What you need to do to get an Illinois learner's permit
To get an Illinois learner's permit, you must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person, bring the required documents, pass a written test, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes one to two hours. You do not need to have a job, a bank account, or a sponsor — you just need to prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number.
Illinois issues learner's permits to people as young as 15 years old. Once you have your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) in the car with you. You must hold the permit for a minimum of six months before you can take the road test for a full driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and bring a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Illinois Driver's Manual or online practice tests.
- The permit fee is $20 for a four-year permit, and you pay at the facility when you pass the test.
- You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can schedule a road test for your full license.
- With your permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult at least 21 years old sitting next to you.
Documents to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and date of birth. The Secretary of State accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a school photo ID with your date of birth, or a baptism certificate. A photocopy of any of these does not work — 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 signed letter from the person whose name is on it, along with that document.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still get a learner's permit, but you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you have applied for one.
Studying for the written test
The written test has 35 questions and covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages at most facilities.
The Secretary of State publishes the free Illinois Driver's Manual online at cyberdriveillinois.com. This manual contains all the information tested on the exam. You can read it on a computer or print it out. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test.
You can also take free practice tests online through the Secretary of State website or through third-party websites. Practice tests let you see the kinds of questions you will face and help you find topics you need to study more. Some people take the practice test multiple times until they score above 28 correct.
Taking the test at a Driver Services facility
Find the Secretary of State Driver Services facility nearest to you on the cyberdriveillinois.com website. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but some facilities now use an online reservation system. Check your local facility's website to see if you need to book a time slot in advance.
Arrive with all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address and personal information. A staff member will check your documents and take your photo for the permit. Then you will sit at a computer and take the written test. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
If you pass, you pay the $20 fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you do not pass, you can take the test again the same day at most facilities, though some locations may ask you to come back another time. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
Restrictions that come with your learner's permit
With an Illinois learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers.
You must follow all traffic laws and road signs just as a licensed driver would. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device, unless it is a GPS. You must wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers wear seat belts.
Your permit is valid for four years from the date it is issued. If you turn 18 before your permit expires, you can still use it to practice driving until the expiration date. You do not need to renew it early.
What happens after you hold the permit for six months
After you have held your learner's permit for at least six months, you can schedule a road test. The road test is the next step toward getting your full driver's license. You will drive with a state examiner who will watch how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to different road situations.
You must bring your learner's permit and a valid form of ID to the road test. You also need to bring a car that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.
If you pass the road test, you will receive your full Illinois driver's license. If you do not pass, you can take the test again after waiting a certain amount of time. Your learner's permit remains valid while you are preparing to retake the test.
Replacing a lost or damaged permit
If your learner's permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Bring your ID and proof of residency, just as you did when you first applied. The replacement fee is $20, the same as the original permit.
If your permit is damaged but still readable, you can bring it with you to the facility. If it is lost or stolen, tell the staff member what happened. You will get a new permit with a new expiration date four years from the replacement date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration showing that you have applied for one. You will still be able to get your learner's permit and take the written test.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at most facilities with no extra charge. Many people study the Illinois Driver's Manual for a few more days and come back to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get a learner's permit in Illinois?
No. Illinois issues learner's permits to people regardless of citizenship status. You need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or a letter showing you have applied for one.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Secretary of State offers the written test in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, and several other languages. Call your local Driver Services facility to confirm which languages are available there.
What if I move to a different address while I have my learner's permit?
You do not need to update your permit if you move. Your permit remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. However, when you take your road test for your full license, bring proof of your current address.