What You Need to Do to Get an Illinois Learner's Permit
To get a driver's permit in Illinois, you will visit a Secretary of State facility, pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and pay a fee. The permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You do not need to have a job, own a car, or live in Illinois — you just need to be at least 15 years old and bring the right documents.
The whole process takes one visit if you are prepared. Most people spend 30 minutes to an hour at the facility, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will leave with your permit the same day you pass the test.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to the Secretary of State.
- The written test covers 50 questions about Illinois traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
- The permit fee is $10 and is good for one year from the date you pass the test.
- With your permit, you can practice driving only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.
- You cannot drive alone, at night (between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.), or on expressways until you have a full license.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. This proves your identity and age. If you do not have one of these, a school photo ID plus a report card or school letter with your name and date of birth will work, though the Secretary of State prefers an official document.
You also need proof that you live in Illinois. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address dated within the last 60 days will work. A parent's or guardian's document with your name on it counts too.
Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or a tax return showing your number. You will fill out an process form (DL 101) at the facility, and the staff will help you if you are unsure what to write.
How the Written Test Works
The test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes to finish. The questions come from the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which the Secretary of State publishes free online and in print at any facility.
You must answer at least 40 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day at no extra cost. Most people who study the handbook for a few hours pass on their first try.
The test is given on a computer at the facility. You do not need to bring anything except your documents. The Secretary of State does not offer the test online or by mail.
Where to Go and What to Expect
Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Illinois has locations in most counties, and you can find the nearest one on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. You do not have to go to the facility closest to your home — you can visit any location in the state.
Arrive early in the day if you can. Mornings and weekday afternoons usually have shorter waits than late afternoons or Saturdays. Some facilities are busier than others, so if your local office has a long wait, try a nearby one instead.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The staff will check them, have you fill out the process form, collect the $10 fee, and send you to a computer station to take the test. After you pass, they will take your photo and issue your permit on the spot.
What Your Permit Lets You Do and What It Does Not
With your permit, you can drive during the day and evening as long as a licensed driver age 21 or older sits in the front passenger seat next to you. That person must have a valid driver's license. You can practice on any road except expressways (highways marked with an "I" number, like I-90 or I-55).
You cannot drive alone at any time. You cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.
Your permit is good for one year. If you do not pass the road test and get your full license within that year, you will need to renew your permit and pay the $10 fee again.
Moving From Permit to Full License
After you have had your permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a road test with the Secretary of State. The road test is a 20-minute drive with an examiner who watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and react to other drivers and road conditions.
You must pass the road test to get your full license. If you fail, you can take it again, but there is a fee each time. Once you pass, you will get your Illinois driver's license, which is good for four years.
If you are under 18 when you get your license, it will have a "Graduated Driver License" (GDL) restriction. This means you still cannot drive alone between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. until you turn 18, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These rules drop off on your 18th birthday.
How Much It Costs
The permit fee is $10. This is a one-time payment when you pass the written test. If you fail the test and take it again the same day, there is no extra charge. If you need to renew your permit after one year, you pay $10 again.
The road test fee is separate and costs $10 as well. You pay this when you schedule your road test, not when you take it. If you fail and retake the test, you pay another $10.
The full driver's license fee is $20 and is good for four years. You pay this only after you pass the road test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you applied but were denied, or bring a tax return with your ITIN. The Secretary of State will accept either one. If you have neither, call your local Secretary of State facility to ask what documents they will take instead.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can take the test again right away at the same facility with no extra fee. Most people who study the handbook pass on their second try. You have one year from the date you first take the test to pass it and get your permit.
Do I have to take a driver's education class before I get my permit?
No. Illinois does not require a driver's education class to get a permit. However, taking one can help you study for the written test and prepare for the road test. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a class.
Can someone else pick up my permit for me if I cannot go to the facility?
No. You must be present to take the written test and have your photo taken. The Secretary of State does not issue permits by mail or through a representative.
What if I move out of Illinois after I get my permit?
Your Illinois permit is good only in Illinois. If you move to another state, you will need to get a permit in that state instead. Contact the new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents and tests you need.