How to get an Illinois Drivers License

Illinois Driver's License Guidelines
How to Prepare for the Written Exam
Required IL and Paperwork

IL Driver's License Rules and Requirements

Find out the steps to get your ILdrivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.

Try Sample Test!

All applicants need to be familiar with the Illinois Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.

Get your IL Driver's Permit

If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for an Illinois learner's permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.

Once you receive a valid learner's permit, you will then need to pass a road skills and vision test to receive an IL driver's license.

Illinois law requires that new drivers, under the age of 18, certify that they have received at least 50 hours (10 at night) of supervised driving instruction by a parent or legal guardian.

Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test

The Illinois DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.

All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Illinois practice test now and test your driving knowledge.

New Illinois Residents

New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Illinois driver's license within 90 days of establishing a permanent residence in IL. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.

To obtain an Illinois license, you must successfully complete a vision screening, written examination and possibly a driving examination.

International Drivers

International visitors to Illinois may drive using a valid driver's license from their home country.

Immigrants or foreign nationals in the US on a work or student visa may apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). Visitors who apply for a TVDL will be required to pass the vision, written and road skills test. The TVDL is good for 3 years or upon expiration of the visa, whichever comes first.

Required Paperwork

Before you head to the Illinois DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:

On the Road

Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:

Restricted Driver's License (16 years to 17 years of age) expires three months after the 21st birthday.
Full Driver's License (18 years to 20 years of age) expires three months after the 21st birthday.
Full Driver's License (21 years of age and older) valid for 4 years./li>

Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.