To drive legally in Illinois, you must have a valid driver’s license, instruction permit, Restricted Driving Permit, Judicial Driving Permit or Monitoring Device Driving Permit.
Learning To Drive
In Illinois, most young people learn to drive in high school or at a commercial driver training school licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State. Approved driver education classes include at least 30 hours of classroom study and six hours of behind-the-wheel training. Some high schools, community colleges and commercial driving schools offer classes for adults. To find out about classes and fees, call your local high school, school superintendent’s office, community college or commercial driving school.
Instruction Permits
When you apply for your instruction permit, you must pass the vision screening and the appropriate written exam for the classification you are seeking. The behind-the-wheel exam will be taken when you apply for your driver’s license. This booklet provides the information you must know to pass the written test on traffic laws and signs in order to obtain basic driving privileges. To drive larger vehicles or motorcycles, you must pass the appropriate written exam(s). This information is available in the Rules of the Road for Non-CDL Vehicles, the Commercial Driver’s License Study Guide, and the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual, available at any Driver Services facility or in the publications section at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
If you are age 15 to 17, you may receive your instruction permit only if you are enrolled in an approved driver education class. Your instruction permit must be used in the driver education class when an adult instructor is sitting beside you. You also may practice driving with one of your parents, a legal guardian or a responsible adult approved by your parents sitting in the front seat. This adult must be at least age 21, have a license for the type of vehicle you are driving, and have at least one year of driving experience.
After you have successfully completed the driver education class, you may continue practicing to drive with your instruction permit under the supervision of a responsible adult as outlined above. The instruction permit is valid for 24 months and must be held for at least nine months prior to obtaining a driver’s license when you are age 16 or older. If you are 17 years and 3 months or older, you may apply for an instruction permit without taking a driver education course.
If you receive your license prior to the expiration of your instruction permit, you may not
be required to pay an additional fee.
Completion of Driver Education Training
When you have completed the behind-the-wheel portion of driver education and your training was administered by your local high school, the Illinois State Board of Education will notify the Office of Secretary of State electronically that you have completed training. The Secretary of State will indicate this notification of completion on your driver’s license record. To have the notation indicating completion placed on your driver’s license record, you must have received a passing grade in at least eight courses during the previous two semesters. Any student under age 18 who drops out of high school cannot have the notation indicating completion placed on his/her driver’s license record unless 1) the instructor has written verification of enrollment in a GED or alternative program, 2) the student has a GED, 3) the student, prior to dropping out, received passing grades in at least eight courses in the previous two semesters, or 4) the student has written consent from his/her parents or legal guardian and the regional superintendent. The local superintendent or chief school administrator may waive conditions deemed in the best interest of the student or dropout. Successful completion of driver education may be verified by accessing the Illinois State Board of Education’s Web site at
www.isbe.state.il.us/students.
Applying for Your Driver’s License
To apply for your driver’s license before reaching age 18, you must bring your instruction permit and acceptable forms of identification, as outlined in the Driver's License Requirements section, to a Driver Services facility at the time of application. Notification of your completion date must have been received from the Board of Education or the Secretary of State and appear on your record before a license is issued. You also must present written certification from your parent, legal guardian or, if there is no parent or legal guardian, a responsible adult age 21 or older, that you have a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice time, including 10 hours at night, and are sufficiently prepared and able to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Certification forms may be obtained at most Driver Services facilities, in the publications section at www.cyberdriveillinois. com, at high school driver education offices, at commercial driving schools and in the Secretary of State’s Parent-Teen Driving Guide.
Information on 17-year-old Labor Regulations
Cooperative Driver Testing Program
High school students who successfully complete an accredited driver education course of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction with a grade of A or B may not be required to take a duplicate road test at the time they apply for a driver’s license. The course must include a minimum of 30 hours of classroom training and six hours of behind-the-wheel training. Each student also must pass a road test that meets minimum standards established by the Secretary of State’s office, either during the driver education course or at the time of application for the driver’s license. The program is voluntary, but school districts are encouraged to participate by contacting the Secretary of State’s office.
