Illinois requires a written test and vision screening before you can drive unsupervised
To get a driver's permit in Illinois, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person, pass a vision test, and pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs. You cannot take the test online or by mail. The permit itself costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You do not need to own a car or have insurance to obtain the permit — you only need to demonstrate that you understand Illinois traffic rules well enough to practice driving under supervision.
The process takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes at the facility, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your permit the same day if you pass both tests. The permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to the Secretary of State office.
- The written test covers 50 questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
- Vision screening is part of the permit process and you must meet Illinois standards; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
- The $20 permit fee is non-refundable even if you fail the written test, though you can retake the test at no additional cost.
- Your permit expires one year from the date issued, and you must pass a road test with a licensed examiner before you can receive a full driver's license.
Documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
Illinois requires three categories of documents when you explore for a permit. First, you need a valid photo ID — a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID will work. Second, you must prove where you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days satisfies this requirement. Third, you must provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with you at the Secretary of State office. Bring their ID as well. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation certified by a translator or the issuing agency.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The written test contains 50 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Illinois Driver's Manual. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly — a score of 80 percent — to pass. The test covers traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, how to handle pedestrians and cyclists, and safe driving practices in different weather and road conditions.
You can study using the free Illinois Driver's Manual, which the Secretary of State publishes online and distributes in print at all permit-issuing offices. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra charge, though you may need to wait a few hours. You have three attempts within a 12-month period before you must reapply and pay the $20 fee again.
Vision screening requirements
Illinois requires a vision test as part of the permit process. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, wear them to the Secretary of State office — the test will be conducted with your correction in place. If you fail the vision test, you cannot receive a permit until you have been evaluated by an eye doctor and bring documentation that you now meet the standard.
The vision screening at the Secretary of State office is a basic acuity test, not a comprehensive eye exam. If you have concerns about your vision or have never had an eye exam, see an optometrist or ophthalmologist before your appointment. Bring any corrective lenses you use regularly.
Where to go and how to find your nearest office
The Secretary of State operates Driver Services facilities across Illinois. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours. A few high-traffic locations in Chicago and other major cities operate extended hours.
Walk-ins are accepted at all locations, but wait times can be long during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait. Some offices have a phone number listed where you can ask about current wait times before you go.
What happens after you pass and receive your permit
Once you pass both the vision and written tests, you will receive a paper permit valid for one year. This permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. even with a supervising driver present.
While you hold the permit, you must follow all traffic laws. Any traffic violation or accident will be recorded on your driving record. After you have held the permit for a minimum of 30 days and have logged supervised driving hours (the exact requirement depends on your age), you can schedule a road test with a licensed examiner. The road test costs $10 and tests your ability to operate the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. Passing the road test leads to a full driver's license.
If you fail the written test or vision screening
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. You do not need to pay the $20 fee again. However, if you fail the vision test, you must see an eye care professional and bring documentation of your vision status before you can retake the vision portion. This documentation must come from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, not from the Secretary of State office.
If you fail the written test three times within 12 months, you must reapply and pay the $20 fee again. The clock resets after 12 months have passed since your first attempt. Some people find it helpful to study the Illinois Driver's Manual more thoroughly or take practice tests online before their second or third attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit if I am under 16?
Illinois allows you to obtain a permit at age 15. You must still bring a parent or legal guardian to the Secretary of State office and provide all required documents. The same vision and written tests explore regardless of age.
Do I need to have a car to get a permit?
No. You do not need to own or have access to a car to obtain a permit. You only need to demonstrate knowledge of traffic laws and pass the vision test. You will need access to a vehicle to practice driving and to take your road test later.
What if I lose my permit before it expires?
You can request a replacement at any Secretary of State Driver Services office. Bring your ID and proof of residency. There is a $20 replacement fee. You do not need to retake the written or vision tests.
Can I use my permit to drive in other states?
An Illinois permit is recognized in most other states, but the rules for supervised driving vary. Some states allow permit holders to drive alone; others require supervision. Check the rules of any state where you plan to drive before you go.
How long do I have to hold the permit before I can take the road test?
Illinois requires you to hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can schedule a road test. The exact supervised driving hours required depend on your age at the time you received the permit. Check the Secretary of State website or ask at your local office for the specific requirement that applies to you.