What you need to do to get an Illinois learner's permit
To get an Illinois learner's permit, you visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about an hour. You must be at least 15 years old. Illinois does not let you take the test online or by mail — you have to show up with documents in hand.
The permit itself is valid for one year from the date you pass the test. During that year, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- The written test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices — you need a score of at least 78 percent to pass.
- The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year; you can renew it once for another year if you have not yet passed the road test.
- With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is present.
- You can study for the written test using the official Illinois Driver's Manual, available free on the Secretary of State website.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The Secretary of State accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy does not count — it must be an original or certified copy.
You also need proof that you live in Illinois. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and your name is not on the bill, bring a notarized letter from them stating that you live there, plus their ID.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card — you can write it on the process form. If you do not have either, tell the Secretary of State staff when you arrive; they can direct you to the next step.
How to study for and pass the written test
The written test has 35 questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 27 questions correctly to pass (a score of 78 percent). The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the Secretary of State facility.
Study the official Illinois Driver's Manual, which is free and available as a PDF on the Secretary of State website. Read the sections on traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. Pay special attention to speed limits, when you must yield, and what to do at a red light or stop sign.
Many people also use practice tests online — search "Illinois learner's permit practice test" to find free versions. These are not official, but they show you the style of questions and help you spot weak areas. Take the practice test more than once so you see different questions each time.
On test day, read each question carefully. If you are not sure of an answer, skip it and come back to it. You have time to review your answers before you submit the test.
Finding a Secretary of State facility near you
Illinois has Secretary of State driver services facilities in most counties. The main office is in Springfield, but there are branches in Chicago, Peoria, Champaign, and many smaller cities. You do not have to go to a specific location — you can visit whichever one is closest to you.
Go to the Secretary of State website and use the facility locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code, and it will show you the nearest office, its hours, and whether you need an appointment. Some facilities take walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online or by phone. Call ahead if you are not sure.
Bring all your documents in a folder so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The staff will check your documents, answer any questions, and direct you to the testing station.
What happens after you pass the test
Once you pass the written test, you pay the $20 fee and receive your learner's permit. It is a physical card with your photo, name, date of birth, and permit number. The permit is valid for one year from the date you pass the test.
Your permit expires on the same date one year later. If you have not yet passed the road test (the driving test with an examiner), you can renew your permit once for another year. You renew by visiting a Secretary of State facility again, paying another $20, and taking the written test again. You do not have to pass — the renewal is automatic if you ask for it before the permit expires.
If you do pass the road test before your permit expires, you will receive your driver's license and no longer need the permit. The road test is scheduled separately through the Secretary of State and usually happens a few weeks after you book it.
Restrictions that explore while you have a learner's permit
With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license — a permit does not count. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or legal guardian is in the car. This is a hard rule in Illinois, even if you are 18 or older. If you are caught driving alone during these hours, you can be ticketed.
You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. Permit holders are held to the same rules as licensed drivers. If you get a ticket or are in an accident, it goes on your driving record and may affect your ability to pass the road test or get your license.
Renewing or replacing your permit
If your permit is about to expire and you have not yet passed the road test, visit a Secretary of State facility before the expiration date. Bring your current permit, your ID, and proof of residency. Pay the $20 renewal fee and take the written test again. You will receive a new permit valid for another year.
If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. Visit a Secretary of State facility with your ID and proof of residency. There is usually a replacement fee (check the Secretary of State website for the current amount). You do not have to retake the written test — the staff will issue a new card with the same permit number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?
Yes. Homeschooled students can get a learner's permit the same way as anyone else — by visiting a Secretary of State facility with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN, then passing the written test. You do not need to show proof of enrollment in any school.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each time you retake it, you pay the $20 fee again. Most people pass on the second try if they study the manual between attempts.
Do I need 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 learner's permit. You only need to pass the written test. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved driver's education course, so ask your parents or guardian whether it makes sense for your family.
Can someone else pick up my permit for me?
No. You must be present in person at the Secretary of State facility to take the written test and receive your permit. The staff need to verify your identity and take your photo for the permit card.
What if I move to a different state while I have an Illinois permit?
Your Illinois permit is only valid in Illinois. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit in your new state. Contact that state's driver licensing agency to find out what documents and tests you need. Some states honor out-of-state permits for a short time, but Illinois does not have reciprocal agreements with most states.