The Secretary of State’s office has established a procedure for spot-checking student applicants who qualify for the program. Students whose birthdays fall on certain dates are required to pass a road test administered at a Driver Services facility even though they may have taken and passed a road test conducted by their driver education instructor.
Upon successful completion of the driver education course, a student will be issued a Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate, which must be signed by the driver education instructor and the student’s parent or guardian. The certificate, which expires on the same day as the student’s current instruction permit and will not be extended, must be presented at any Driver Services facility at the time of driver’s license application.
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Renewing Your License
When it is time to renew your license, you will receive a letter about 90 days before your current license expires. The renewal letter will tell you what identification is required and what tests are necessary. You also will receive information about Driver Services facility hours. It is ultimately the driver’s responsibility to renew his or her license before expiration, regardless of whether a renewal letter was received.
You may not receive notification of your license renewal if you have not notified the Secretary of State of a change of name or address. State law requires you to inform the Secretary of State of an address change within 10 days. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside Illinois, as well as their spouses and children, may drive with expired licenses for up to 90 days after their return from duty.
Safe Driver Renewal
The Safe Driver Renewal program enables drivers with clean driving records to renew their driver’s licenses from the convenience of home and visit a Driver Services facility only once every eight years.
To be eligible for Safe Driver Renewal, a driver must be between the ages of 22 and 74; not hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or school bus driver permit; have no traffic infractions, sanctions, crash reports or medical report review requirements; and already have Social Security information verified through the Social Security Online Verification System. Motorists with DUI arrests are not eligible.
Eligible drivers will receive a notice in the mail detailing how to complete the renewal process online, by phone or by mail.
Safe drivers will receive a renewal sticker to affix to the back of their current license by mail within 10 business days of their renewal application. For more information, please visit the Safe Driver Renewal section.
Standard Renewal
For drivers not eligible for Safe Driver Renewal, the following license renewal requirements apply:
- Drivers under age 21 are issued licenses that expire three months after their 21st birthday. Drivers ages 21 through 80 are issued licenses that are good for four years and expire on their birthday. Drivers ages 81 through 86 are issued licenses good for two years. Drivers age 87 and over must renew their licenses annually.
- Test requirements vary. Everyone must have his/her vision screened. All persons age 75 and over must take a driving exam. All drivers must take a written exam every eight years, except those having no traffic convictions. If you have a crash on your driving record you may be required to take the written and/or driving exams.
- Renewal letters should be taken to a Driver Services facility. Your vision will be screened and your photo will be taken. You may be required to take a written and/or driving exam. Assuming you are eligible, you will receive your new license that day.
- Early renewal may be accomplished up to one year before a four-year or two year license expires, or six months before a one-year license expires.
Note: Driver Services facilities are closed on all state holidays. Please check the operational hours of your facility before visiting. The phone number of your facility is available in the governmental phone listings in your local telephone directory, or visit the Find Your Nearest Facility section.
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Obtaining a Duplicate or Corrected License
Duplicate License
If your driver’s license has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you may apply for another license. You must go to a Driver Services facility. However, drivers age 60 and over who have had their license stolen will receive a free duplicate license if they present a police report on the theft. You will be required to show acceptable forms of identification as outlined in the Driver's License Requirements.
Corrected License
If your license requires a correction, follow the same process as applying for a
duplicate license. Your incorrect license must be surrendered at the Driver Services facility when you apply for your corrected license. You will be required to show acceptable forms of identification as outlined in the Driver's License Requirements.
Changing Your Name or Address
You must visit a Driver Services facility within 30 days after a name change for a new license. Identification for a name change must be a document that provides a link to the established driver’s license file. You must use your full given name and surname as recorded at birth, recorded at marriage, recorded with the Social Security Administration or otherwise established through legal action. The appropriate fee must be paid to receive a new license and/or ID card.
