What You Need to Do to Get a Driver's License in Illinois

To get your first driver's license in Illinois, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. The process takes place at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility and involves two separate visits: one for the written exam and one for the road test, which you schedule after passing the written portion. You cannot take the road test on the same day as the written test.

Illinois issues a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) to first-time drivers under 18, which comes with restrictions on night driving and passenger limits for the first year. If you are 18 or older, you go straight to a standard driver's license with no restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Illinois address to your first appointment.
  • The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a separate road test appointment, which typically occurs two to eight weeks later depending on your location.
  • The road test costs $10 and the license itself costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for a ten-year license.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to take the written test and at least 16 years old to take the road test if you have held a permit for six months.

Documents You Must Bring to Your First Appointment

Bring an original or certified birth certificate — a photocopy will not work. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. Do not bring a Social Security statement or letter from the Social Security Administration; those are not accepted.

You need two documents that show your current Illinois address. These can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement. The documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Instruction Permit if you already have one. If you do not have a permit yet, you can obtain one at the same appointment before taking the written test, though this will require an additional fee of $10.

The Written Test: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The written test consists of 35 multiple-choice questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. You must score at least 80 percent (28 out of 35 questions correct) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, though you must wait at least one hour between attempts.

The test covers topics such as right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. The Secretary of State publishes a free study guide called the Illinois Rules of the Road, which is available on the Secretary of State website and covers all material on the test. Many people study this guide for one to two weeks before taking the test.

You can take the written test in English or Spanish. Bring your documents, your Social Security card or proof of your number, and your Instruction Permit if you have one. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. You will need to pay the $10 Instruction Permit fee if you do not already have one.

Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test

After you pass the written test, you schedule your road test at a separate appointment. The Secretary of State's office will give you information about how to book your test — this is typically done online through the Secretary of State website or by calling your local Driver Services facility. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so book as soon as you pass the written exam.

The road test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You drive a set route in your examiner's presence while they observe your ability to start the car, accelerate, brake, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. You must bring the same documents you brought to the written test, your Instruction Permit, and proof that your vehicle has passed a safety inspection within the last 12 months. The vehicle must be registered in Illinois and have valid insurance.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one week before scheduling another attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though each attempt costs $10.

Fees and License Validity Periods

The written test and Instruction Permit each cost $10. The road test costs $10. The driver's license itself costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for a ten-year license. You choose which length you want when you pass your road test. If you are under 21, your license will be marked as a Graduated Driver's License and will have a different appearance than a standard license.

Your license is valid for the number of years you purchase. You can renew it before it expires, but you cannot renew it more than one year early. If your license expires, you must retake both the written and road tests to restore it.

Restrictions for Drivers Under 18 (Graduated Driver's License)

If you are under 18 when you pass your road test, Illinois issues you a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) instead of a standard license. For the first six months you hold a GDL, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot carry passengers under 20 years old unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle.

After six months, the nighttime restriction is lifted, but the passenger restriction remains until you turn 18 or until one year has passed since you received your license, whichever comes first. Once you turn 18, you can exchange your GDL for a standard license at any Driver Services facility at no cost.

Finding a Driver Services Facility and Scheduling Your Appointment

Illinois has Driver Services facilities in most counties. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Secretary of State website. Some facilities are busier than others; rural facilities often have shorter wait times than urban ones. You do not need to schedule your written test appointment in advance — you can walk in during business hours, though arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait.

Some facilities offer online appointment scheduling for the written test. Check your local facility's website to see if this option is available. If you prefer not to wait, booking an appointment online can reduce your time at the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

No. Illinois requires you to pass the written test first, then schedule a separate road test appointment. The road test typically occurs two to eight weeks after you pass the written test, depending on how quickly appointments fill up in your area.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting at least one week. Each attempt costs $10. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need to own a car to take the road test?

No. You can borrow a car from a family member or friend, as long as it is registered in Illinois, has valid insurance, and has passed a safety inspection within the last 12 months. The vehicle does not need to be registered in your name.

What if I move to Illinois from another state?

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for an Illinois license without taking the written or road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or proof of your number to any Driver Services facility. The exchange license costs $30 for four years or $95 for ten years.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is available in Spanish. Contact your local Driver Services facility to confirm whether other languages are available at your location.