules, your permit can be suspended.
Scheduling and taking your driving test
After you have practiced enough, go back to cyberdriveillinois.com or call 217-782-6900 to schedule your driving test at a Driver Services facility. The facility will assign you a date and time, usually several weeks out. Bring your temporary permit, your documents, and proof of vehicle insurance.
On the day of your test, bring the vehicle you will use for the test. It must be registered in Illinois, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins, checking the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors. If anything is broken or missing, the test will be cancelled and you will need to reschedule.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You will drive on public roads in the area around the facility. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits: checking mirrors, signaling turns, obeying traffic signs, and staying in your lane. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one week and pay the test fee again.
After you pass your driving test
After you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you that you have passed. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while the Secretary of State produces your plastic card. Your plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.
Your first Illinois driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 21 years old, or eight years if you are 21 or older. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires. If you move to a different address, you must update your address with the Secretary of State within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I schedule an appointment?
No. You must schedule an appointment at a Driver Services facility and bring your original documents before you can take the written test. The facility staff must verify your identity and residency first.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one week. You will pay the test fee again. Your temporary permit remains valid during this time, so you can continue to practice. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The Secretary of State will test your vision at the Driver Services facility. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or you may be referred to an eye doctor.
Can someone else take the driving test in my place?
No. You must take the driving test yourself. The examiner needs to see that you can safely operate a vehicle. If you do not show up for your appointment, you will lose your test fee and must reschedule.
What happens if I move out of Illinois before I get my license?
You can finish the process in your new state, but you will need to start over with that state's requirements. Illinois will not transfer your temporary permit or test results to another state.