You also must notify the Secretary of State’s office of an address change within 10 days by:
You will not receive a new license for an address change unless you visit a facility, present acceptable identification and pay the appropriate fee. Additional information is available at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Forms to update vehicle registration (title and registration ID cards) also are available in the publications section.
Note: Residents who hold a valid CDL must obtain a corrected driver’s license within 30 days of a change of name or address and must notify the Secretary of State within 10 days of any change.
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Driver's License Requirements
To receive an Illinois driver’s license or ID card, you must provide acceptable forms of identification to prove name, date of birth, Illinois residency, Social Security number and signature for comparison. New residents must surrender any out-of-state licenses or ID cards issued prior to the issuance of an Illinois driver’s license or ID card.
Acceptable Identification (photocopies not acceptable)
In an effort to prevent fraud and protect the identities of driver’s license and state ID card holders, the Office of the Secretary of State verifies Social Security numbers with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Online verification of name, date of birth and Social Security number is required before issuance of new and renewed driver’s licenses or ID cards. Renewal notices will indicate the need to bring additional forms of identification to complete verification of this information if the record has not already been verified with the SSA.
First-time Illinois Driver’s License/ID Card Applicant – An applicant applying for a driver’s license or ID card for the first time in Illinois must present one document from each of Group A, B, C and D. Temporary Visitor Driver’s License applicants are not required to present documents from Group C. Instead, they must submit a letter on Social Security Administration letterhead, issued within 90 days prior to the date of application, verifying ineligibility for a Social Security number.
Duplicate/Corrected Driver’s License/ID Card Applicant – An applicant applying for either a duplicate or corrected driver’s license or ID card must present one form of identification from Group A and at least one form from either Group B, C or D. Temporary Visitor Driver’s License applicants are not required to present documents from Group C. Instead, they must submit a letter on Social Security Administration letterhead, issued within 90 days prior to the date of application, verifying ineligibility for a Social Security number. An applicant who requests a change in name, date of birth, Social Security
number or gender must provide acceptable identification to link the change between the previous information and the new information.
Illinois Driver’s License/ID Card Renewal Applicant – An applicant renewing a current Illinois driver’s license or ID card need only present his/her current valid driver’s license or ID card. If the applicant does not have his/her current driver’s license or ID card, he/she must present one form of identification from Group A and at least one form from either Group B, C or D. A Temporary Visitor Driver’s License applicant renewing a
current Temporary Visitor Driver’s License must provide all ID documentation required for a first-time TVDL applicant.
NOTE: After review of all identification presented, facility management has the right to
accept or refuse any document.
Group A
Written Signature |
Group B
Date of Birth |
Group C
Social Security Number |
Group D
Residency/Personal
Data |
Canceled Check
(within 90 days)
CDTP Certification Form
Court Order
Credit Card (major brand@)
Driver Education Certificate
(Blue Slip)
Government Drivers License
Government ID Card
Illinois Drivers License (current)
Illinois ID Card(current)
Medicare Card with suffix
A, J, H, M, or T
Military Service Record
(DD214)
Mortgage or Installment
Loan Documents
Out-of-State Drivers
License/ID card (current)
Passport (valid U.S. or foreign)
Social Security Card
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services Forms
I-551
(Alien Registration Card)
I-688
(Temporary Resident Card)
I-688A
(Employment Auth. Card)
I-688B
(Employment Auth. Card)
I-766
(Employment Auth. Card)
I-94
(Arrival/Departure Record) with Valid Passport
U.S. Military Driver's License
U.S. Military ID Card |
Adoption Records
Birth Certificate (must be original or certified by a Board of Health or Bureau of Vital Statistics within the United States or by the U.S. State Department, U.S. Terriories or Canada)
Court Order (change of birth date)
Official Grade School/High School Transcript
Illinois Drivers License (current)
