What You Need to Do to Get Your First Illinois Driver's License
To get your first Illinois driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test, then submit documents that prove your identity and residency. The process takes place at a Secretary of State facility and costs $20 for a standard license valid for four years. You cannot skip any of these steps or combine them into a single visit — most people need at least two trips to a facility, sometimes three.
Illinois does not issue a learner's permit as a separate step before the full license. Instead, you take the written test first, and if you pass, you receive a temporary permit that lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. After that permit expires or you feel ready, you schedule and take the driving test. Only after passing the driving test do you receive your actual license card.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State facility twice: once to pass the written test and vision screening, and again to take the driving test after you have practiced.
- Bring original or certified documents proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and your Illinois residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Illinois Driver's Manual or practice tests on the Secretary of State website.
- The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making on public roads.
- You must be at least 16 years old to take the written test, but some facilities have age restrictions for the driving test — check your local facility's rules before you book.
Documents You Must Bring to Your First Visit
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Illinois. For identity, the Secretary of State accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID from another state, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A school ID, library card, or social media account does not count.
For Illinois residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on any bills, bring a notarized statement from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.
Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access. You will also need to fill out an process for Illinois Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 100) before you arrive, though some facilities let you fill it out on-site.
Taking the Written Knowledge Test
The written test has 35 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask at your facility if you need an interpreter.
You can study using the free Illinois Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the Secretary of State website, or take practice tests online through the same site. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test. You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one day before your next attempt, and you pay the $20 fee each time.
If you pass, you receive a temporary permit valid for 180 days. This permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. The permit expires whether or not you take the driving test, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test
You can take the driving test anytime after you pass the written test, but most people wait at least two to four weeks to practice. You must schedule the driving test in advance by calling your local Secretary of State facility or booking online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. Wait times vary by location and season; some facilities have openings within days, while others may have a wait of several weeks.
Bring your temporary permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle you will drive during the test. The vehicle must be registered, have working brakes and lights, and have a valid inspection sticker. Bring a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old to sit in the passenger seat during the test — this person does not have to be a parent or guardian, but they must be present.
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the facility. The examiner watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, respond to other drivers, and make safe decisions. Common reasons people fail include hitting a curb during parking, failing to stop completely at a stop sign, or not checking mirrors before changing lanes. You can retake the test if you fail, and you can schedule another attempt when ready, though you may need to wait for an opening.
Where to Find Your Local Secretary of State Facility
Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most counties. The main office is in Springfield, but you can visit any facility in the state — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home. Find a facility and its hours on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code.
Some facilities are busier than others. Facilities in smaller towns often have shorter wait times and more available test slots than those in Chicago or other large cities. If your local facility has a long wait, you may save time by traveling to a less busy one nearby. Call ahead to ask about current wait times before you make the trip.
Fees and Timeline
The total cost for your first Illinois driver's license is $20, paid at your first visit when you take the written test. This fee covers the written test, vision screening, and the license card itself. If you retake the written test, you pay $20 again. If you retake the driving test, there is no additional fee.
The entire process from your first visit to receiving your license card typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how long you practice between the written test and the driving test, and how quickly you can schedule a test appointment. Once you pass the driving test, the Secretary of State mails your license card to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days.
What Happens If You Fail the Driving Test
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it as soon as the facility has an opening. There is no waiting period and no additional fee. You keep your temporary permit and can continue to practice. Your temporary permit is valid for 180 days from the date you passed the written test, so you have that window to pass the driving test before you need to retake the written test.
If your temporary permit expires before you pass the driving test, you must retake the written test and pay the $20 fee again. After you pass the written test a second time, you receive a new temporary permit valid for another 180 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a car that is not registered to me?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Many people use a parent's or friend's car for the test. The vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker, working brakes and lights, and a functioning horn and windshield wipers.
What if I fail the vision screening?
If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day. You must get glasses or contacts and return to the facility for another vision screening. Bring your glasses or contacts with you when you return. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the driving test as well, and your license will have a restriction code noting that you must wear them while driving.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before I can get my license?
No. Illinois does not require a driver's education course to get your first license. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some parents require it before allowing their teenager to drive. The Secretary of State website lists approved courses if you want to take one.
Can I get my license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. If you are an immigrant or do not have a Social Security number for another reason, contact your local Secretary of State facility to ask what documents they need.
How long is my license valid?
Your first Illinois driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. After four years, you must renew it. Renewal is simpler than getting your first license — you do not retake the written or driving test unless the Secretary of State asks you to.