how to get an Illinois learner’s permit at age 18, 19, or 20
If you’re 15 or older and eager to start your driving journey in Illinois, obtaining a learner’s permit is your first step. The state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is designed to help young drivers build skills and experience safely. Here’s how to navigate the process.
đź“ť Step 1: Meet the Age and Enrollment Requirements
To apply for an Illinois instruction permit:
- Age: Be at least 15 years old.
- Driver Education: Be enrolled in an approved driver education course. If you’re 17 years and 3 months or older, you’re not required to take a driver education course to apply for your permit.
- Parental Consent: If you’re under 18, you must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. dupagedivorcelawyers.com+7Illinois General Assembly+7driving-testpro.com+7I Drive Safely+3Illinois Secretary of State+3Illinois General Assembly+3I Drive SafelyIllinois General Assembly+1Illinois Secretary of State+1
🏢 Step 2: Visit a Secretary of State Facility
To apply for your permit:
- Documents Needed:
- Proof of identity (e.g., certified birth certificate)
- Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card)
- Proof of residency (e.g., school transcript, bank statement)
- Proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
- Vision Test: Pass a vision screening with a minimum score of 20/40, with or without corrective lenses.
- Written Test: Pass a 35-question written exam covering traffic laws and road signs. You need at least 28 correct answers to pass.
- Fee: Pay the required permit fee. Zutobi Drivers Ed+1I Drive Safely+1I Drive Safely
🚦 Step 3: Understand the Learner’s Permit Restrictions
Once you have your permit:
- Supervision: Always drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience.
- Driving Hours: You cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Local curfews may differ.
- Passenger Limitations: Limit to one passenger under age 20, not including siblings or children.
- Cell Phone Use: Prohibited for drivers under 19, even with a hands-free device, except in emergencies.
- Texting: Strictly prohibited for all drivers. DMV.ORG+5driving-testpro.com+5Zutobi Drivers Ed+5I Drive Safely+3DMV.ORG+3Zutobi Drivers Ed+3flyguymoving.com+7I Drive Safely+7Illinois Secretary of State+7flyguymoving.com
đź“š Step 4: Complete Required Supervised Driving Practice
Before applying for your driver’s license:
- Practice Hours: Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
- Log Your Hours: Use the 50-Hour Practice Driving Log (Form DSD X 152) to track your driving hours.
- Certification: Your parent or guardian must certify your driving hours when you apply for your driver’s license.Zutobi Drivers Ed+8DMV.ORG+8DMV.ORG+8DMV.ORG+6driving-testpro.com+6Zutobi Drivers Ed+6
⏳ Step 5: Hold Your Permit for the Required Duration
- Minimum Holding Period: You must hold your instruction permit for at least 9 months before applying for a driver’s license.
- Permit Validity: Your permit is valid for up to 2 years. DMV.ORG+11I Drive Safely+11driving-testpro.com+11Illinois Secretary of State
🛣️ Next Steps: Transition to a Driver’s License
After meeting all requirements:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 16 years old.
- Driver Education: Complete an approved driver education course.
- Driving Practice: Complete the required 50 hours of supervised driving.
- Parental Certification: Have your parent or guardian certify your driving hours.
- Road Test: Schedule and pass a driving test at a Secretary of State facility.dupagedivorcelawyers.com+3Illinois General Assembly+3Illinois Secretary of State+3DMV.ORGflyguymoving.com
đź“Ś Helpful Tips
- Study Materials: Review the Illinois Rules of the Road Handbook to prepare for the written exam.
- Practice Tests: Take online practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
- Appointment: Check if your local Secretary of State facility requires an appointment for permit applications