Illinois ID Card (current)
Military Service Record (DD214)
Naturalization Certificate
Passport (valid with complete
date of birth)
Social Security Award Letter (primary beneficiary only)
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services Forms
I-551
(Alien Registration Card)
I-571
(Refugee Travel Document)
I-688
(Temporary Resident Card)
I-688A
(Employment Auth. Card)
I-688B
(Employment Auth. Card)
I-766
(Employment Auth. Card)
I-797
(Notice of Action Status Change)
I-94
(Arrival/Departure Record)
with Valid Passport
U.S. Military Driver's License
U.S. Military ID Card |
Illinois Driver's License Record
Illinois ID Card Record
Military Service Record (DD214)
Social Security Award Letter (primary beneficiary only)
Social Security Card (Issued
by Social Security
Administration)
U.S. Military Driver's License
U.S. Military ID Card |
Examples of residency may be, but are not limited to the following:
Lease Agreement
Utility Bill
Vehicle Registration Card
Voter Registration Card |
Current forms of identification with an Illinois street address which do not appear on the list of unacceptable identification may also be used to verify residency. Documents listed in Group A, B or C and other forms of identification not listed as unacceptable may be used to verify personal data.
For a name change, the identification must be a document that provides a link to the established driver’s license/ID file.
After review of all identification presented, Secretary of State facility management has the right to accept or refuse any document.
|
Group B documents must contain the applicant’s full name and date of birth and must be verifiable. To be verifiable, it must be possible to contact the regulatory authority to confirm authenticity of the document.
@Acceptable major credit cards are American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Master Card & Visa.
A certified copy is a document produced by the issuing jurisdiction, which has an embossed seal or an original stamped impression.
Foreign birth certificates are accepted as "proof" if accompanied with any other item from Group B. |
Unacceptable Identification Documents
Bond Receipt or Bond Card
Business Card
Check Cashing Card
Club or Fraternal Membership Card
College or University ID Card
Commercially produced (non-State or unofficial) ID Card
Firearms Owner ID
Fishing License
Handwritten ID or Employment Card
Hunting License
IDPA (Public Aid) Card
Instruction Permit/Receipts
Insurance and/or Bail Bond Card
Library Card
Temporary Driver’s License
Traffic Citation (arrest ticket)
Verification by Family Members (other than Father, Mother or Legal Guardian)
Verification by Non-Family Members (other than high school driver education instructor or Secretary of State Personnel)
Video Club Membership Card
Wallet ID
Unlicensed Financial Institution Loan Papers
High school and commercial driver education school applicants are required to present a Certificate of Completion, Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate (if applicable), instruction permit and acceptable forms of identification, as outlined in the Driver's License Requirements section, before a driver’s license will be issued. Electronic notice of completion (public or commercial) must have been received and entered on the applicant’s record prior to application.
Drivers under age 18 also must present written certification from a parent, legal guardian or, if there is no parent or legal guardian, a responsible adult age 21 or older stating that the applicant has a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including 10 hours of night time driving, and is sufficiently prepared and able to safely operate a motor vehicle.
To receive a driver’s license, you also must:
- Visit a Driver Services facility when you apply for or renew your license. You will have your photo taken and receive your license, ID or permit at that time. (If eligible for Safe Driver Renewal, you do not have to appear in person to renew your license) .
- Turn in all valid out-of-state licenses, instruction permits and commercial driver’s licenses and/or state ID cards.
- Pay the appropriate fee.
- Pass the appropriate exams. You may be required to pass a vision screening, written and/or behind-the-wheel driving exam. (Exceptions apply for Safe Driver Renewals.)
New Residents
Drivers moving to Illinois from out of state may use their valid driver’s license from their home state for 90 days. To receive an Illinois driver’s license, you must visit a Driver Services facility and provide acceptable forms of identification as outlined in the Driver's License Requirements section. New residents must surrender all out-of-state licenses and/or ID cards, pass a vision screening, a written exam and, possibly, a driving exam.
