Illinois raised the age for mandatory emissions testing from 75 to 87
Starting in 2024, Illinois changed who has to take an emissions test every two years. Drivers aged 87 and older must now pass a road test administered by the Secretary of State's office, but drivers aged 75 to 86 no longer face this requirement. The change means fewer older drivers need to schedule a test, though those who do must complete it to renew their license.
The road test itself is the same as it has always been for this age group: it covers basic vehicle operation, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it at a local Secretary of State facility, and you need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and your vehicle. The test takes roughly 30 minutes.
If you are between 75 and 86, you no longer need to take this test to renew your license. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State office, depending on your license type and how long it has been since your last renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers aged 87 and older in Illinois must pass a road test every two years to keep their license valid.
- Drivers aged 75 to 86 are no longer required to take a road test under the new law that took effect in 2024.
- The road test covers vehicle operation, traffic laws, and safe driving and takes about 30 minutes at a Secretary of State office.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and your vehicle to take the test.
Who must take the test under the new rules
If you turned 87 in 2024 or later, or you are already 87 or older, you fall under the new testing requirement. The law applies to all drivers in this age group, regardless of how long you have held your license or how many times you have renewed it.
The test is required every two years when you renew your license. If your license expires and you have not taken the test, you cannot renew until you schedule and pass it. Secretary of State offices do not automatically schedule the test for you—you have to call or visit in person to book an appointment.
How to schedule your road test
Contact your local Secretary of State office directly to schedule an appointment. You can find the office nearest you on the Illinois Secretary of State website by entering your ZIP code. Call the office during business hours and tell them you need to schedule a road test for license renewal.
Wait times vary by location and season. Some offices have appointments available within a few days; others may have a wait of several weeks, especially in the fall and winter when many people renew licenses. Ask about the current wait when you call, and schedule as soon as you know your license is expiring.
You can also visit a Secretary of State office in person to schedule, though calling ahead saves you a trip if the office is busy.
What to bring and what the test covers
Bring your current driver's license, proof that you live in Illinois (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and your vehicle. The vehicle must be in safe working condition—brakes, lights, wipers, and steering all need to function properly. If your vehicle fails a basic safety check, the examiner will not conduct the road test that day.
The road test itself includes three parts: a vehicle safety check, an on-the-road driving portion, and a written or verbal test of traffic laws and signs. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and merging. You will also answer questions about what different road signs mean and what to do in common driving situations. The entire test takes about 30 minutes.
You are allowed to fail and retake the test. If you do not pass, you can schedule another appointment and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will need to pay the test fee each time.
What happens if you do not take the test before your license expires
Your license becomes invalid on its expiration date. You cannot legally drive, and you cannot renew your license without first passing the road test. If you are stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can be cited.
If your license has already expired and you have not taken the test, contact your local Secretary of State office to schedule as soon as possible. Once you pass, you can renew your license when ready. The renewal itself is straightforward—the test is the barrier.
Drivers aged 75 to 86: what changed for you
If you are in this age group, the 2024 change removed the road test requirement. You no longer need to schedule an appointment or take a test to renew your license. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State office, just like drivers under 75.
Your renewal process depends on your license type and when you last renewed. Standard driver's licenses are valid for four years; if you have not renewed since before 2020, you may need to renew in person the first time. After that, you can use mail or online renewal for future renewals. Check the Illinois Secretary of State website or call your local office if you are unsure whether you can renew by mail or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the test every time I renew, or just once?
You must take the test every two years when your license expires and you renew, for as long as you hold a driver's license. It is not a one-time requirement. Each renewal cycle requires a new test.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it. There is no limit to how many attempts you get, and you can schedule another appointment right away. You will pay the test fee again for each attempt. Most people pass on the second try if they did not pass the first time.
Can I renew my license by mail if I am 87 or older?
No. Because you must pass a road test to renew, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You have to take the test in person at a Secretary of State office, then renew your license afterward.
What if my vehicle is not in good condition for the test?
The examiner checks brakes, lights, wipers, and steering before the road test begins. If any of these fail, the test will not happen that day. Fix the problem and reschedule your appointment. You will not be charged again if you reschedule within a certain timeframe—ask the office when you call.
Is there a fee for the road test?
Yes, but the amount varies. Contact your local Secretary of State office for the current fee. You typically pay when you schedule or when you arrive for the test. Ask whether the fee covers a retake if you do not pass the first time.