Illinois New Drivers Over 18

If you are a new driver that is 18 years or older, congratulations!  4DMV.com has compiled all the information you need to know on what is required of you to obtain your driving privileges in the state.

The first thing that is necessary is to determine which type of driver you are.  In Illinois there are four different types of licenses that are issued which include:

  • Illinois Class D driver’s license which is issued to all drivers that drive passenger vehicles
  • Illinois Class M driver’s license is issued to all those wanting to operate a motorcycle on the Illinois highways and roadways
  • Illinois Class L driver’s license which is issued to all motorcyclist operating a cycle with less than 150 cc displacement
  • Illinois Commercial driver’s license which is issued to all those operating a commercial vehicle which are considered vehicles transporting hazardous materials, vehicles with a gross vehicles weight rating of 16,000 lbs. or more and vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers
If you are an Illinois driver that is younger than the age of 18, you must participate in the Graduated Driver License Program which is broken into separate phases which the teen must complete prior to being awarded their official Illinois driver’s license.  For more information on teen drivers visit 4DMV.com’s Teen Driver section.

Take a Driver’s Education Course

Although first time drivers over 18 years of age and older are not required to complete a driver’s education course it is highly recommended and 4DMV.com lists all the information you need to know below.

Taking an Illinois Drivers Ed / Preparation Course

What does a driver’s preparation course prepare you for?  The course is a course which is designed to help you obtain the knowledge of the rules of the road.  4DMV.com’s sponsor I Drive Safely offers a one hour’s course that is a condensed version of the driver’s education course and is offered online for your convenience.

Locate an SOS Facility

There are over 130 SOS offices which provide Illinois residents with driver related services.  Many driving related matters can be prescheduled simply by calling ahead to schedule an appointment.  For information on how to find a location nearest you, visit 4DMV.com’s section Locations.

Make Test Day Preparations

Prior to obtaining your Illinois driver’s license there is specific criteria that you will need to meet as well as providing specific documentation.  The preparation process includes:

  • Gather proof of your Social Security number
  • Provide proof of you date of birth in the form of a birth certificate
  • e or other acceptable forms of proof of your birth date
  • Proof of your home address which could be your voter registration card, a rental agreement, or a recent utility bill
  • Provide proof of your written signature.  Acceptable forms of proof include your passport, major credit card, a canceled check, rental or mortgage agreement and so on
  • Pay the application fee in form of check or cash.
Take the Written Test

Prior to taking your written exam, you will need to know the rules of the road, pavement markings, speed zones, signals, traffic signs and all other related driving rules and laws.

The state of Illinois provides all drivers with their state published Illinois Driver’s Manual: Rules of the Road.

Although new drivers over the age of 18 years are not required to take a driver’s education course, it is recommended.

If you are an Illinois driver that has special needs,

Once You Pass Your Written Exam

Once you have successfully passed your written and vision exams, the Secretary of State driver’s services will issue you a driver’s permit.  Once you receive you driver’s permit you can then begin you behind the wheel driving practice through a formal driving school or a licensed driver that is at least the age of 21 sitting in the front passenger seat.

If You Fail

If you are not prepared for your written exam, you just may fail the exam.  While this does feel heartbreaking, relax, because you can retake the test.  In fact, in Illinois, you are allowed three attempts within one year from the date which you paid your application fee.

Get a Car

If you’ve enrolled in a driver’s training program then a vehicle is provided for you.  However, chance are, you likely want a vehicle of your own.  Also, when you take your state driving exam, you are required to provide the vehicle which must be in good condition and have the minimum required amount of insurance regulated by the state of Illinois.

When shopping for a new vehicle, visit 4DMV.com’s sections title Used Car Buyers Guide and New Car Buyers Guide which will provide you all the information you need to know to make the best decision when purchasing a vehicle.

Purchase Car Insurance

The state of Illinois requires that each vehicle owner must have the state required minimum amount of liability insurance.  For more information on state insurance requirements and tips and advice for obtaining auto insurance as well as reputable insurance providers visit 4DMV.com’s Insurance Center.

Taking the Driving Exam

If you are a new resident to Illinois and have an existing, valid out of state driver’s license, you will not need to take the driving exam in Illinois.  However, all new drivers over the age of 18 must take the Illinois driving exam.

When you are ready to take your driving exam, contact your local Secretary of State drivers licensing depart to determine their test schedule.  Illinois does not provide setting appointments for the driving tests and all new drivers will be tested as walk-ins.  If the weather is poor or it is dark outside, the examiner will not test.

Once You Pass Your Illinois Driving Exam

If you are successful and pass your Illinois driving exam, you will be issued your official Illinois driver’s license.  The license will be valid for a term of four years.  Prior to its expiration date, you will receive notice in the mailing reminding you to renew.

If You Fail Your Illinois Driving Exam

If you fail your Illinois driving exam, you will have another opportunity to take the exam.  However, you will need to spend more time practicing prior to retaking the exam.  The state of Illinois allows you three attempts at your driving exam within a one year timeframe from the date you paid your application fee.

Take extra precaution not to break any traffic laws or commit any dangerous actions behind the wheel during your driver’s test.  If either occurs, you will automatically fail.

Non Citizens

If you are a non citizen that is visiting the state and have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you are permitted to legally drive in the state for up to one year.

Although an International Driving Permit is not required in the state, it is a good idea.  For more information on International Driving Permits visit 4DMV.com’s section International.

How to Apply as a Non Citizen

Non-citizens that are temporarily residing in Illinois, legally, may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License.

To obtain your Temporary Visitor Driver’s you must:

  • Gather proper identification and documentation.  Visit for a complete list of acceptable forms of documentation.
  • Pass the written, vision and driving tests issued by the state
  • Pay the appropriate fees which can be found at: Basic Fees.
Typically, the driver’s license will be valid until your visa expires or a timeframe of three years, whichever is the shortest.

If you are a non citizen that would like to obtain a Social Security number you can complete an application which can be found at Application for Social Secutiy Guard.

Once you complete the form, you will need to submit it to the Social Security Administration.  Along with the application, you will need to provide documents which prove your work eligibility, immigration  status, identity, and age.

For more information visit the Social Security Administration’s homepage

Or Call:
  • 800-772-1213