Age Restrictions
You must be at least age 18 to obtain a valid driver’s license in Illinois. The following exceptions apply:
- If you are age 16 or 17, you may receive your license if you successfully complete a state-approved driver education course; present written certification from a parent/legal guardian or, if there is no parent/legal guardian, a responsible adult age 21 or older stating that you have a minimum 50 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours at night; held a valid instruction permit for a minimum of nine months, and you are sufficiently prepared and able to safely operate a motor vehicle; and pass the three parts of the driver’s license exam.
- If you are age 16 or 17 and have not been issued a driver’s license, you may receive your motorcycle Class L instruction permit only after successfully completing an approved driver education class. You are required to pass all applicable exams.
- If you are age 16 or 17 and have been issued a driver’s license, you may receive your motorcycle Class M permit only after successfully completing an approved Motorcycle Rider Safety Training course. You also are required to pass both the motorcycle written and driving skills exams. Drivers under age 18 are not required to complete a Motorcycle Rider Safety Training course to obtain a motor-driven cycle Class L permit or license, although the classes are strongly encouraged. Successful completion of driver education and all required exams is required to obtain a motor-driven cycle Class L permit or license.
- If you are age 16 or 17 and have not been issued a driver’s license, you may receive your motorcycle Class M instruction permit only after successfully completing an approved driver education class and an approved Motorcycle Rider Safety Training course. You are required to pass all applicable exams.
- If you are under age 18 and unmarried, your application for any instruction permit or driver's license must also contain the written consent of a parent/legal guardian.
- If you are under age 18 and driving during the nighttime driving restriction hours, you must have a parent/legal guardian or other responsible adult with you. Your parent/legal guardian must approve of any other responsible adult accompanying you. Nighttime driving restrictions are Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m. Your driver’s license is invalid if you are driving during these restricted hours. Local ordinances also may have curfew restrictions on underage persons. If you are ticketed for a curfew violation, your license or permit may be suspended.
- Anyone under age 18 who has been charged with an offense as a result of a crash in which a passenger was seriously injured or killed may be denied a driver’s license or license renewal; alcohol need not be a factor.
- You must be at least age 18 to drive for hire any vehicle transporting property (e.g., delivery persons).
- You must be at least age 18 to drive for hire any passenger vehicle transporting 10 or fewer people.
- You must be at least age 21 to drive for hire a second division vehicle transporting more than 10 passengers.
- You must be at least age 21 to drive a commuter van, religious organization bus, school bus, vehicle transporting senior citizens or a child care vehicle.
Penalties for Driver’s License/ID Fraud
It is a crime to sign a driver’s license or ID card application that includes false information or to present false identification. You may be charged with perjury or with a violation of the Identification Card Act. It also is a crime to use a fictitious or unlawfully altered driver’s license or permit, to present or possess another person’s driver’s license or ID card as if it were yours, or to allow another person to use your identification documents to apply for a driver’s license or ID card.
If you are convicted of perjury, which is a Class 4 felony, you may be sentenced to jail for 1-3 years and fined up to $25,000. If you are convicted of violating the Identification Card Act, which includes the unlawful use of a driver’s license or ID card, it is a Class A misdemeanor with fines of up to $2,500 and possible jail time of up to one year. A subsequent conviction will result in a Class 4 felony, which includes a possible 1-3 years
imprisonment and fines of up to $25,000. If the conviction was a result of a fraudulent card made by an unauthorized non-governmental entity, it is a Class 4 felony for the first conviction and a Class 3 felony (3-5 years imprisonment and fines of up to $25,000) for any subsequent conviction.
In addition, if you violate any of these laws, your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked for a minimum of 12 months. A person’s driving privileges also may be suspended or revoked for possessing a fraudulent license, ID or permit.
