What You Need to Do to Get an Illinois Driver's Permit
To get a driver's permit in Illinois, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring required documents, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pay a fee. The permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the road test for a full license. Illinois issues permits to people 15 years old and up, and the process takes about 30 minutes at the facility itself, though you should study the rules beforehand.
The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You get one attempt per visit, and you must score at least 78 percent to pass. If you fail, you can return another day and try again for the same fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to the Secretary of State office.
- The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 78 percent to pass.
- The permit fee is $20 and the permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
- You can study for the test using the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which is free online at cyberdriveillinois.com.
- With a permit, you must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times.
Documents You Must Bring to the Secretary of State
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. You also need one document that proves where you live, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bring your parent or guardian if you are under 18, as they must sign the process in front of the Secretary of State employee.
How to Study for the Written Test
read the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook from the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. The handbook is free and covers everything on the test: traffic signs, speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Read through it at least once before your visit.
The test has 35 questions and you must answer at least 27 correctly to pass. Questions are multiple choice and appear on a computer screen at the Secretary of State office. You cannot bring notes or study materials into the testing room, so memorize the key rules and sign meanings. Many people pass on their first try after reading the handbook once and reviewing the sections they found confusing.
Where to Find a Secretary of State Office Near You
Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most counties. Use the office locator on cyberdriveillinois.com to find the address, phone number, and hours of the office closest to you. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check the website for your local office to see if you can reserve a time slot. Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the day or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.
What Happens After You Pass the Test
The Secretary of State employee will take your photo and print your permit on the spot. You will receive a paper permit valid for one year. Keep it with you whenever you drive, along with the licensed adult who must be in the front seat.
Your permit expires one year from the date printed on it. When you are ready to take the road test for a full license, you can schedule that at the same Secretary of State office. You must have held your permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test, so plan ahead if you have a specific date in mind.
Rules for Driving With a Permit in Illinois
With a permit, you must have a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have the licensed driver in the back seat. The licensed driver must have a valid license and be awake and alert.
You can drive on any public road in Illinois, including highways, but you must follow all traffic laws. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. Breaking these rules can result in a ticket and may delay your road test.
The Cost and How Long the Permit Lasts
The permit fee is $20, paid in cash or card at the Secretary of State office. This fee covers the one-year permit. If your permit expires before you take the road test, you can renew it by returning to the office and paying the fee again, but you do not have to retake the written test.
If you move out of state or lose your permit, you will need to get a new one. A replacement permit costs the same $20 fee. If you decide not to pursue a full license, your permit straightforward expires and you do not need to do anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a Secretary of State office on a computer provided by the office. You cannot take it online or by mail.
What if I fail the written test?
You can return to the Secretary of State office on another day and take the test again. You pay the $20 fee each time you test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before you can get your permit.
Do I need a permit if I am over 18?
Yes. Everyone in Illinois must have a permit before they can take the road test for a full license, regardless of age. The permit is the same for all ages.
Can I drive with my permit in other states?
An Illinois permit is valid only in Illinois. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive there with an Illinois permit. You would need to follow that state's rules for new drivers.
How long do I have to wait after getting my permit before I can take the road test?
You must hold your permit for at least 30 days before you are allowed to take the road test. After 30 days have passed, you can schedule the road test at any Secretary of State office.