What You Need to Do First
To get your first Illinois driver's license, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — Illinois requires you to demonstrate that you can read English, understand road signs, and operate a vehicle safely.
The process takes at least two visits: one to explore and take the written test, and a second to take the driving test after you have practiced. Most people complete both within a few weeks, though you can take longer if you need more time to prepare.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Illinois residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to your first visit.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you must answer at least 24 of 35 questions correctly to pass.
- You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail.
- The driving test happens at a Secretary of State facility and includes basic vehicle operation, parking, and following traffic laws on a short route.
- Your license arrives by mail within two weeks of passing the driving test; you receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass.
Documents You Must Bring to Your First Visit
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a combination of other documents — the Secretary of State website lists what combinations work. You also need proof that you live in Illinois, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will also need to know your Illinois address and have a valid email address, because the Secretary of State uses email to contact you about your test results and license status. Bring payment for the license fee — as of 2024, a four-year license costs $150 and an eight-year license costs $300. Fees change occasionally, so check the Secretary of State website before you go.
Taking the Written Test
At your first visit, a Secretary of State employee will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. You will then sit at a computer terminal and take the written test. The test has 35 questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is in English, and you cannot use notes, phones, or other aids.
If you pass, you receive a temporary permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat. If you fail, you can take the test again the next day. Most people pass on their first or second attempt. You can take the test as many times as you need, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.
Study materials are free on the Secretary of State website, including a practice test that mirrors the real test. Many people study for a few days and pass on their first try. If you are nervous about the written test, spend time with the practice materials before your visit.
Practicing and Scheduling Your Driving Test
After you pass the written test, you receive a temporary permit valid for one year. During this time, you must practice driving with a licensed adult at least 21 years old who holds a valid driver's license. There is no minimum number of hours required, but the more you practice, the more confident you will be on the driving test.
You can schedule your driving test online through the Secretary of State website or by calling the facility where you want to take the test. Tests are available at most Secretary of State facilities throughout Illinois. You can schedule a test as soon as you pass the written test, but most people wait a few weeks to practice. The test usually has openings within two to four weeks, though busy locations may have longer waits.
Bring the same documents you brought to your first visit, plus your temporary permit and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring proof of insurance and registration.
What Happens During the Driving Test
The driving test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, pulling into traffic, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate that you understand how to use the vehicle's controls and that you can operate it safely.
You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Failing to stop at a red light, stop sign, or yield sign will result in an automatic failure. Hitting another vehicle, a curb, or an object will also result in failure. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a turn or taking a slightly wide corner do not automatically fail you, but the examiner is looking for safe, confident driving.
If you pass, the examiner tells you when ready and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you fail, you can schedule another test. There is no waiting period between driving test attempts, so you can schedule another test the same day if a slot is available.
After You Pass the Driving Test
On the day you pass the driving test, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license is a plastic card with your photo, signature, and license number.
Your permanent license arrives within two weeks of passing the driving test. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid.
Your first Illinois driver's license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which you purchased. You can renew it before it expires by visiting a Secretary of State facility or, if you meet certain requirements, by renewing online.
Where to Find a Secretary of State Facility
Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most cities and towns. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Secretary of State website. Some facilities are busier than others — rural locations often have shorter waits than urban ones. If your local facility has a long wait, you can visit a facility in a nearby town.
Many facilities allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can reduce your wait time. Check the website for your specific location to see if this option is available. Bring all required documents and arrive early, because facilities close at a set time and will not accept new visitors after that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
The written test is available in English only. You must be able to read and understand English to pass. If you have a documented disability that affects reading, you may be able to request accommodations — contact your local Secretary of State facility to ask what is available.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can take the driving test again as soon as another slot is available at your chosen facility. There is no waiting period. Most people who fail pass on their second or third attempt. You can practice as long as you need — your temporary permit is valid for one year.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
No. Illinois does not require a driver education course to get your first license. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some people find a course helpful for building confidence before the driving test.
What if I move to Illinois from another state?
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Illinois license by visiting a Secretary of State facility with your current license and proof of Illinois residency. You will need a new photo and will pay the license fee.
How much does an Illinois driver's license cost?
A four-year license costs $150 and an eight-year license costs $300. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change. Check the Secretary of State website for the most current fee information before your visit.