License Requirements for Special Vehicles
If you drive a commuter vehicle for profit, a religious organization bus or a vehicle transporting senior citizens, you also must:
- Have a valid and properly classified license. Depending on the size of the vehicle you operate, a commercial driver’s license may be necessary.
- Have had a valid driver’s license three years prior to the date of application.
- Demonstrate your ability to drive the vehicle safely.
- Not have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI), reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident involving death or personal injury, drag/street racing, manslaughter, reckless homicide, or reckless conduct from the use of a motor vehicle within three years of the date of application.
If you drive a child–care vehicle, you must:
- Have a valid and properly classified license. Depending on the size of the vehicle you operate, a commercial driver’s license may be necessary.
- Have had a valid driver’s license three years prior to the date of application.
- Show physical fitness to operate vehicles by having a medical exam.
- Not have been convicted of more than two moving traffic violations within a 12-month period.
- Not have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI), reckless driving, or reckless homicide resulting from the operation of a vehicle within three years of the date of application.
If you drive a school bus, you must have a properly classified commercial driver’s license with the appropriate endorsements.
If you drive a bus chartered for a school district, you must have a properly classified commercial driver’s license with the appropriate endorsements as well as the charter bus endorsement to transport students to and from school functions.
The Secretary of State’s office regulates all school bus drivers. For more information or a copy of the rules, please write to: Secretary of State, Driver Services Dept., 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy., Springfield, IL 62723. Information also is available from a regional superintendent of schools or at www.isbe.state.il.us.
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Notations on Licenses
When you have passed all applicable exams, your new driver’s license will be issued. Prior to your photo being taken, your signature, which will appear on the license, will be obtained. Restrictions will be coded on your license. On the back of your license you may:
- Note your blood type and RH factor.
- Place a decal or sticker indicating you carry an Emergency Medical Information Card. Stickers are available at any Driver Services facility, hospitals, schools, medical groups or associations that provide Emergency Medical Information Cards.
- Place a sticker indicating you carry a living will and/or power of attorney for health care notification card. Stickers and cards are available at any Driver Services facility.
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Your Health and Driving
For your safety and the safety of others, you should remain medically fit to operate a motor vehicle. When you apply for a driver’s license, you will be asked questions about any physical or mental condition that may potentially impair
your safe operation of a motor vehicle or any medications (prescribed or over-the-counter), drugs or alcohol that may impair your driving ability.
If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions, a current, completed report from your doctor verifying your medical ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is required. The form is available at any Driver Services facility or download the Medical Report now. If your doctor verifies you are medically fit to safely operate a motor vehicle, you will be eligible to take the driver’s license exams.
If you develop a medical condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, it is your responsibility to notify the Secretary of State within 10 days of becoming aware of the condition. Failure to do so may lead to cancellation of your driver’s license and driving privileges. Report forms are available at all Driver Services facilities.
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Driver's License/ID Card Fees
| Original Instruction Permit |
$20 |
| Basic Driver’s License |
$10 |
| Commercial Driver’s License |
$60 |
| Limited Commercial Driver’s License |
$20 |
| School Bus Permit (original, duplicate or corrected) |
$4 |
| Driver’s License, ages 18–20 |
$5 |
| Driver’s License, ages 21–68 |
$10 |
| Driver’s License, ages 69–80 |
$5 |
| Driver’s License, ages 81–86 |
$2 |
| Driver’s License, ages 87 and over |
Free |
| Corrected or Duplicate Driver’s License or Permit |
$5 |
Duplicate License or Permit, age 60 and over whose licenses have been stolen
(must have police report) |
Free |
| New Classification Added; not at time of renewal (except: CDL) |
$5 |
| 5–Year State ID card, under age 18 |
$10 |
| Corrected State ID Card, under age 18 |
$5 |
| Duplicate State ID Card, under age 18 |
$10 |
| 5–Year State ID card, ages 18–64 |
$20 |
| Corrected State ID Card, ages 18–64 |
$10 |
| Duplicate State ID Card, ages 18–64 |
$20 |
| State ID card, age 65 and over |
Free |
| ID card, Persons with Disabilities |
Free |
NOTE: In addition to the appropriate license fee, a $5 fee will be added for any applicant renewing/adding an M or L classification. These fees were correct at press time, but are subject to legislative change. For up-to-date fee information, check the basic fees page.
