Driver's License Test

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First-Time Drivers — Age 18-20
If you are age 18, 19, or 20 and have not previously been licensed or completed an approved
driver education program, you must complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. The
Adult Driver Education Course can only be taught by providers certified by the Secretary of
State’s office. Courses may be taught in a classroom setting or online, depending on the
certification of a provider. Completion of an Adult Driver Education Course from a provider
not certified by the Secretary of State’s office will not be accepted. More information on the
Adult Driver Education Course is available at ilsos.gov.
Graduated Driver Licensing Program
Illinois’ Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program requires drivers ages 15-20 to work their
way toward full-driving privileges. There are three progressive stages, usually beginning at
age 15, when most young drivers obtain their learner’s permit. Young drivers must earn the
right to move from one phase to the next based on their driving behavior. Each phase of the
GDL process sets forth specific guidelines for a teen driver.
Permit Phase — Drivers Age 15
• Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
(local curfews may differ).
• Permit must be held for a minimum of nine months.
• Must practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, supervised by
a parent or adult age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license.
• Must not acquire any driving infractions, underage alcohol convictions, or court
supervisions during the nine-month permit phase.
• Number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts
in the back seat.
• Any wireless/cellphone use while driving, including a hands-free device, is prohibited for
a driver under age 19, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement
agency, health care provider, or emergency services agency.
• Permit is valid for up to two years.
Initial Licensing Phase — Drivers Ages 16-17
• Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
(local curfews may differ).
• Must maintain a conviction-free driving record for six months before turning 18. A traffic
conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase may extend restrictions beyond age 18.
• For the first 12 months of licensing, or until the driver turns 18, whichever occurs first,
the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20, unless the passenger(s)
is a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild of the driver. After this period, the number of
passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back
seat.
• Any wireless/cellphone use while driving, including a hands-free device, is prohibited for
a driver under age 19, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement
agency, health care provider, or emergency services agency.