What are the age requirements to get a permit in Illinois?

In Illinois, teenagers can begin their driving journey by obtaining an instruction permit, commonly known as a learner's permit, starting at the age of 15.

How do you get your permit in Illinois?

To acquire this permit, applicants must be enrolled in an approved driver education course and pass vision and written tests that assess their knowledge of traffic signs, motor vehicle laws, and safe driving practices. Additionally, parental or legal guardian consent is required for individuals under 18.

How long must you hold a permit in Illinois?

Once issued, the instruction permit is valid for two years. Permit holders under 18 are required to hold the permit for a minimum of nine months before they are eligible to apply for a driver's license. During this period, they must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, under the supervision of a responsible adult aged 21 or older with a valid driver's license and at least one year of driving experience.

Who can you drive with when you hold a Illinois permit?

While operating a vehicle with an instruction permit, the permit holder must be accompanied by a supervising adult aged 21 or older with a valid driver's license and at least one year of driving experience.and is seated in the front passenger seat. This ensures that the novice driver receives proper guidance and supervision during their practice sessions.

When can a teen earn their license in Illinois?

After fulfilling the permit holding period and supervised driving requirements, teens can apply for an initial driver's license at 16 years of age. This application process includes passing a driving test to demonstrate their ability to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly. The initial license comes with certain restrictions, such as limitations on nighttime driving and the number of passengers, which are gradually lifted as the driver gains experience and maintains a clean driving record.