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Driver's License Classifications
Driver’s licenses are classified by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your vehicle. Drivers seeking a basic license to operate a car in Illinois are issued a Class D license. When you take the behind-the-wheel exam, you must drive a representative vehicle of the class for which you want a license. If you wish to operate a commercial motor vehicle, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). For more information, consult the CDL Study Guide, available at your local Driver Services facility or download a copy of the CDL Study Guide online.
- CLASS A – Any combination of motor vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, providing that the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs. Does not include motorcycles or motor-driven cycles. (A CDL is generally required.)
- CLASS B – Any single motor vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 lbs. Does not include motorcycles or motor-driven cycles. (A CDL is generally required.)
- CLASS C – Any motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 16,000 lbs. but less than 26,001 lbs.; or any such vehicle towing another with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less; or any such vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver or hazardous materials that require placarding. Does not include motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.
- CLASS D – Any motor vehicle with a GVWR of 16,000 lbs. or less, except those vehicles requiring a class A, B, C, L or M license.
- CLASS L – Any motor-driven cycle with less than 150 cc displacement.
- CLASS M – Any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
Special Requirements
- Any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons or used in the transportation of placarded hazardous materials requires a CDL.
- There also are special endorsements for vehicles requiring a CDL. For more information, consult the CDL Study Guide, available at your local Driver Services facility or download a copy of the CDL Study Guide online.
- It is against the law to drive a motor vehicle, even if it is borrowed for a short period of time, unless you have a valid driver’s license with the proper classification and endorsements. A rented vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less, used for the transportation of an individual’s own personal property or that of an immediate family member for non-business purposes within the state of Illinois, may be operated with a Class D license. This person is required to successfully complete a safety course regarding the safe operation of that vehicle.
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Special Permits
Illinois drivers whose driving privileges have been revoked or suspended may be allowed to drive using special permits. Before a permit is issued, the driver must prove that a hardship exists and that he/she does not pose a hazard to others.
- Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) – Allows driving only during certain times and along specified routes for work-related or educational purposes or to receive medical care or drug treatment. An RDP cannot be issued to a motorist under age 16.
- Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) – Issued following a judge’s order to a first-time DUI offender serving a statutory summary suspension. The MDDP is needed in order for a person to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed on his/her vehicle. Issuance of the MDDP and installation of the BAIID allows a driver to legally operate a motor vehicle at any time of day or night as long as the driver does not consume alcohol prior to driving and does not tamper with the BAIID unit. An MDDP cannot be issued to a motorist under age 18.
- Judicial Driving Permit (JDP) – Issued following a circuit judge’s order to a first-time DUI offender serving a statutory summary suspension. Judicial Driving Permits have the same restrictions and provisions as Restricted Driving Permits. A JDP cannot be issued to a motorist under age 18. (Effective Jan. 1, 2009, the MDDP replaced the JDP. Current JDPs remain effective until their expiration.)
- Occupational Driving Permit (ODP) – Issued to professional drivers whose licenses have been suspended for three moving violations. The permit allows a person to drive in conjunction with employment. To qualify, you must drive for a living. This does not apply to commercial drivers.
- Family Financial Responsibility Driving Permit (FRP) – Issued following a circuit judge’s order to a driver who has been suspended under the Family Financial Responsibility Law for nonpayment of court-ordered child support.
- Restricted CDL – Issued for seasonal employees of farm services companies.
- Probationary License – Issued after the completion of a Defensive Driving Course conducted through the National Safety Council (NSC), which grants full driving privileges during a period of suspension.
