The documents and steps to get your Illinois learner's permit

To get an Illinois learner's permit, you need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, pay a fee (currently $20 for a learner's permit that lasts four years), and have your photo taken. If you pass the test, you walk out with your permit the same day.

Illinois does not have a separate "learner's permit" and "instruction permit" — the learner's permit is the document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must be at least 15 years old to get one. Once you have it, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof where you live, and your Social Security number to a Secretary of State office.
  • The written test covers Illinois traffic laws and road signs, and you must pass it to receive your permit on the same visit.
  • Your learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for four years from the date you receive it.
  • With your learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you.

What documents to bring to the Secretary of State

Bring one form of government-issued photo identification. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate plus one additional document that shows your name and date of birth — a school ID, baptism certificate, or hospital birth record are examples.

You also need proof that you live in Illinois. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a signed letter from them on their letterhead, plus a copy of their ID and a proof of residency document in their name.

Write down your Social Security number before you go — you will need to provide it, but you do not have to bring the card itself.

The written test: what to expect

The test has 35 multiple-choice questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader if you need one.

The Secretary of State publishes a free study guide called the Rules of the Road on its website. It covers everything on the test. Most people study it for a few days before their visit. You take the test on a computer at the Secretary of State office, and you get your score when ready.

Age requirements and restrictions with your learner's permit

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Illinois. There is no upper age limit — adults can get one too if they are learning to drive for the first time.

Once you have your permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age in the car. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency.

How long your learner's permit lasts

Your Illinois learner's permit is valid for four years from the date you receive it. You do not need to renew it during that time — the same card works for the entire four years. When it expires, you can get a new one by visiting a Secretary of State office again and paying another $20 fee.

If you get your driver's license before your permit expires, the permit becomes invalid and you do not need to renew it. Your driver's license replaces it.

Finding a Secretary of State office near you

Illinois has Secretary of State facilities in most counties. You can search for the office closest to you on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot before you go.

The fee and what happens if you fail the test

The learner's permit costs $20. You pay this fee whether you pass the test or not — if you fail, you pay $20 to retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you have to pay the fee each time.

If you do not pass on your first try, most people study the Rules of the Road guide again and return within a week or two. You can take the test as many times as you need to until you pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have an original or certified birth certificate, bring a government-issued photo ID plus one other document showing your name and date of birth, such as a school ID, passport, or hospital birth record. The Secretary of State office can tell you which documents they accept if you call ahead.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another time. Each retake costs $20. Most people study the Rules of the Road guide for a few more days and pass on the second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can try.

Can I drive alone with my learner's permit?

No. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times. Driving alone with a learner's permit is illegal in Illinois and can result in a ticket.

Do I need to take the written test again if I let my permit expire?

Yes. If your four-year permit expires and you have not yet gotten your driver's license, you will need to take the written test again when you explore for a new permit. You cannot straightforward renew an expired permit.

What if I move to a different state while I have my Illinois learner's permit?

Your Illinois learner's permit is only valid in Illinois. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Each state has its own requirements and tests.