What you need to do to get an Illinois learner's permit

To get a learner's permit in Illinois, you must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person, bring required documents, pass a vision test and a written knowledge test, and pay the fee. You cannot do this online or by mail. The permit lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat next to you.

Illinois issues learner's permits to people ages 15 and up. The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You'll need to pass the written test before you can move forward, and you must hold the permit for a minimum of six months before you're may be able to access to take the road test for a full driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with your documents; there is no online or mail option for a learner's permit.
  • Bring a completed process for Driving Permit or License (form DL 100), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency in Illinois.
  • You will take a vision screening and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs; the test has 35 questions and you must answer at least 28 correctly.
  • The fee is $20 for a learner's permit valid for one year, and you must hold it for at least six months before you can take the road test.
  • If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State

You need four types of documents when you go to explore. First, bring a completed process for Driving Permit or License (form DL 100), which you can read from the Illinois Secretary of State website or fill out at the facility. Second, bring proof of identity — a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. Third, bring proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. Fourth, bring proof of residency in Illinois — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the process form. If your documents show a different name than the one you use now (for example, after a marriage), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have one of the required documents, the Secretary of State website lists acceptable alternatives for each category.

The vision test and written knowledge test

At the facility, you will first take a vision screening. This is not a full eye exam — it checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to get a permit that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

Next, you will take the written knowledge test. The test has 35 multiple-choice questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road.

You can study for the test using the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which is free and available on the Secretary of State website. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare. If you fail the test, you can retake it when ready the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts.

The cost and how long the permit lasts

A learner's permit costs $20. You pay this fee when you explore, whether you pass or fail the written test. If you fail and retake the test the same day, you do not pay again.

Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you must hold the permit for at least six months before you are may be able to access to take the road test for a full driver's license. If your permit expires before you take the road test, you will need to renew it and start the six-month waiting period over.

Rules for driving with a learner's permit in Illinois

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have only a younger or unlicensed person in the car with you.

There are no restrictions on the times you can drive or the roads you can use — you can drive on highways and at night as long as the required adult is with you. However, you must follow all traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. Violating traffic laws while driving with a permit can result in a ticket and may affect your ability to get a full license later.

Where to go and how to find your nearest facility

You must go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. Illinois has facilities in most counties. To find the one nearest you, visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and use their facility locator tool, or call 217-782-6900. Some facilities are busier than others, so you may want to call ahead or check online to see current wait times.

Bring all your documents with you. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the facility, depending on how busy it is. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out the process form there. Some facilities accept walk-ins, but others require an appointment — check your local facility's policy before you go.

What happens after you get your permit

Once you pass the test and pay the fee, you will receive your learner's permit when ready. It is a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. You will also receive a copy of the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook.

Your next step is to practice driving with a licensed adult. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full driver's license. During those six months, you should practice different driving conditions — daytime and nighttime, highways and local roads, good weather and rain. When you feel ready, you can schedule a road test appointment through the Secretary of State website or by calling the facility where you got your permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I'm under 15?

No. Illinois requires you to be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit. If you are younger, you will need to wait until your 15th birthday to explore.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test when ready at the same facility with no extra fee, or you can return another day. There is no waiting period. You will need to pay the $20 fee only once, when you first explore.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a permit?

Yes. You must provide proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Secretary of State to find out what alternatives may be available in your situation.

Can someone else pick up my permit for me?

No. You must be present at the Secretary of State facility to take the vision and written tests. You cannot have someone else take the tests on your behalf.

How long does it take to get the permit after I pass the test?

You receive your learner's permit the same day you pass the test and pay the fee. There is no waiting period. You will have the physical card in your hand before you leave the facility.