- Restricted Local Driver’s License – Issued to drivers who live in communities with less than 3,500 residents and who drive only within certain areas of the community.
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Color-Coded Driver's Licenses and ID Cards
Illinois driver’s licenses and ID cards feature distinctive colors to make them more easily identifiable. Driver’s licenses have a red header while ID cards have a green header. Driver’s licenses and ID cards for those under age 21 have the identifying information printed vertically, while those for drivers over age 21 have the information printed horizontally. View Examples
- If you are under age 21, the words “Under 21 Until” will appear in red and “Under 18 Until” will appear in yellow along the right side of the photo.
- If your license must be renewed on your 21st birthday, you may not renew before that date. You will be able to renew on or after your 21st birthday.
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Exemptions
Sometimes you may drive in Illinois without a valid Illinois driver’s license. You are exempt if you:
- move to Illinois and have a valid driver’s license from your home state or country. You may drive with that license for 90 days.
- do not live in Illinois, but are driving in Illinois. You must have a valid driver’s license from your home state or country.
- are an out-of-state student at a college or university. You may drive with a valid license from your home state or country. This also applies to your spouse and children.
- are on active duty for the Armed Forces. You may drive with a valid license from your home state. This also applies to your spouse and children.
- have been serving in the U.S. Armed Forces outside the United States but are a legal resident of Illinois. You may drive during the first 90 days of your return without a license.
- are employed by the U.S. government or are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. You do not need a valid Illinois license if you are on official business and driving a vehicle owned by or leased to the government.
- are operating a road machine temporarily on the roadway or operating a farm tractor between the farm buildings and nearby farmland. No license required.
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Special Services
The Secretary of State’s office provides special services for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and veterans, including:
- Free Rules of the Road Review Courses.
- Reduced driver’s license fees. Persons ages 69-80 pay $5 for a 4-year license; those ages 81-86 pay $2 for a 2-year license; those age 87 and over may renew their annual licenses for free.
- License plates and parking placards for persons with disabilities
- Free duplicate driver’s licenses for persons age 60 and over whose licenses are stolen. A police report is required.
- Free photo ID cards for persons age 65 and over. Others may receive a photo ID card for the appropriate fee.
- Free special photo ID cards for persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements.
- Auto insurance discounts. If you are over age 55, you may receive a reduction in your vehicle liability insurance by successfully completing an approved crash prevention class. To find out about these classes, contact your auto insurance company.
- Reduced license plate renewal fees for seniors age 65 and over and persons with disabilities who meet income criteria. You must file a Circuit Breaker application with the Department on Aging annually. If you qualify, the Secretary of State’s office will send you a discount card.
- Interpreter service for the deaf or hard of hearing. Individuals may be assisted by an interpreter when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license. The interpreter may be a family member or friend. The Secretary of State’s office also will administer the written exam in sign language. Interpreter services must be scheduled in advance by calling 217-785-1440 (voice) or 888-261-5238 (TTY, NexTalk).
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Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
The federally mandated Commercial Driver’s License Program provides thorough testing, increased reporting requirements and sanctions for truck and bus drivers. For more information, please obtain a CDL Study Guide, available at any Driver Services facility or download a copy of the CDL Study Guide online.
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Chapter One Study Question
A licensed driver in the State of Illinois is required by law to notify the Secretary of State’s office within 10 days of a change of address by writing the office or visiting a Driver Services facility or accessing the Secretary of State Web site.
True or False
This edition of the Illinois Rules of the Road is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. The manual gives drivers information on obtaining a driver’s license, driver’s license laws, traffic safety issues and general information regarding Illinois traffic laws and ordinances. The language of the Illinois Compiled Statutes is condensed and paraphrased and does not cover every law or explain every possible situation that motorists may face while operating a motor vehicle. The manual also provides highway safety information not in the law. It is intended as a tool for drivers and should not be cited as a legal authority in court. |
